Dubai is often associated with grand shopping malls, towering skyscrapers, and extravagant hotels, but there’s so much more to the city than the typical tourist hotspots.
From off-the-beaten-path locations to activities you won’t find in guidebooks, here are 30 unique activities to do in Dubai that offer a refreshing break from the usual. Unique Act
1. Take a Starlit Night Safari at the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
Skip the crowded sunset safaris and opt for a night-time adventure under the stars. The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve offers starlit safaris, where you can spot nocturnal wildlife such as foxes and owls. This peaceful, quiet safari costs around AED 450 per person. Book with Platinum Heritage.
2. Shop for Vintage Finds at the Dubai Flea Market Unique Activities to Do in Dubai
For those who love thrifting, the Dubai Flea Market is a hidden treasure. You can find second-hand furniture, vintage clothes, and quirky trinkets, all while soaking in the local market vibes. The flea market operates in various locations, with prices starting from as little as AED 10 for smaller items.
3. Take a Secret Graffiti Tour of Dubai Unique Activities to Do in Dubai
Dubai’s street art scene is thriving, and the best way to experience it is with a guided secret graffiti tour. Explore hidden corners of the city where local and international artists have created stunning murals. Tours start at AED 150, and you can book through Art Dubai.
4. Go on a Horseback Ride Along the Beach
Experience Dubai’s beaches like never before by going horseback riding along the coastline. Whether you’re galloping past the Burj Al Arab or trotting along quieter stretches, horseback riding offers a unique way to enjoy the scenic coastline. Prices start from AED 350 for an hour-long ride at Jumeirah Beach Stables.
5. Unwind at the Green Planet Rainforest
Explore an indoor rainforest right in the heart of Dubai. The Green Planet in City Walk offers an immersive experience where you can walk amongst exotic birds, sloths, and a variety of plants. It’s a great way to reconnect with nature without leaving the city. Tickets start from AED 99.
6. Watch a Movie at the World’s Most Expensive Cinema
The Roxy Cinema in Jumeirah offers an unparalleled luxury cinema experience with its “VIP Platinum” experience. Forget regular cinema seats—here, you can enjoy reclining leather chairs, gourmet food, and even personal attendants. The experience starts at AED 250 for a movie ticket, complete with a three-course meal.
7. Explore the Al Marmoom Bedouin Experience
For an authentic taste of traditional Bedouin life, head to Al Marmoom for an immersive Bedouin experience. Sleep under the stars in a traditional tent, learn the ways of the nomadic tribes, and enjoy a desert dinner cooked over an open flame. This experience is available from AED 500 per person.
8. Try Urban Farming at The Greenhouse Dubai
For those interested in sustainable living, The Greenhouse Dubai offers a unique opportunity to get your hands dirty with urban farming. Participate in workshops that teach you how to grow your own vegetables in the heart of the city. Prices for workshops start at AED 200.
9. Take a Deep Dive into Dubai’s Lost Palms
For a truly unique water activity, go deep-sea diving around the Lost Palms, a sunken wreck off Dubai’s coast. It’s a hidden gem for divers looking to explore Dubai’s underwater world and see marine life up close. Dive trips start at AED 500 per person, with equipment rental available at Al Boom Diving.
10. Discover Dubai’s Secret Garden
The Dubai Butterfly Garden, often overshadowed by the Miracle Garden, offers a peaceful retreat and is home to over 15,000 butterflies. Wander through its vibrant domes and discover various species from around the world. Admission is AED 55.
11. Explore Dubai’s Underground Arts Scene at The Theatre of Digital Art
Dubai’s cultural scene has a hidden gem: the Theatre of Digital Art, a space where art, music, and technology blend together to create an immersive experience. Located in Souk Madinat Jumeirah, this is where you can experience digital projections of famous artworks. Tickets start at AED 50.
12. Go for a Paddleboard Yoga Session in the Creek
For a truly serene experience, try stand-up paddleboard yoga in the Dubai Creek. Glide along the water while practising mindfulness and balancing on a paddleboard. These sessions usually cost around AED 150 and are offered by SUP Yoga Dubai.
13. Discover Dubai’s Best Hidden Beaches
Dubai is full of beautiful beaches, but some are more hidden than others. Head to the Al Sufouh Beach for an alternative activty.
14. Take a Private Yacht for a Luxury Sunset Cruise
Instead of the crowded public cruises, rent a private yacht for a sunset sail along the Palm Jumeirah. Enjoy the luxury of your own space, complete with a crew and fine dining. Prices for a private yacht start from AED 2,000 for two hours. Check out Xclusive Yachts.
