15 Fun Things to Do in the UAE 

Are you looking for unique and fun things to do in the UAE? Beyond the glitz and glamour of dinner in the sky and gold cappuccino at Emirates Palace or the ever-popular dune-bashing, our list of 15 fabulous and fun things to do in the UAE offers you new and exciting adventures. 

From adrenaline-pumping experiences in the magnificent Hajar mountains to serene boat rides in quiet fishing villages and intimate experiences with camels to luxurious stays in nature, our round-up of unique activities in the UAE helps you discover the country’s diverse landscapes, cultural richness, and glorious views. 

So now, let’s leave the palm-lined beaches, designer shops, and shiny buildings behind and explore beyond the bling!

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1. Stay in a Nature Reserve (Abu Dhabi)

Immerse yourself in nature and luxury on Sir Bani Yas Island, home to 13,000 animals, including Arabian Oryx, cheetahs, gazelles, ostriches, and Arabian Tahr.

Take a wildlife drive or hop on a mountain bike to explore the open areas, then head to the shore for kayaking with gorgeous views over the turquoise waters. Take a dip below to explore the reefs and vibrant marine life and look out for turtles and dolphins swimming around. If you’re a history buff, visit the ruins of a 1200-year-old Christian monastery.

With three luxury resorts on the island, there’s plenty to help you wind down, whether lazing on a white beach, being pampered at the spa, or enjoying culinary delights with equally delightful views. For the ultimate luxury experience, make a grand entry by seaplane and enjoy incredible views over the Arabian Gulf. 

2. Camel-Riding Lessons (Dubai) 

Doing the obligatory camel ride on holiday can be fun for sure, but signing up for camel-riding lessons is taking it to the next level! You can do just that at the Arabian Desert Camel Riding Centre in Al Marmoom. 

After getting to know your camel and the basics, the easy-to-understand lessons from a very patient female camel racer and her team will have you trekking off through the desert alone in no time. And who knows, you might even find a fantastic new hobby and join their camel-riding holidays over beautiful deserts and plains!

Schedule your lessons for early morning to enjoy the sunrise or go for late afternoon so you can end your day with a trek off into the sunset.

3. Jebel Jais Zip lines (Ras Al Khaimah) 

Jebel Jais Sky Flight, the longest zip wire in the world, surely has to be on every adventurer’s bucket list. Flying down the mountainside at 160 kph for nearly 3 km is one of the ultimate adrenalin-pumping experiences and twice as exciting when flying tandem with your partner or best buddy. 

Too much excitement? Go for the Sky Tour, a series of six zip wires going down the mountainside in stages while sitting in a harness rather than flying horizontally. Walking over the sky bridge adds some extra thrill. But hey, if you’ve come this far, you may as well do them both!

Don’t worry if you’re not as adventurous as your travel buddy. While you wait safely on the ground, you can enjoy a gorgeous view of the mountains from Puro 1814, the highest restaurant in the UAE.

4. Al Suwaidi Pearl Farm Tour (Ras Al Khaimah)

After all that adrenalin-seeking in the mountains, the calmness of the water in a quiet village is the perfect cooler! After a quick boat trip to Al Suwaidi Pearl Farm in Al Ram’s harbor, you’ll learn the history of diving for natural pearls and the recent history of pearl farming. But better still, you’ll see the fresh oysters taken from the farm with pearls inside. 

The traditional wooden boat sails down the creek towards the mangrove forest, home to flamingoes, herons, and a myriad of other birds as well as flying fish. The view of the azure water, the mangroves, and the backdrop of the majestic mountains evokes a feeling of serenity.

But before you leave, end your trip by treating yourself or a loved one to some exquisite jewelry set with natural pearls from the waters of Ras Al Khaimah.

5. Play Golf Overlooking the Mangroves (Ajman)

For another relaxing activity, why not have a round of golf on the lush green of the Al Zorah championship golf course amid the beautiful setting of the mangrove forest?

