Top 10 unusual experiences in the UAE

Dubai is one of the most popular destinations of the moment. It is appreciated for its beautiful beaches, its luxury hotels through its various water activitieshis desert and also by its gigantic shopping centers. There are places and activities for everyone. For the adventurous, what better way than to indulge in an unusual activity in the UAE during your trip? We have selected the top 10 unusual experiences to do in the United Arab Emirates that you can experience as a family, as a couple, with friends or on your own. 

Unusual experiences in Dubai

1- Dinner in the air

Dinner in the Sky is a restaurant where customers sit in seats suspended by a crane at 50 m from the ground. The meal is served in 3 stages: starter, main course and dessert. You have the choice between several dishes. The particularity of the restaurant, in addition to being an unusual experience, is the quality of the service and the succulent meals. Enjoy the 360° C view while tasting the delicious food prepared before your eyes in the air. The experience of eating in the air is to be done at least once in a lifetime! 

Address: Al Sufoh – Skydive – Al Seyahi St – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Schedules: open every day from 2pm to 11pm. 

Contact for reservations: +971 58 819 3296 and info@dinnerinthesky.ae

Website : https://dinnerinthesky.ae

2- Take a safari in the Dubai desert

Dubai is a city built entirely in the desert. Although in the city, buildings have replaced the sand and dunes, it is still possible to access a part of the desert within a few minutes drive from the city center. The desert remains in the heritage and has an inestimable value for the Emiratis. There are several activities that are offered and they also vary according to the budget of each person. 

Desert Safari

In group or in private, the safari often includes a 4X4 ride in the dunes to reach the place where the evening is organized. While waiting for the sunset, activities are proposed like a quad ride, sandboarding / surfing in the dunesto make a camel rideetc. Followed by a barbecue dinner in a musical atmosphere in the desert. Some tourist agencies offer the option of sleep under the stars in the desert. It’s an experience that may well appeal to you. 

Hot air balloon

It is the activity of the desert not to be missed, but which requires a certain budget between 250 and 500 €. This guarantees you to live a magic moment. The tour agencies all have more or less the same organization with a pick-up at your home or your hotel and they take you by 4×4 to the place of departure. Before the sunriseyou will be on site and you can Take off in a hot air balloon with the team. 

In addition to observing the sunrise, you will have a breathtaking view of the vastness of the Dubai desert and you will also see the city. This contrast of colors and landscapes seen from the sky is incredible. It is possible to combine hot air balloon activity with breakfast in the desert and the other option is to sleep the night in the desert, do the hot air balloon activity the next day and finish with a breakfast. 

Camping 

It is possible to make camping in the desert of Dubai either accompanied by an agency or alone. The most famous place is Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Remember to book well in advance, as agencies have priority. The organized tours offer traditional meals, walks and organization of the camp including the equipment tent, sleeping bagetc. 

For those who prefer the spirit of camping and sleeping under the stars, the Starlight Camp is the place for you. Located 45 minutes drive from downtown Dubai, the camp is located in the middle of the desertt. This place is the best spot for stargazing in Dubai. This camp has the advantage of having the necessary equipment: tents, showers, toilets, barbecue, etc. 

3- Attend a camel race at the Dubai Camel Racing Club

This is the competition the most important and popular of the United Arab Emirates. It does not date from today, it is a ancestral tradition. It is one of the ways to discover and understand the Bedouin culture of the country. Located in Al Marmoon, it is also near this place that the breeding farms. 

It is possible to make a reservation with tour agencies or simply book your place independently. The advantage of agencies is that they also organize a visit before the camel race.

The competitions take place all year round except in summer, when it is very hot and humid. 

Contact for more information on the schedules and days of the races: +971-4-832-6526

4- Take a look at Dubai Creek at the edge of an abra

The creek separates Dubai Bur Dubai from Deira. To go from one place to another, the means of transportation is the Abra. These are very simple wooden boats that are basically used for transporting goods. So, climb to the edge of an Abra to take a tour on Dubai Creek for less than one euro. The walk is pleasant and will allow you to pass from the modern to the traditional side of Dubai andObserve the contrast between the two shores. A means of transport that will bathe you in the authentic culture of the city. The end of the day is the best time for this trip on the canal. You will be able to admire the time of the trip, the sunset which sets on the creek. 