15. Experience Dubai’s First Ever Cactus Garden
Located in the heart of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, the Cactus Garden is a recently launched spot showcasing over 100 species of cacti. It’s perfect for a nature walk and an opportunity to learn about desert plants. Admission is typically included in conservation tours, starting from AED 400.
16. Try a Desert Art Painting Session
Experience the desert from a creative perspective with a desert art painting session. These workshops teach you how to use natural desert materials like sand and clay to create art that reflects the beauty of the landscape. Classes are available from AED 350 per person.
17. Visit Dubai’s First Hidden Brewery
For craft beer enthusiasts, check out the first-ever hidden brewery in Dubai at the local brewpub, The Brew House. Here, you can enjoy freshly brewed beer while learning about the brewing process. Prices start at AED 40 for a pint.
18. Get Lost in the Desert at Al Qudra Lakes
Al Qudra Lakes is a tranquil escape in the desert, offering a serene environment for picnics, cycling, or wildlife watching. Rent a bike for AED 50 and explore this oasis away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
19. Learn Falconry in the Desert
For an activity that brings you closer to the region’s heritage, try falconry. Falconry is a cherished tradition in the UAE, and several companies offer hands-on experiences where you can train a falcon. Prices start from AED 800 per session with Falconry Dubai.
20. Taste Dubai’s Street Food at Al Dhiyafah Road
Step away from the polished malls and discover the real flavours of Dubai along Al Dhiyafah Road. A haven for foodies, this street is lined with Middle Eastern eateries and food trucks offering shawarma, falafel, and more. Meals here start at AED 10.
21. Explore Dubai’s Eco-friendly City at The Sustainable City
Dubai is leading the way in sustainability with The Sustainable City, a green neighbourhood built with solar-powered homes, urban farming, and car-free zones. Take a guided tour of this eco-friendly community for AED 50 per person.
22. Go Sand Skiing at Ski Dubai
If you want to take your desert experience to the next level, try sand skiing on the dunes of Dubai. You can rent sand skis from desert safari providers for around AED 150 and enjoy the thrill of gliding down the sandy hills.
23. Try a Traditional Henna Tattoo at the Dubai Mall
For a unique souvenir, head to the Dubai Mall where you can get a traditional henna tattoo from one of the local artists. Prices for henna tattoos range from AED 50 to AED 200 depending on size and design.
24. Go Ziplining Across Dubai Marina
For an adrenaline rush, try the world’s longest urban zipline across Dubai Marina. You’ll zoom at high speeds across the stunning skyscrapers of Dubai. Zipline tickets start from AED 650 per person.
25. Spend the Day in an Authentic Bedouin Camp
Delve deeper into the local culture by visiting an authentic Bedouin camp. Here, you’ll learn about traditional desert life, enjoy a dinner cooked over an open flame, and even try your hand at camel riding. Prices start from AED 350.
26. Visit the Dubai Museum of the Future
Opened to much fanfare, the Museum of the Future offers a glimpse into what the world might look like in 50 years. This interactive museum is all about futuristic technology and innovation. Tickets start from AED 145.
27. Try Aerial Yoga at the Dubai Marina
Aerial yoga is a fun and challenging way to stretch, and the Dubai Marina offers several yoga studios that provide classes in this unique practice. Classes start at AED 100. Check out Yoga Ashram for details.
28. Explore Dubai’s First Ever Ice Rink
For a cool escape, visit the Dubai Ice Rink in Al Nasr Leisureland. Opened in the 1980s, it’s a local favourite for ice skating. Sessions start from AED 45 per person, with rentals available.
29. Go on a Ghost Tour of Old Dubai
For those who love a bit of the supernatural, join a ghost tour through the ancient parts of Dubai. The tour explores historic locations with eerie tales of ghostly sightings and unexplained events. Tickets start from AED 150.
30. Spend a Day at the Dubai Opera’s “360” Art Experience
Take part in the Dubai Opera’s 360 Art experience, where you can explore an immersive exhibition of digital art while enjoying a spectacular view of the Dubai skyline. Prices for this experience begin at AED 75.
These are just a few of the countless exciting and unique activities that only a local would know about in Dubai. Whether you’re into nature, art, or adventure, there’s something for everyone that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions. So, what will you explore first?
Unique Activities to Do in Dubai Unique Activities to Do in Dubai Unique Activities to Do in Dubai Unique Activities to Do in Dubai Unique Activities to Do in Dubai Unique Activities to Do in Dubai Unique Activities to Do in Dubai Unique Activities to Do in Dubai Unique Activities to Do in Dubai Unique Activities to Do in Dubai Unique Activities to Do in Dubai Unique Activities to Do in Dubai Unique Activities to Do in Dubai Unique Activities to Do in Dubai Unique Activities to Do in Dubai Unique Activities to Do in Dubai
