It’s a new year and a new decade too, so basically it’s the perfect excuse for you to leave that comfort zone of yours way behind. Are you ready to embark on exciting new adventures and create lifetime memories? You’re in luck because you don’t really have to travel abroad to do that. The UAE has some of the best places to visit for outdoor activities in and we’ve summarized them for you right here.
- 1. Moreeb Dune, Abu Dhabi
- 2. Jebel Hafeet
- 3. Wadi Adventure
- 4. Dibba Rock
- 5. Wadi Shawka
- 6. Wild Wadi Waterpark
- 7. Dubai Marina
- 8. Jebel Jais
- 9. Al Qudra Lakes
- 10. Hatta
- 11. Snoopy Island
List of Top Outdoor Activities in UAE
The UAE is not just about malls and skyscrapers; it’s also a playground for adrenaline seekers and nature enthusiasts. Our list covers the best spots for outdoor activities in the UAE. Let’s help you plan a day out that’s as adventurous as you are!
1. Moreeb Dune, Abu Dhabi
The popular Moreeb Dune is well-deserving of the number one spot on the list for sure. You simply cannot be in the UAE and not think about exploring its endless natural landscape.
There’s plenty of room to get creative with activities here. Known as the world’s tallest dune at 300 meters high, you will not be disappointed. Abu Dhabi’s desert is among the best outdoor places to go have fun.
If you’re a Star Wars fan, then there’s the added advantage of knowing the Abu Dhabi desert was the setting for planet Jakku in The Force Awakens! May the force be with you on your adventures!
Location
Liwa, Empty Quarter Desert, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Activities
- Dune bashing
- Quad biking
- Camping
- Sandboarding
- Desert safari
- Horseback riding.
2. Jebel Hafeet
Is hiking one of your new year resolutions? You don’t have to look for a place too far to make that happen. Al Ain is a hidden gem in the UAE with many breathtaking places to go hiking.
Jebel Hafeet is a mountain located in the Tawam region, right by the UAE-Oman border. The hike is suitable for beginners as it will take you about 4 hours to reach the top and enjoy a stunning panoramic view.
Location
Tawam region, Al-Ain, UAE.
Activities
- Hiking
- Camping.
3. Wadi Adventure
If you’re more into water sports than hanging out in the desert, this is for you. Wadi Adventure is one of the best places to go white water rafting. Yes, that’s right! The adventure sports facility is one-of-a-kind in the Middle East! It’s artificial river opens the door for a lot of fun to be had. And it’s a fun outdoor place for kids and families.
Location
Base of Jebel Hafeet, Al-Ain, UAE.
Activities
- White water rafting
- Kayaking
- Surfing.
4. Dibba Rock
Fujairah is one of the best places for outdoor activities because it has an impressive range of natural scenery and wildlife. In particular, Dibba Rock is the most popular destination in the UAE among divers. The waters there feature beautiful coral reefs and are home to stunning turtles, making Dibba Rock one of the most surreal places to go outside.
Location
Fujairah, UAE.
Activities
- Snorkelling
- Scuba diving.
5. Wadi Shawka
The UAE has no shortage of good hiking spots. There’s no doubt about it. If you’re an avid hiker, you’ll love turning things up a notch. Wadi Shawka is a great destination for hiking through natural pools. You’ll be surrounded by beautiful landscapes that you will not be forgetting any time soon.
Location
Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.
Activities
- Hiking
- Canyoning
- Trekking.
6. Wild Wadi Waterpark
Are you looking for the best outdoor places for kids? Dubai has got you covered now that the weather is cool enough. Kids love Wild Wadi Waterpark and it’s no secret that adults love it too! Spend the day spinning around hundreds of rides for the ultimate thrill and joy for the entire family.
Location
Jumeirah Street, Dubai, UAE.
Activities
- Swimming
- Water rides.
7. Dubai Marina
There’s a lot of nice outdoor places in Dubai Marina to enjoy a cozy night out. But nothing beats the waters of the iconic Dubai Marina especially this time of year.
There’s no doubt Dubai is one of the best cities for outdoor activities and Dubai Marina is in the heart of it all. Put your adventure cap on and just go with it! You will not regret it.
Location
Marina Beach, Dubai, UAE.
Activities
- Parasailing
- Flyboarding
- Jet skiing
- Speed boating
- Fly fishing
- Wakeboarding
- Water skiing.
8. Jebel Jais
Did you know that Jebel Jais is the tallest mountain in the UAE? Imagine how great it would be to stand right at the top of it. It’s 1,934 m above sea level!
It’s not just the view that would take your breath away, because it also happens to be home to the longest zipline on the planet. Your speed can reach up to 150 km/hr from a whopping height of 1,680 m above sea level! What are you waiting for?
Location
Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.
Activities
- Ziplining
- Hiking.
9. Al Qudra Lakes
A beautiful wildlife sanctuary that provides you with various options for adventure activities, Al Qudra Lakes is one of the best outdoor places in UAE. Aside from admiring the wildlife there, you could bring along your bike as there’s an 86 km cycling track surrounding the entire lakes. Bikes are available for rent on site too.
Location
30 minutes outside Dubai, UAE.
Activities
- Cycling
- Camping
- Barbecuing
- Sightseeing.
10. Hatta
A list of places to go outdoors in the UAE is never complete without Hatta. The heritage village offers a wide range of activities to embark on and some of the most surreal natural views in the country. Its mountain terrain means it’s a great outdoor spot for the adventurer in you.
Location
Hajar mountains, Dubai, UAE.
Activities
- Mountain biking
- Camping
- Hiking
- Sightseeing
- Kayaking.
11. Snoopy Island
We might be saving the best for last! A destination you don’t really want to miss is Snoopy Island, where you can spend a day discovering its stunning coral reef. The waters there are crystal clear and offer a true feeling of serenity. Looking for cool outdoor places? Check!
Curious as to why it is known as Snoopy Island? It’s because the rock (120 x 80 meters) forms the shape of the popular cartoon dog lying on its back!
Location
Fujairah, UAE.
Activities
- Snorkelling
- Diving.
There’s no better time to plan for that adventurous weekend than right now. You have 11 fun outdoor activities places to go in the UAE waiting to be checked off that bucket list! You can also check best indoor activities in UAE on Property Finder’s Blog