Address: The Khor Dubai or Dubai Creek 

5- Tyrolean traverse of 1 km

For those who like thrills and adrenaline rushLet yourself be tempted by Xline DUBAI. This is the zip line the longest in the world (1 km) and 170 m high. From the skyline of the Dubai Marina, you can admire the breathtaking view of the Dubai skyline. But also of the Palm Jumeirah and many other emblematic spots of the city. It is possible to do it solo or in duo. There are some conditions to consider before doing this activity. Make sure you are able to do this activity. 

All information and reservations can be made on the following website https://www.xdubai.com/en/xline/experience

Address Dubai Marina Mall – Dubai Marina – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Schedules Open every day from 10 am to 5 pm (except Tuesday). 

Phone : +971 56 507 6366

6- Discover the UAE culture in an authentic way 

Dubai has often been highlighted by its bling-bling, its buildings and its futuristic activities. But, many forget that the The United Arab Emirates also have their own history, traditions and cultures. In recent years, it has been possible to discover the UAE in a different way, especially through the local cuisine. 

Excursion agencies offer this activity which includes a traditional meal in an authentic setting in old Dubai, in a traditional courtyard, accompanied by a guide who will pass on his knowledge, during the meal, of the culture and tradition of the country. It is a cultural and historical exchange around a traditional breakfast, lunch or dinner. This activity is open to all (children and adults). 

Unusual experiences in Abu Dhabi

7- Star gazing in the heart of the Abu Dhabi desert at the Milky Way spot 

In the emirate of Abu Dhabiin the Al Quaa desert more specifically, it is possible to to observe stars and galaxies. This spot is well known and is a must-see if you are in Abu Dhabi. It is from this point of view that you will be able to admire this magic show. The advantage is that this place is accessible by classic car, it is not necessary to have a 4×4. It is possible to camping on site. There are many activities that have developed in recent years such as taking introductory courses in astronomy, photography courses, etc. It is also the perfect place for Glamping.

Address: JQ 42+55 P – Unnamed Road – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates

8- Visit the island of Sir Bani Yas 

Sir Bani Yas is a island which is located in the Persian Gulf. It is attached to the emirate of Abu Dhabi. It is known to be home to many animals such as hyenas, gazelles, deer, sheep, cheetahs and many other animals. There are also fossils of animals that date back 6 to 8 million years. The preservation of the island is important to them, which is why several devices are in place to carry out their vocation. 

There are many hotels on the island, so it is possible to stay there for a weekend for example. The number 1 activity to do is of course the safari. This activity can be done by car or on foot with a guide. You will be able to walk around the island and observe several animals in nature. 

There are also other activities to do such as snorkeling, mountain biking in the mountains, scuba diving, andetc. If you wish to schedule a cultural visit, the ruins of the Christian monastery are a must. 

Address: Sir Bani Yas, Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates

9- Explore Jubail Mangrove Park

It is a unique park. This is the natural side of Abu Dhabi City. If you like nature and photography, you will appreciate this place. During the visit, you can observe turtles, gazelles and other wild animals. This place is exotic, rejuvenating and the greenest place in town. 

The Jubail Mangrove Park has for main vocation to to educate visitors about ecology and to encourage them to understand the importance of respecting the city’s mangrove habitats. 

It is possible to book several activities such as Kayak for example. You will find all the information on the website. 

Address: Al Jubail Island – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates

Opening hours : open every day from 07:00 to 21:00

Telephone: +971 2 546 8341

Website : https://jubailisland.ae/jubail-mangrove-park/

Unusual experiences in HATTA

10- Escapade in Hatta 

Hatta is the rocky region of the United Arab Emirates. It is mainly through this place that ecotourism has developed and has made a name for itself in the UAE. You can do different activities alone, with friends, as a couple or as a family. Wear comfortable clothes and good walking shoes for your day or weekend in Hatta. 

You can make pedal boat, waterbike or kayak on the base of the Hatta lake. It is possible to do a hike to one of the Hatta Mountain Bike Trail. For the more sporty, you can make this trek by mountain bike. There is also the Hatta Wadi Hub which offers activities such as accrobranche, archery or climbing. 

If you want to spend the weekend to enjoy the area, push the experience to the end and sleep one night in a glamping. It is a camping with a great comfort: beds, shower, kitchenette, barbecue, terrace and the service of a hotel. 

All the information is on the website of Hatta Kayak for kayaking: https://hattakayak.com

All information about activities in Hatta : https://www.visithatta.com/en

After having made a unusual activity, why don’t you relax by one of the private pools of the Marina or Jumeirah hotels ? For those who need to relax, book a afternoon at the Spa in one of the hotels we have selected followed by a brunch.