Between swings, look out for both native and migratory birds like the tiny but stunning Arabian Green Bee-eater with its shiny green and blue plumage or a Marsh Harrier hovering over the mangroves looking out for its prey. You might even spot a kingfisher or an osprey, so keep your camera ready. And if you’ve never played golf, what more idyllic place to learn? 

After the 18th hole on the Niklaus-designed course, head to the Golf Pavilion for a delicious meal at one of several restaurants overlooking the mangroves and flamingoes. Or, if you’re still feeling energetic, book a kayak or SUP at the marina to explore them up close.

(Note: You can also play golf overlooking the mangroves in Ras Al Khaimah.)

6. Rent a Private Luxury Resort  (Sharjah Desert) 

Al Faya Retreat sits so unassumingly in the desert that you may not even notice it. But inside the sustainable resort are five beautifully designed rooms and a hidden saltwater pool overlooking the sands. Although you can rent a room, reserving the whole resort makes for the perfect private getaway with friends or family. 

Dine at Al Mavia Restaurant at the foot of the mountain while watching the sunset over the plains and desert and breathing in the fresh country air. Wake up early and catch the sunrise over the mountains or head out early for a bike ride on the 24-km cycling track.

If you like some thrill alongside relaxation, sign up for parasailing nearby or head to X-Quarry before returning to freshen up in the shower walk and salt inhalation room in the resort spa. 

7. Try Off-road Driving and 4WD Obstacle Courses (Sharjah Desert)

Maybe you’ve already enjoyed the thrill of dune-bashing, but going on rocky roads is just as much fun. And wouldn’t it be even more exhilarating if you were the one driving? 

At XQuarry in Al Faya Desert, you can hire a 4×4 and take lessons to learn how to maneuver the vehicle correctly. Once you’ve mastered the skills, or if you already have them, it’s time to head to the old quarry road and put them into practice. Leave plenty of time for the mud pit and the obstacle course with 24 different obstacles to challenge your off-road driving agility.

Once you’re done, take the mountain bike trail or the hiking route to enjoy the view over the desert, mountains, and plains before rounding your day off with a barbecue. 

8. Swim with Camels (Umm Al Quwain)

We’re pretty sure this is one you’ve not tried yet! If you love camels as much as we do, what can be more fun than swimming with them? When the racing camels from Dubai Camel Racing Club enjoy their exercises in the sea, join them for a morning workout

The young camels go a couple of times a month for some aquatic training, and then there’s time for them to chill with you on the beach afterward. Look out for the many species of birds living around the mangroves.

Swimming with camels followed by breakfast on the shore with them has to be one to add to your UAE experience bucket list. And if you’re still looking for more fun, rent yourself a kayak or giant waterbike just a little further down the shore.

9. Heritage Desert Safari (Dubai)

For a sustainable cultural experience, the heritage safari offers an authentic journey into Emirati culture and desert life. 

Imagine you’re an intrepid explorer in the 1950s as you cross the rolling dunes in a vintage Land Rover. Learn about local flora and fauna along the way and catch a spectacular falconry display at sunset. 

Then, allow all your senses to be tantalized as you savor a traditional Arabic dinner, including local dishes like hares (a dish of meat and wheat), camel meat, and legemat (sweet dumplings drizzled with date syrup), and enjoy the beats of Emirati drums and traditional dances. For an even more immersive experience, stay overnight in an old stone house with floor bedding. 

The heritage desert safari is not just an adventure but a valuable insight into Bedu heritage.

10. Hot Air Balloon (Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah) 

Wake at the crack of dawn and catch the sun rising behind the rugged Hajar Mountains from 4000 feet high in the sky. Float over the sprawling deserts and plains of Dubai, Sharjah, or Ras Al Khaimah while looking out for camels, gazelles, and oryx. Watch falcons in action during your flight and see how fast they dive to catch their prey.

Opt for a traditional basket or a newer one with private sections and seating for a more intimate experience, or even book a private trip. (Top tip: If you’re looking for the best place to propose in Dubai, this could be it!) Once you’ve touched down, enjoy a lush breakfast before an early morning hack through the desert. 

A hot air balloon ride is the perfect romantic experience in Dubai and one you’ll remember forever. 

