OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
1. Skydiving
Skydive Dubai; Al Seyahi St, Dubai; 04 377 8888; www.skydivedubai.ae
For the ultimate Dubai high, strap yourself into a parachute and dive into the city. Skydive Dubai arrange tandem jumps over the Palm Jumeirah, and run a training school in the desert.
Skydiving over the Palm Jumeirah
2. Scuba Diving
Emirates Diving Association; Heritage Village and Diving Village, Al Shindagha; 04 393 9390; www.emiratesdiving.com
A popular local activity, the Emirates Diving Association offers information on diving in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and some of the East Coast towns.
3. Wind Surfing
Great winds make Dubai an ideal wind-surfing destination. Most good beach resorts hire out equipment and also offer wind-surfing lessons. The Westin Mina Seyahi hotel is particularly renowned for its facilities.
4. Fishing
Join an organized fishing trip where equipment is provided. Cook your fish on board or charter your own boat. Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Resort in Dubai and the Beach Rotana in Abu Dhabi offer great fishing trips.
5. Motor Racing
Dubai Autodrome Kartdrome: Emirates Rd, Dubai; 04 806 2220; www.dubaiautodrome.com
Adrenaline-junkies can burn rubber driving pro-karts at the Dubai Autodrome. The Formula 1 standard racing circuit has 17 hair-raising turns. Book ahead for lessons at the excellent driving school.
Racing car, the Autodrome
6. Hot-air Ballooning
Getting a bird’s-eye-view of the desert from a hot-air balloon is simply sublime. Only by floating way above the dunes can you fully appreciate the waves of sand and patterns of light and shadow crafted by the ridges that are impossible to see from the ground.
A hot-air balloon floating over the desert landscape
7. Wakeboarding
Al Forsan International Sports Resort: Khalifa City, St No. 12, Abu Dhabi; 02 556 8555; www.alforsan.com
Try your hand at some wakeboarding tricks on the Arabian Gulf sea. If you’re a first-timer, the best place to learn is at a resort. Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Resort in Dubai and the Al Forsan International Sports Resort in Abu Dhabi offer great lessons.
8. Golfing
Dubai Golf: www.dubaigolf.com
Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi are awash with world-beating courses. Several international competitions take place every year, including the Omega Dubai Desert Classic at the city’s largest course, the Emirates Golf Club.
Golfing at Omega Dubai Desert Classic
9. Kite Surfing
Kite Beach; Jumeirah Beach, Dubai • Duotone: Al Boom Marine, Jumeirah Rd, Dubai; 04 394 1258; www.duotonesports.com/kiteboarding
Join kite surfers on Kite Beach. Hire or buy equipment from Duotone, who will help you connect with instructors.
10. Horseriding
Emirates Equestrian Centre; 050 558 7656 • Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club: Al Ain, 02 445 5500
With its world-class equestrian centre, Dubai is the Middle East’s undisputed horseriding capital. There is also a top equestrian centre in Abu Dhabi, which offers riding lessons.
TOP 10 SPECTATOR SPORTS
1. Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon
Runners from all around the world compete on the city streets (see Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon).
Runner in the Dubai Marathon
2. Omega Dubai Desert Classic
Watch the world's best golfers compete in this 4-day tournament (see Omega Dubai Desert Classic).
3. Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships
See the big guns of world tennis serve action at Dubai Tennis Stadium.
4. Dubai Rugby Sevens
Nov • www.dubairugby7s.com
The first leg of the Sevens World Tour is loved by rugby fans all over the world.
5. F1 Grand Prix
Yas Marina Circuit • Dates vary • www.yasmarinacircuit.com
Since 2009, Abu Dhabi has hosted a race at the Yas Marina circuit.
6. Arabian Gulf League
Winter weekday nights • www.proleague.ae
The choreographed dances and songs by the fans are just as riveting as the play on the field at this popular event.
7. Maktoum Rowing Cup
Dubai International Marine Club • Dec • www.dimc.ae
Sailing crews battle through Dubai’s waters in traditional wooden rowing boats to win a prestigious trophy.
8. Powerboat Racing
Dec • www.f1h2o.com
Watch the lightweight catamarans in action at this exciting race.
9. Dubai World Cup
Dress up for the world’s richest horse race with a $6 million prize (see Dubai World Cup).
10. Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge
Bikes, 4WDs and even trucks take part in this international cross-country rally through the desert.
