10 Bucket-List Experiences You Must Have In Dubai, UAE

Sebanti
Sebanti 
Updated
| 5 min read

Dubai is hailed as one of the wealthiest countries in the world. But very few tourists are aware of the hidden gems that the city has to offer. Private cruises in luxury yachts, watching sunrises from the sky, mastering new dance moves, learning about Oriental traditions, and many more exotic thrills wait for you in this Emirate city. The eternal pull of the desert is enhanced by adventures of dune bashing, sandboarding, and getting the feel for nomadic Bedouin life with camel caravan rides. Blazing falcon shows, hypnotic Tanoura and belly dance performances, and mouthwatering barbecue and seafood dinners steal your soul. Read below and learn about the bucket-list experiences you must have in Dubai, UAE, to experience the holiday of a lifetime.

1. Enjoy a fulfilling day of desert fun (from USD 50.0)

Cruise across the red sand, feeling your adrenaline soar as the driver expertly maneuvers the car, changing speed to maintain balance over the dunes. But the thrill does not end there. Follow it up with the electrifying experience of sandboarding. After that, munch on some authentic Arabian dates and sweets, and sip on Arabic coffee to refresh and re-energize. Next, cool off from all the excitement with a relaxing camel ride. Let the local guide entertain you with a falcon show, demonstrating the UAE’s national bird’s fascinating hunting practices. When all these fun-filled activities leave you ravenous, head to a Bedouin-style desert camp and satiate your hunger with a delicious BBQ spread. You can also try henna paintings on your palms. Colorful belly dance and Tanoura performances accompany your dinner, raising the entertainment quotient by several notches.

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High Red Dunes with Camel & vip Dinner

Duration: 7 hours

2128 reviews

2. Enjoy a boat cruise from Dubai (from USD 96.0)

Charter a luxury speedboat and cruise along the Marina Canal, enjoying views of the towers that Dubai is famous for - Dubai Eye, JBR, The Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis Hotel, and of course, the only seven-star hotel in the world, Burj Al Arab. The world-class stereo system onboard churns out your favorite music, setting the mood for a picnic on the sea. Light refreshments such as nuts and chips along with juice are provided. You are free to bring your own food to enjoy some quality time with your family. If the heat becomes overbearing, you can jump into the sea for a soothing swim. Do not forget your tanning lotion and get that glorious tan without which seaside holidays are incomplete.

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Sea Escape: Swim, Tan and Sightseeing!

Duration: 2 hours

204 reviews

3. Attend a Chinese tea ceremony (from USD 55.0)

Why pass up the opportunity to experience the exotic cultural practices of the Orient? Let your experienced host guide you through the Chinese art of appreciating tea and incense. The Chinese have elevated the act of brewing and drinking tea to an art. Go through the intricacies while the aroma transports you to a bygone era in the East. Details about the historical significance of the Chinese Tea Ceremony and the influences of politics, philosophy, and literature on this art will enrich your knowledge. Get hands-on training on the method and the right temperatures, and feel rejuvenated while drinking fresh organic white tea. Learn more about the medicinal benefits of white tea and acquire a new nourishing habit of drinking this elixir of health.

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Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony

Duration: 1.5 hours

23 reviews

4. Learn stand-up paddle boarding (from USD 109.0)

What can be more thrilling than navigating the waters while standing upright? Let the lesson from expert trainers help you overcome your fear of falling. Take baby steps into your paddling adventure, starting with sitting down while riding the paddleboards. When you gain confidence, stand up, and have fun. Even if you have never tried a paddle session before, you can master the technique soon. Remember to bring your camera and click magnificent pictures as you paddleboard.

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Fun Stand up paddle session supping

Duration: 1.5 hours

3 reviews

Dubai Tour Guide

AZIRA OUSSAMA

Azira Oussama

Hello, I am Oussama, a licensed tour guide in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. I organize tours in Dubai and Abu Dhabi so you can experience modern and old life of this developed country and witness some of culture while exploring this great place.I also offer airport pick-up and drop-off from Dubai Airport. I am doing tours in English, French and Spanish.

Tours by Azira

Dubai Tour Guide

Sultan Karrani

Sultan Karrani

I am an Emirati national working in the hospitality and tour guide industry since 2013. I grew up and worked in most areas of the UAE and I am special at providing guests with real information about the culture of the UAE and the different stories of the places we visit. My goal in my work is to introduce the world to the treasures of Emirati culture and its many tourist sites.

Tours by Sultan

Dubai Tour Guide

Claudia Antunes

Claudia Antunes

Hello ! or Marhaba as we say here! I'm deeply passionate about the history and vibrant culture of Dubai's old city, and I'm thrilled to share this enchanting journey with you. Step back in time with me as we wander through the winding streets, uncovering hidden gems and untold stories. Whether you're a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply seeking an authentic experience, my walking tours offer a unique blend of tradition and discovery. Join me as we explore the beating heart of Old Dubai together, one step at a time."

