You’re obviously here because you’re either an adrenaline junkie, or you’re here looking for somebody who is. First of all, good on you! Dubai is a great place to keep an open mind and try some crazy activities. It is the ultimate playground and if there’s something unusual that you want to do in life, you can probably do it in Dubai.
This city isn’t just about glitz, glamour, and huge skyscrapers, it’s also a hotspot for some of the craziest, most insane experiences you can imagine. So, read through our top 8 crazy things to do in Dubai.
1. Skydiving over the Palm Jumeirah
Let’s kick things off with a bit of a leap… Into the abyss. If you have ever dreamed of flying through the sky like a superhero then there are not many better places to try it than Dubai due to the unique views of beach, plus city, plus desert.
Skydive Dubai offers this experience and although it’s not cheap, (just over USD 600 as a base) you can prepare to have your mind blown as you freefall from 13,000 feet above the stunning Palm Jumeirah. You get a real rush with the initial free fall and the wind in your face, then the serene silence when the parachute pulls out where you can slow down and take in the views of the cityscape below – no matter where you do a skydive, it’s a crazy experience you’ll never forget, but Dubai has that ultimate ever-changing landscape to enjoy.
2. Dune Bashing in the Desert
This isn’t quite what it sounds like. When I researched this I originally had a vision of violence against sand dunes, but it’s a lot more fun than that. You don’t need a roller coaster when you can ride the dunes of the Arabian Desert. Strap in (and maybe hold on tight to your camel) as you go on a white-knuckle desert safari adventure. Your driver will take you on a wild ride over towering dunes, twisting and turning on some seriously steep slopes.
You can add to your 4WD experience by hiring sand buggies or quad bikes and taking on the dunes yourself. While that does sound unsafe you do use well-trodden dune routes that aren’t too steep, so you can get your speed thrills without worrying about your vehicle ending on top of you. It’d take some serious misuse to have any accidents on these drives.
An extra tip to be aware of… The drivers may make you stop in a shop where somebody wraps you in traditional Arabic headwear. This is not included in the trip and you will need to pay for it when leaving the store, as I found out when I thought I was being charged USD 30 for biscuits and water.
3. Skiing at Ski Dubai
Yes, that’s right – cold weather skiing in the desert! Dubai’s Ski Dubai is an impressive winter wonderland smack bang in the middle of Dubai’s scorching desert heat. Strap on your skis or snowboard and hit the slopes of this massive indoor ski resort. I have a disclaimer here… DO NOT just do what I did and take to the big slopes without any skiing lessons first. Yes, I went right to the top of the slopes via the chairlift with no experience and went down most of the way falling repeatedly on my arse. So if you’re planning to ski here either go in with some experience behind you or book in advance for the lessons here as the lessons get booked out quickly.
There are not only ski slopes in here there are giant zorbing balls to roll inside, zip lining, and other activities for kids too. Or if that’s too much you can always cosy up with a hot chocolate at the Alpine-themed cafe.
4. Swimming with Sharks at Dubai Aquarium
Got nerves of steel? Then why not face up with an ocean predator at the top of their food chain in the Dubai Aquarium? You get to strap on some scuba gear and dive into the tank for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim alongside majestic sharks. Don’t worry, though – they’re more interested in the fish than in you. You might hear the jaws theme in your head most of the time but you’re safer than you think in here.
5. Bungee Jumping off the Dubai Marina
In terms of fear factor, I would say a bungee jump tops a skydive. It does feel like you’re falling to your death for a few seconds but it does have a happy ending too. If you’re looking for a way to test your courage and your scream then look no further than the XLine Dubai Marina.
This zipline in Dubai isn’t for the faint of heart – it’s a heart-pounding, scream-worthy plunge from the top of one of Dubai’s tallest skyscrapers, reaching speeds of up to 80 kilometres per hour! So, take a deep breath and make sure you do the jump on their countdown as any hesitation will just make it worse. Just try to remember to smile for the camera on your way down if you can – it’s definitely up there with the most crazy, adrenaline-filled activities in Dubai.
6. Dining at the World’s Tallest Restaurant
Ok, so this isn’t too scary. Unless you have a real fear of heights and tall observation points. After a day of excitement, it is worth getting a decent meal inside you. Why settle for just any old street restaurant when you can dine in the clouds at At.mosphere, the world’s highest restaurant?
This is based on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa and offers unreal views of the city below, along with a menu of excellent cuisine that will be worth a few more Deira. Be aware that you usually have to be well dressed to eat at restaurants up high in The Burj, so beachwear won’t be suitable here.
If you’re just visiting The Burj Khalifa observation deck without the restaurant then any clothing is fine and that in itself is a thrilling experience to be at the top of the tallest building in the world!
7. Hot Air Ballooning over the Dubai Desert
Take to the skies again with an early morning wake-up, but this time it’s in the slightly less secure basket of a hot air balloon. Here you will drift calmly over the deserts of Dubai during the amazing, warm sunrise.
Look out for wandering camels and falcons as you float through the morning sky. It’s a peaceful, awe-inspiring experience that will leave you feeling like you’re on top of the world (literally). Another good thing is since you’ve had an early start you still have the rest of the day to play with.
8. Riding the World’s Fastest Roller Coaster
Last but certainly not least, we have a crazy ride that’s not for the faint-hearted – the Formula Rossa at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. It’s just a short drive from Dubai, this roller coaster is the fastest in the world, reaching fast speeds of up to 240 kilometres per hour in just 4.9 seconds!
As you can gather they like to break world records whenever they build anything new in Dubai. So, strap in and prepare to be catapulted into the sky on a whirlwind journey that will leave you breathless and possibly a bit dizzy. Ferrari World itself is an impressive place to spend a day as it has tons of rides and things to see and do even if you’re not a massive F1 fan so it’s worth a visit regardless of this rollercoaster.
So there you have it – 8 crazy things to do in Dubai. Whether you’re just a natural thrill-seeker or just looking to push your limits a bit further than usual then this city has something for everyone. A few of the activities above don’t need an Evel Knievel mentality but you can certainly get a big rush from those activities in Dubai if you’re looking for one.
If you’re booking accommodation in Dubai too then check out the best places to stay in Dubai for first-timers to ensure you’re based fairly close to the activities you want.