Dubai

Dubai is an excellent place to get active. Outside the summer season (from late September to June), it has balmy weather that's ideal for outdoor activities, white sand beaches, dramatic landscapes, and residents with a spirit for adventure.

Despite its luxurious reputation, Dubai can provide a very active holiday. Most sports revolve around the beaches, and range from the mild (stand-up paddle boarding) to the extreme (shark diving and fly-boarding). The desert oases offer opportunities to trek through moon-scape mountains, or, if you prefer to stick to the sands, dune bashing, endurance horseback riding, and cycling. Even at the peak of summer, there are many indoor options to keep the traveler moving.

Major sporting events punctuate the Dubai calendar. The government has been proactive in investing in athletic facilities and high-prize competitions to attract sports stars at the peak of their game, particularly in golf and tennis and Formula One. The elite sports of horse racing and polo are also very popular, and with Pakistan using Dubai for many home games, there's often an international cricket match to see.

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  • Airplane and Helicopter Flights

    Helicopter Tour Dubai. The first luxury helicopter tour in Dubai offers packages ranging from a quick 15-minute look-see over the Palm Jumeirah...

  • Boat Charters

    There are three reasons people charter boats in Dubai: to tour, to fish, or to party. Boats can be rented in almost any size, from four-person...

  • Cricket

    Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The Dubai International Cricket Stadium is known for its thrilling T20 matches, fast-paced games with...

  • Diving and Snorkeling

    Scuba diving and snorkeling are very popular in Dubai; the water is warm enough to swim without a wetsuit, and some of the sites are easily...

  • Equestrian

    Dubai Horse Racing Carnival. The Dubai racing carnival runs from November to March, and culminates in the Dubai World Cup, which, although...

  • Extreme Sports

    There are lots of sporting activities in Dubai that are definitely for those who want at least a little adrenaline hit, with varying levels...

  • Golf

    Dubai is the center of golfing in the Arab world. Despite the arid conditions, courses are kept in immaculate condition and are appreciated...

  • Hot-air Ballooning

    You'll have to start very early while the air is cool and conditions are at their most benign (flights are not available mid-summer), but this...

  • Rugby

    The DP World Tour Championship . Starting in 2009, the DP World Tour Championship is the final of the European Tour Race to Dubai. The tour...

  • Sailing and Windsurfing

    Dubai has benign waters, and winds follow a set predictable patterns for most of the year. These conditions are perfect for sailing and even...

  • Snow Sports

    Snow in the desert? Why not? Dubai is known for refusing to attempt the impossible, and have made sure there are subzero activities indoors...

  • Surfing

    There are three very popular water board sports in Dubai—surfing, kite surfing, and SUP (stand-up paddleboarding). Even in the depths of summer...

  • Tennis

    Tennis is a popular sport in the UAE; most of the major resort hotels have tennis facilities as do many fitness centers. The following list...