Dubai Fitness Challenge. The goal is to encourage residents of Dubai and tourists to be active for at least 30 minutes every day during the span of 30 days. How to train in Dubai? Below you can find some ideas.
Windsurfing, kitesurfing and water skiing
Fans of windsurfing and water skiing can visit several beaches that are specially adapted for these sports. Dubai Creek is an ideal place for water skiers, whereas Jumeirah Beach is a wonderful spot for wind and kite surfers. Apart from equipment rental shops, there are training courses for people who are just familiarizing themselves with a board. If the weather is good and the wind is strong enough, you will surely catch some waves – all of this while surrounded by turquoise, warm water.
Fishing and heaven for divers
One of the more interesting attractions is also cruises on a traditional Arab sailing boat called dhow. From its deck, you can admire the beautiful panorama of Dubai with its most famous buildings and hotels, or simply enjoy some peace and relaxation while fishing. Together with a captain, you can sail to the open water of the Persian Gulf, which is rich in barracuda, snapper, mackerel, grouper, long-tailed tuna and huge peacock eel – if you are lucky, you may come back to the shore with a splendid catch.
Dubai is an ideal place if you want to start your diving adventure. At the bottom of the Persian Gulf, you can find breath-taking coral reefs or even forgotten shipwrecks. It is also a great opportunity to get to know marine flora and fauna. Dubai has many diving schools that will help you acquire the necessary skills and organize lessons both at a pool and in the open sea. It is even possible to dive with sharks at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.
Extreme desert rally
If you are seeking an extreme adventure, you should go to the desert, where you can experience a crazy ride on off-road vehicles and quads. When sliding down the steep slopes of desert dunes in the clouds of sand, it is best to sit on the passenger seat, so that you will not miss a thing. Real off road and dynamic driving guaranteed. Such attractions most often come together with much calmer camel rides, evening feasts and performances of local dancers, which will teach you a lot about Arab culture and cuisine. Another attraction worth checking out is sandboarding.
Instead of snow, this time you are going to ski on the desert sand. It is possible to do it only if you have a sandboard. The number of dunes, as well as the varied desert topography allow you to completely indulge yourself in this activity. You can rent equipment and quickly learn basic positions on the board from a professional instructor. If you combine this with amazing views, which you will see during downhill ride, it may turn out that it will be one of the most unforgettable adventures awaiting you in Dubai.
Dubai Autodrome
Dubai Autodrome is a motorsport facility with a 5.39 km circuit sanctioned by FIA (International Automobile Federation). You can test yourself as a driver or member of the team coordinating the event. The facility also organizes 24-hour races during which drivers have to fight not only their opponents, but also their weaknesses and negative effects of such a long and strenuous effort. A visit at the Dubai Autodrome will surely inject you with positive emotions and unforgettable experience
Winter frenzy
The desert is usually associated with sand, strong winds and high temperatures, yet in Dubai you can ski or snowboard regardless of the hot weather. Dubai has the biggest indoor ski resort both in the Middle East and the world. The winter park is located in the Mall of the Emirates and occupies an area of 3 thousand square meters covered with snow, with the temperature ranging from -1 to -2 degrees Celsius.
Fans of skiing will find there 5 pistes that can be reached with modern ski lifts. Other tourists may try sleighing, racing on bobsleighs or simply playing in the snow, making a snowman or having snowball fights. The mall also features an Olympic-size ice rink. Finally, in this winter wonderland, you can come across its interesting inhabitants – penguins eagerly marching on the snow.
Parachuting
It is difficult to find a more beautiful place for parachuting than Dubai. The city is home to Skydive Dubai club, which specializes in tandem and solo parachuting. The owners of the club ensure that a parachute jump or paraglider flight should be an obligatory point on the bucket list of things to do in Dubai, as it guarantees unforgettable memories and stunning views.
At Skydive Dubai, more advanced skydivers or pilots can perfect their skills or take part in courses that will allow them to participate in formation skydiving or paragliding contests – all of this under the watchful eye of the most talented coaches in the world.
100% adrenaline rush
When in Dubai, you cannot miss IMG Worlds of Adventure. It is an indoor, air-conditioned funfair, the size of which amounts to 28 football pitches. You can find there blood-curdling roller coasters, with the fastest one, Velociraptor, capable of accelerating to 100 km/h in just 2.5 seconds. Another roller coaster, apart from a fast ride, offers exciting 360-barrel rolls.
IMG Worlds of Adventure also allows you to explore a prehistoric jungle full of moving and lifelike dinosaurs, as well as see a volcano on the verge of erupting. Those with nerves of steel can also visit a peculiar house of fear, from which most people flee screaming.
Golf lesson
Dubai is famous for excellent golf courses. The Dubai Desert Classic tournament, which attracts the world’s brightest stars from all around the world, is organized in February. If you want to try your hand at it, you can go to a golf lesson at one of the five best golf courses, namely the Address Montgomerie, Els Club, Dubai Sports City, Emirates Golf Club or Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club.
Active shopping
Right after London, Dubai has the largest shopping offer in the world, with shopping being treated almost as a sport discipline. After all, covering the distance of the biggest shopping malls in the world requires a lot of endurance! The Dubai Mall and the Mall of the Emirates are the most famous malls, with luxury brands and popular chain stores. Other popular independent boutiques are located along Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) and City Walk
If you want to do more atmospheric and traditional shopping, you can go to Satwa, where you can purchase original fabrics, from which local tailors will sew any type of clothing. Other notable shopping malls in Dubai are souks – the Gold Market, Perfume Market and Madinat Market, where it is best to buy souvenirs. In addition, every year in January, the Dubai Shopping Festival is organized, whereas during summer holidays Dubai Summer Surprises takes place.
100% rest and relaxation
Physical exertion should be capped off with proper rest and a delicious dinner – things Dubai suffers no shortage of. A Turkish hammam, i.e. a traditional bathhouse, is especially recommended in this context. In its luxurious and stylish interior, you can undergo washing and massage treatments or perform self-care with the use of dishes and cosmetics available on site.
The most popular restaurants are located in Deira, Kite Beach, and the roof of Dubai Marina. Those craving new culinary experiences should go on Frying Pan Adventures. During a four-hour trip, the participants visit the most interesting, lesser-known local restaurants, where the diversity of sensations will surprise even the most demanding gourmets.
