Dubai

Swap city streets for sand dunes on an off-road buggy safari. Morning tours are perfect for an hour of pure dune-bashing in your own buggy, while evening safaris turn into a full desert experience with sandboarding, camel rides, dinner under the stars, and live entertainment.

Take the plunge at Deep Dive Dubai, home to the world’s deepest swimming pool at 60 metres and holding over 14 million litres of fresh water. This record-breaking attraction features a fully sunken city, complete with submerged streets, cars, motorbikes, and even a pool table, waiting to be explored. Whether you’re a certified diver or trying it for the first time, you can book guided scuba dives, freediving sessions, or even snorkelling experiences. Located in Nad Al Sheba, it’s one for thrill-seekers and underwater adventurers alike.

Head to Hatta in the Hajar Mountains to explore rugged landscapes and take in the views from your own tent. The area has seen a rise in adventure-focused spots, including lodges, trailer-park style resorts, and dedicated outdoor activity centres. For desert nights, glamping offers a more comfortable way to experience the dunes, with options for stargazing, private majlis areas, and after-dark wildlife spotting.

Dubai Safari Park in Al Warqa is home to more than 2,500 animals from around the world, which makes it the UAE’s most diverse wildlife destination. Visitors can explore four themed areas (Arabian, Asian, African, and Safari Village), where you’ll encounter everything from giraffes and lions to crocodiles and monkeys. The park places a strong focus on sustainability, running primarily on solar energy, and is committed to conservation and education, with the aim of becoming one of the world’s top zoos.