Dubai Tour Guide

Sandra guia Dubai Calvo

Sandra Guia Dubai Calvo

I'm an enthusiastic tour guide passionate about Dubai. With me, you will not only get a guided tour, but an unforgettable experience full of fascinating stories and deep knowledge of local history. Whether we are walking the streets of the old Dubai or enjoying the stunning beauty of the skyscraper , I guarantee you a unique and enriching experience. My goal is to make your experience memorable, educational, and most of all, fun. So get ready to immerse yourself in the cultural richness and beauty of our destination with me as your guide!

5. Go on a quad-biking adventure over desert sands (from USD 79.0)

Dubai is the land to quench your thirst for adventure sports. Along with dune bashing, riding quad bikes over the dunes is an experience you should not miss. Even if you never tried quad-biking before, with the instructor’s detailed guidelines, you will soon get a hang of it. But there is more in store. When you are in the desert, you can’t leave the joys of sandboarding and camel safari out of your itinerary. Regale your eyes on the breathtaking panorama of the setting sun over shimmering desert sands while sitting on a camel’s back. At the end of your adventure, energizing Arabia coffee awaits you, followed by a mesmerizing falcon show.

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Quad Bike, Camel Caravan & BBQ Dinner

Duration: 7 hours

491 reviews

6. Attend a hip-hop dance class (from USD 55.0)

Get those muscles humming with an exhilarating hip-hop session, picking up the moves and honing your dancing prowess. The trainer, adept at modern dance techniques, shows you the ropes to a wide range of urban dance styles, including freestyle, popping, and new school vibes. After a quick shower back at your hotel, head out to explore Dubai nights. Scorch the dance floor at the city’s crowd-pulling hip-hop clubs, showing off your new skill. This upbeat activity is sure to make you feel at one with Dubai’s vibrant night scene and make your Dubai holiday outstanding.

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Dance to Dubai's Hip Hop Cardio scene

Duration: 1 hour

3 reviews

7. Ride a hot-air balloon at dawn (from USD 387.0)

Imagine floating serenely across the sky as the rising sun spreads its first golden rays over the horizon. You’ll get to watch the world below wake up slowly while holding your loved one’s hand. Could anything be more romantic? Get picked up from your hotel at dawn and gear up for this incredible experience of a lifetime. Fly over the desert on a hot-air balloon, witnessing an unforgettable sunrise and the unique desert wildlife. End your trip with a sumptuous breakfast and return to your hotel with your memory brimming with visions that you are sure to cherish forever.

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Dubai Hot Air Balloon Flight with Transport & Breakfast

Duration: 4 hours

8 reviews

8. Rent a private luxury yacht (from USD 96.0)

If you are on a romantic getaway, do try this extravagant experience. Book an hour-long private cruise on a luxury yacht with your loved one and experience what Dubai is famous for - riches and splendor. The vessel is fully furnished to ensure your comfort on this sea excursion. You can also celebrate your special day with friends and family or enjoy some laid-back quality time with your loved ones through this offbeat and relaxing experience.

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Luxury Yacht Dubai 1 Hour Private/ Shared

Duration: 1 hour

21 reviews

9. Have dinner on a double-decker boat (from USD 39.0)

Elevate your holiday experience beyond the conventional with a lavish dinner on the Dubai Marina, onboard a two-story cruise boat. Escape from the Emirate’s heat in the air-conditioned floor below, or let the soothing sea-breezes revive your spirits on the upper open-air floor. Enjoy mouthwatering dishes on a buffet dinner, serving both vegetarian and non-veg dishes. You can also get a glimpse of traditional entertainment with local cultural performances like a Tanura show. The cruise provides the option to celebrate special occasions like birthdays. Otherwise, you may choose to spend a pleasurable evening with your loved ones with good food and beautiful views through this exotic experience.

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Traditional Wooden Boat Dinner Dubai Creek

Duration: 2 hours

31 reviews

10. Experience the thrill of jet-skiing (from USD 82.0)

Go on a high-powered voyage from the well-known Fishermen Harbor in Jumeirah 1, gliding across the Dubai skyline, dominated by the Burj Khalifa. Get a chance to experience the marvelous views of Sheikh Zayed Road, Burj Al Arab, Dubai Marina, JBR, Barasti Beach, and Palm Jumeirah Atlantis. Admire the iconic Dubai landmarks from the open sea, and shoot jaw-dropping videos as souvenirs of your trip.

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Dubai Fastest Jet Ski 30 Min Ride

Duration: 1 hour

124 reviews

Soak up the magic of Dubai

Do not confine your Dubai trip to run-of-the-mill shopping and sightseeing. Experience Dubai like a local instead. Savor every adventure the city has to offer, learn the traditions of another culture, feast on a scrumptious dinner, or enjoy the splendid views from the sea. Try out every activity on this list of bucket-list experiences in Dubai, UAE.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Sebanti, a dedicated writer and traveler, has extensively explored India and Europe, delving into both wild spaces and urban environments. Regularly contributing to online publications focused on...Read more

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