1) Swim among the sharks at the Dubai Aquarium
Face your deepest fears at the Dubai Aquarium, surrounded by the world’s largest colony of sand tiger sharks! This massive 10 million liter tank is home to over 33,000 aquatic species, including a rainbow mix of stingrays and reef fish.
If you’re open water certified, you can take a shark dive (Dh790, about S$297, including equipment rental and insurance) where you’ll rub shoulders with sand tigers, zebras, nurse sharks and more.
No dive license, no problem – you can still safely approach the ocean’s biggest predator from behind the bars of a dive cage (Dh620, about S$233). If that’s too tame for you, try the Shark Encounter (Dhs630, about S$236), where you’ll stay in the cage during a fierce feeding frenzy! ?
Admission: Shark Walker 620 dirhams (approx. S$233)
Opening hours: 10am – 2am (experience times vary; each session lasts 30 minutes)
How to get there: Take the metro or public bus 27 (from Deira Gold Market Station) or 29 (from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station) to Dubai Mall. The Dubai Aquarium is located on the ground floor
2) Skydive Jumeirah Palm Island
Freefall at over 190 km/h over the “Eighth Wonder of the World”, the epic man-made island of Palm Jumeirah. Whether it’s your first time skydiving or you’re already familiar with the skies, don’t miss the chance to fly in one of the best skydiving locations in the world.
At Skydive Dubai, skydive for two into the desert (Dh1,699, approx. S$638) or at The Palm Jumeirah (Dh2,199, approx. S$826) for breathtaking views of Dubai’s breathtaking skyline. A solo skydiver will record your entire jump, so remember to smile!
This is a very popular activity, so book your place in the air at least one month in advance.
Cost: Dhs2199 (approx. S$826)
Opening hours: 10am to sunset (times vary)
How to get there: Take the Red Line to Damac Properties, then take the T1 tram to Marina Tower, walk about 1.7 km
3) Sand Dunes
Embark on a safari adventure in the Dubai desert with an exhilarating dune bashing tour in a 4×4 vehicle.
The ride is smooth all the way from the hotel transfer to the desert entrance. During the quick pit stop, the tires are deflated in preparation for the dunes. This is also the time to buckle up and hold on tight, because that’s where the ride really begins.
Jump down super steep dunes (sometimes you can’t even see the bottom!) in a heart-pounding 25-minute ride ), then drift dangerously close to tipping over. It’s a different type of roller coaster and definitely a must try, although those with motion sickness should probably have some medication on hand!
If you want to feel the adrenaline rush in the driver’s seat, you can drive a dune buggy (Dh730, about S$274, including hotel transfers) through the desert!
Cost: approx. S$43.90 per person, including round trip transfer, camel ride and passage through Klook
Transfer time: 2:30pm to 3:15pm (check with driver for time)
4) Camel ride through the desert safari
Complete your safari adventure with a camel ride on the Desert Boat. Riding on a camel does feel like sailing on the sea – as the front and hind legs on both sides move simultaneously, and your entire body undulates with each step forward.
Afterwards, look forward to a traditional Middle Eastern dinner at an open-air Bedouin camp while enjoying cultural performances such as Tanoura performances and belly dancing. You can also share a hookah pipe and receive complimentary henna painting.
