There are so many ways to make the most of the emirate’s favorite season…
Whether you want to stay close to the city or head into the desert, here are some of the best outdoor activities in Dubai.
Ride the Dhs1 Abra in Old Dubai
The Dhs1 Abra Ride in old Dubai should be on everyone’s to-do list in the United Arab Emirates. A great way to explore both sides of the historic Old Town from Deira to Bur Dubai. Many locals use boats to travel from Point A to Point B to avoid the traffic, but it’s a fascinating experience, especially if you go at sunset.
Spot flamingos at the Ras al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is just a few minutes’ drive from the Dubai Mall. Best known for its majestic flocks of flamingos, the area is home to more than 20,000 birds of 67 species. To see them, head to one of his three lairs scattered around the Sanctuary. The sanctuary is free to enter and is open from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM in winter and from 6 AM to 6 PM April to September.
dm.gov.ae
Cycle the Meydan Track
Cycle or run Dubai’s picturesque tracks overlooking the iconic skyline. Hybrid bikes can be rented from Dhs50 per hour, Dhs80 for 2 hours, road bikes from Dhs70, Dhs99 for 2 hours. All bike rentals come with a helmet, light, bottle holder and phone holder. The rental shop and cafe are open daily from 5am to 11pm.
@loopdxb
Play in the water at Dubai Hills Park
Within walking distance of Dubai Hills Mall, this green space is a great place to spend a day outdoors, relax and explore. There are skate parks, toddler parks, older kids parks, dog parks, sports courts, splash pads, wave pools, and lots of green space to run around. The park is free except for the splash pool which costs 60 Dhs to enter.
Visit one of Dubai’s outdoor markets
The Ripe Market is held annually at Academy Park from October to May. Founded as a way to source seasonal and local produce, Ripe was created to provide the freshest and most delicious produce for residents to enjoy. The market is held on Saturdays and Sundays and the entrance fee is 5 Dhs. Find a variety of organic restaurants, upholstery and jewelry stalls, workshops, live entertainment and a children’s park.
The Ripe Market, Academy Park, Al Sufouh, Saturday 9am-9pm, Sunday 9am-7pm, from 15 October. Phone: (0) 4 315 7000. Ripe event.com
go camping in the desert
It’s officially camping season. Pack up your car and head out of town into the beautiful Dubai desert. Beginners can camp at Al Qudra near Love Lakes, while experienced campers can head to the dunes of Liwa. No matter where you go, you are sure to make memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t forget the marshmallows!
See Also: A Cool Guide to Camping in the Desert
Head to Hatta for a day of adventure
Hatta is one of our favorite spots to escape the city, with countless adventures on our doorstep. From mountain biking to waterslides, bee farms to Swan Lake, it’s the ultimate adventure haven. There is an affordable new way to get to Hatta from Dubai. The Hatta Express bus from Dubai Mall costs just 25 Dhs per person and takes just 1.5 hours. Once in Hatta, there are hop-on hop-off buses from the Hatta Bus Station that can take tourists around the main attractions.
Visithatta.com
Enjoy a local lunch on Jumeirah Beach
Those who enjoy a stroll along Jumeirah 3 Beach will have passed the quaint Tent Jumeirah Restaurant. A local Emirati restaurant on the beach offers the best views of Burj Al Arab and old Emirati fisherman memorabilia. Enjoy fresh juices (Dhs21), seafood dishes and traditional chicken shawarma (Dhs22) while relaxing on the sandy beach.
Pedal boats at Al Barsha Pond Park
Al Barsha Park, next to Al Barsha Mall, has plenty for the whole family to enjoy. Open daily from 8am, it features a 1.5km cushioned running track and accompanying biking trails, both circling the lake. Then there are basketball courts, gym equipment, bike rentals, children’s playgrounds, bouncy castles, and pedal boat rentals.
Watch the sunset from the Corniche of Palm Jumeirah
Whether walking, running, biking, roller-skating or picnicking on the wall, nothing beats the sunset from Palm Jumeirah’s Corniche.
Image: Social/Offer
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