Things to do in Dubai: Beaches, Hatta, and the desert

With more pleasant temperatures, Dubai opens up many more possibilities for spending time outdoors. This is the perfect time for beaches, sports, trips, and spots that you will enjoy most at this time of year.

J1 Beach

J1 Beach is a great choice when you want to spend a day by the sea while also enjoying a good meal. Along the coast, you will find luxury restaurants and premium beach clubs, including the largest beach club in the world. The gastronomy here is international, ranging from Italian cuisine at Gigi Rigolatto and modern Mexican at Gitano to East Asian menus at Bâoli or seafood dishes at Sakhalin.

Many establishments have their own beach, pool, or terrace, so you can stay here until the evening. For the most popular spots, it is worth booking in advance, especially on weekends.

Kite Beach

Kite Beach is a popular spot for walking, running, and relaxing by the sea. A long running track leads along the coast, and there is no shortage of beach volleyball courts or snack bars and cafes. If you want to be more active, you can try kitesurfing, wakeboarding, or paddleboarding.

Hatta

Hatta is located about 90 minutes from the center of Dubai and is one of the places worth visiting for a full day. The biggest attraction is Hatta Dam, where you can rent a kayak and ride across the calm surface between the rocky slopes of the Hajar Mountains.

If you want a more active day, Hatta also has marked hiking trails, mountain bike paths, and Hatta Wadi Hub with other sports activities. You can easily combine kayaking with a short hike or a few hours in the mountains.

The Desert

People often head out to the desert in the late afternoon. A more relaxed option is a stop for coffee, dinner, or a picnic among the dunes. Those who want a more active program can head to the Lahbab area, known for its red sand. This is where you can ride quad bikes and buggies, or enjoy off-road driving and sandboarding.

Al Qudra

The best time to head to Al Qudra is early in the morning. The asphalt track leads directly through the desert between the dunes, and with a bit of luck, you might spot gazelles or Arabian oryx. The main loop is 86 kilometers long, but you don't have to do the whole thing; you can easily choose a shorter section. If you don't have your own bike, you can rent one right by the track. Al Qudra is therefore not just for experienced cyclists, but also for those who want a shorter ride through the desert.

XLine and Skydive Dubai

If you want to add more adrenaline, you can try the XLine in Dubai Marina or a tandem skydive with Skydive Dubai. The XLine runs for a kilometer over the marina, starting at a height of 170 meters, and you can reach speeds of up to 80 km/h during the ride. It also offers a different perspective of the Marina, which most people only know from the promenade.

A tandem skydive takes the experience even further. During freefall, you reach speeds of over 200 km/h, and the coastline and the entire shape of Palm Jumeirah open up before you from high above. This view is exactly what makes Skydive Dubai one of the most iconic activities in the city.

Dubai Safari Park

Dubai also has an extensive safari park, where part of the grounds is toured by safari vehicle. During the approximately 35-minute Explorer Safari Tour, you will see more than 35 species of animals, including lions, tigers, and rhinos. In total, nearly 3,000 animals live in the park, divided into several zones focused on, for example, African, Asian, or Arabian fauna. If you have children, the Kids Farm, giraffe and lemur feedings, or the bird of prey program are definitely worth checking out. The Safari Park can be a great choice for a family day out away from the classic beaches and attractions.

Ripe Market

On weekends, Academy Park transforms into an open-air market featuring local brands, farm products, food, and creations from small designers. Ripe Market has been operating here for 15 years and is one of the places residents regularly return to during the season.

Shopping is complemented by live music, sports and wellness programs, or activities for children. Feel free to come by for breakfast, browse the stalls, and stay a while in the park.