11. Camel Beauty Pageant (Abu Dhabi)

For a truly different experience, visit the Al Dhafra Camel Festival in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. While several camel-related activities and competitions are taking place, the camel beauty contest has to be the most unusual. 

Arabs are fiercely proud of their camels, whether they’re for racing, breeding or their job is nothing more than to look beautiful. The prizes for the best-looking camels are by no means small nor are the prices of such camels. 

Including Million Street in a visit is a must to witness the winners proudly paraded by their owners, camels for sale, camels out to stud, and shops selling rows and rows of camel bling! If you’re lucky enough to catch the bargaining of a major sale, you’ll understand how the street got its name. Million dirham deals go down right here.

12. Stay in an African-Themed Cabin (Umm Al Quwain)

Escape the hustle and bustle of a city vacation to enjoy a relaxing stay in an African-themed cabin nestled between the mangroves in Umm Al Quwain. 

At eco-resort Casa Mikoko, you can enjoy the natural environment even more when you go kayaking, paddle-boarding, kite-surfing, or ride an African-style boat. Then, when you return, take a leisurely dip in your private pool before watching the visiting birds from your private deck. After a relaxing evening stroll across the mangrove walk, dine in the African-themed Mikoko restaurant while enjoying the sunset.

Then, the next morning, what better way to start your day than lying in bed looking out through the glass wall across your pool and at the turquoise hues of the Arabian Gulf?

13. Flyboarding (Dubai) 

Flyboarding offers an exhilarating experience and allows you to enjoy the beauty of the Arabian Gulf coast at the same time. If standing on a board and being propelled up to 15 meters in the air by a water jet sounds fun, this one is for you. 

Feel the adrenaline rush and a curious sense of freedom as you hover in the air. The backdrop of Dubai’s iconic skyline adds to the thrill, making it a must-try for adventure seekers visiting the UAE. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced thrill-seeker, flyboarding in Dubai promises an unforgettable experience.

If you’re still buzzing for more, add a jetski tour along the coast. What better way to see the iconic Dubai landmarks of The Palm, Atlantis, Burj Al Araba, and Burj Khalifa? Don’t forget your go-pro to capture it!

14. Dhow Boat Trip (Fujairah)  

For your next adventure, take a trip in a traditional wooden dhow over the waves of the Arabian Sea. Relax on the deck and soak up the sun and the captivating views, or unleash the fun with some aquatic activities your skipper has ready for you.

The east coast is the perfect spot for snorkeling and seeing a diverse range of colorful fish and crustaceans of all shapes and sizes and maybe even a turtle. Paddle off in a kayak or SUP to explore the coast more closely or enjoy the thrill of a banana boat ride. 

Why not go all out and stay overnight on the boat or find a secluded beach camping spot and wake up looking out to the Arabian Sea? Round up your best fun-loving friends and book a private tour. 

15. Viking Restaurant (Ajman)

Perhaps a surprising choice for a UAE bucket list, but having been voted the best-themed restaurant in the UAE, we think The Viking Restaurant in Ajman deserves a place!

Prepare to be transported to a medieval Norse world as you enter the candlelit hall bedecked with weapons. While savoring your Valhalla-inspired dishes at the heavy wooden tables, you’ll be entertained by fire dances, sword shows, Celtic music, and roaming Norse pagans. 

The exciting blend of great food and entertainment makes the Viking Restaurant a must-visit spot in Ajman.

Its setting in Ajman Heritage District also allows you to add some Emirati culture to your visit by strolling down streets named after local poets and adorned with murals depicting traditional Emirati life before stopping off for a wander through the traditional souq.            

With these fabulous options for activities and Instagrammable spots in the UAE, your social media feed is going to be so much more interesting than the usual Dubai and Abu Dhabi shots! But more importantly, you’ll have some fantastic memories to look back on and a whole new perspective of a country rich in nature, adventure, and serenity.

Alison Watt

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Alison Watt, an avid explorer and culture enthusiast, has lived in the UAE for 24 years. On her website Glimpses of the UAE she shares fabulous destinations, events, and activities beyond Dubai.

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