by Ellie-M.

Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about 7 Experiences you can only have in Dubai.

Dubai is a world of its own. But it’s not just about shopping and sand. There are plenty of things to do in Dubai that will make your stay here truly unforgettable.

city skyline during night time
Photo by Ivan Siarbolin on Pexels.com

Dubai pretty well has it all: some of the most beautiful and luxurious hotels, miles and miles of pristine beaches, world-class shopping malls with every designer imaginable. 

But what makes Dubai truly unique are its adventures. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush or just want to get out on the water, there’s something for everyone in this desert oasis. 

You can experience everything from flying over the Dubai Marina to skydiving over a manmade island shaped like a palm tree!

Here are 7 experiences you can only have in Dubai:

7 Experiences you can only have in Dubai by Ellie-M

Watch the sunset twice

7 Experiences in Dubai
Photo by Aleksandar Pasaric from Pexels – Burj Khalifa at sunset

That’s right! If you watch the sunset from the bottom of the Burj Khalifa until it’s out of sight, and then hop on the elevator up to the 124th floor, you will actually get to witness the incredible sight of the sun setting twice. 

The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world, and it’s located right smack dab in Downtown Dubai.

The best time to visit is just before sunset so that you can witness the phenomenon of two sunsets in one day. 

Skydive over The Palm

7 Experiences in Dubai
Photo owned by Ellie of Ticking the List – skydiving over Palm Island

The Palm Island is one of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks. This man-made island was created in the shape of a palm tree and designed to be an oasis in the desert. The Palm Island is home to luxury hotels, shopping malls, and residential living spaces for thousands of people. And you can experience it all from above! 

If you’re looking for the ultimate bucket list experience in Dubai, then skydiving over the Palm Island is just the adrenaline activity for you. You’ll have a panoramic view of the Dubai skyline, including the Burj Khalifa, the Burj Al Arab and the Marina Towers. 

Of all the places to skydive, Dubai’s Palm Island is definitely one of the best views you could ask for. 

Ski Indoors

Ski Dubai is the largest indoor ski resort in the world. And it’s located in one of Dubai’s most popular shopping malls – Mall of the Emirates.

In Ski Dubai, you can enjoy an entire day on the slopes or even learn how to snowboard and ski – in the middle of a desert! If you’re looking for something to do during the warmer and humid months of the year, Ski Dubai will most definitely cool you down.

If skiing isn’t your thing, there are other winter sports you can enjoy at Ski Dubai; such as tobogganing, zorbing, meeting the resident penguins and sipping hot chocolate in the ice cafe. 

Ride the world’s longest urban zipline over Dubai Marina

Dubai X-Line is the world’s longest urban zipline, measuring over 1km in length. You can glide through the sky at speeds of up to 150 km/h while experiencing breathtaking views of Dubai Marina.

7 Experiences in Dubai
Image owned by Ellie of Ticking The List – Zipline over Dubai Marina

Not only will you get spectacular views of the marina, but before you begin the zipline, you’ll make your way to the 45th floor of one of JBR’s towers, where you’ll look out onto Bluewaters Island and the world’s largest observation wheel. 

I highly recommend doing this activity around sunset time. Dubai has some of the best sunset spots in the world. 

Dune bashing in the desert

If you’re looking for a fun and exciting way to experience the desert, then dune bashing is for you!

When many people think of Dubai, the first thing that comes to mind is luxury. Other people might think about shopping or skyscraper hotels, but it’s easy to forget that the city is built in the middle of the desert. 

7 Experiences in Dubai
Photo by Ellie of Ticking the List – Dune Bashing in the desert

Dune bashing is a thrilling desert experience that will take you deep into the heart of Dubai’s desert. You’ll get to enjoy high speeds over sand dunes, stopping vertically at the top and speeding back down the hills. 

Many of the dune bashing operators offer a full desert safari experience, which includes sand-boarding, buggy drives, camel rides and a meal at a traditional desert camp with fire breathers and belly dancers for entertainment. 

Ride the world’s largest observation wheel

Bluewaters Island is home to the world’s largest observation wheel. Ain Dubai stands at a height of around 250m and offers spectacular views of the Marina, Palm Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab.

Ain Dubai Observation Wheel
Photo by Ellie of Ticking the List – Ain Dubai Observation Wheel

If you’re looking for some luxury, you can rent a private pod and add on food and beverages to your ticket. 

Each ride on Ain Dubai lasts approximately 48 minutes.

Stay at a 7-star hotel

The Burj Al Arab is the world’s only 7-star hotel and is known for its iconic sail design.

Burj Al Arab Hotel
Photo by Ellie of Ticking the List – Burj Al Arab

The hotel stands tall on its own private island and offers panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf.

Sightings of celebrities, athletes and high profile public figures are not uncommon as they flock to this luxurious resort. 

While it may be a little (or a lot!) out of budget for most people, it is possible to visit the Burj Al Arab.

Unfortunately, in order to get into the hotel if you’re not a guest, you need to have a reservation at the spa or one of the restaurants.

Where to Stay

Booking.com

Final words

So there you have 7 of the most unique experiences you can have in Dubai. If you’re planning a trip in the near future, make sure you add some of these activities to your list! You can find more of our travel guides here.

About Ellie-M
Ellie is a travel blogger over at Ticking The List where she documents her epic Bucket List through her blog and shows others how to create their own bucket list. She has lived as an expat in Dubai for over 5 years and uses it as a base for her travels. Ticking The List is all about dreaming that dream and making your life exactly what you want it to be. You can follow her journey on Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest.