Locations

Dubai

Activities

With the Arabian Gulf on its western shores and the Indian Ocean along its eastern flanks, the UAE is particularly attractive for water sport fans. The emirates on the Gulf coast are blessed with long stretches of sandy beach where residents take part in sports such as sailing, jet-skiing, surfing, swimming and kite surfing. Snorkelling and diving are hugely popular within the region. Many residents and visitors enjoy the UAE's East Coast, which also provides a wealth of exotic fish and coral. Popular locations for divers include 'Snoopy Island' and the area north of Dibba.

One of the most advanced water theme parks ever designed, the five-hectare (12-acre) water park at Wild Wadi offers families and thrill seekers hours of fun, relaxation and adrenalin-pumping action. Designed like an Arabian wadi (oasis), the park has an Arabian folklore theme and features some of the highest and fastest water rides outside of North America with 24 state of the art, high-adrenaline rides and slides. Rides for thrill seekers include Jumeirah Sceirah, a 108ft (33m) free-fall at 50 miles per hour (80km/hr), Master Blaster slides that are water roller coasters propelled uphill by high-powered jets, the white-knuckle ride at Rushdown Ravine or the high waves at Breakers Bay

The inhabitants of the Gulf States have enjoyed a long and productive relationship with the camel, which is held in great admiration and respect. Formalising camel racing was one way of maintaining its central role in UAE life. The UAE now has no less than 15 race tracks across the seven emirates.

The Dubai Autodrome and Business Park is the first motorsports facility in the UAE that meets FIA standards. Situated 25 minutes outside of central Dubai, the extensive Autodrome offers a range of events, from local to world class. The Autodrome also houses a Kartdrome, with a 1.2 kilometre circuit that can be split into two. This has 17 test corners and can accommodate up to 40 cars at one time. The track has over 55 karts made to different specifications, ensuring that karting is on offer to sports fans of all ages.

Ski Dubai is the first indoor ski resort in the Midule East and offers an amazing snow setting to enjoy skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing, or just playing in the snow. Young or old, there is something for everyone, from the beginner to the snow sport enthusiast. Ski Dubai is a unique mountain-themed attraction that offers you the opportunity to enjoy real snow in Dubai all year round

Dune Bashing - A Desert Roller Coaster?: Driving over the desert sand dunes outside Dubai has been compared to riding a roller coaster or to white-water rafting.

Looking for something more adventurous? Safari trips lasting a couple of days to a week are available if you want to see more of the Bedouin lifestyle or of the desert. Some of the most common offerings on a desert safari include dune bashing (the art of driving 4-wheel drive vehicles over sand dunes), sand boarding, and camel rides. Occasionally a tour operator will offer falconry experiences as part of the package. Some operators will take you through a Bedouin village and maybe a traditional market, or souk. Others will take you to a Bedouin campsite for a meal. Wadis and Mountains: While most safaris and desert experiences are short day trips from either Dubai or Abu Dhabi, longer trips can take you out further into the desert. The United Arab Emirates has some beautiful mountain areas - the Hajar Mountains, in the eastern part of the country. The Hajars rise in places to over 8,000 feet. Wadis, the stream beds that are dry from much of the year, provide unique and interesting environments in the canyons and valleys of this region. The centuries-old village of Hatta is the most popular destination in this area and the wadis there include some permanent pools.

If this is not enough to wet you appetite there are a whole host of other sports and activities in the city including quad bike race, golf , water ports, sailing, dhow Racing, jet skis, equestrian sports, sand boarding, falconry, endurance racing and polo.

Residents are able to take full advantage of the country's parks and recreational grounds where football, basketball and cricket matches are a favourite pastime, while the desert and mountain areas outside the main cities provide rough, rugged terrain for more adventurous pursuits. It would be extremely difficult to pinpoint a sport that is not enjoyed in the UAE as there are always new centres, clubs and associations being established around the region.