The brilliant thing about living in the UAE is that you get two slices of life – the upbeat urban city life and the great outdoors.
And if you’re into outdoor adventure, there are several brand-new activities that have recently opened.
From luxury desert camping to a new Sky Maze of the tallest mountain in the UAE, we’re spoilt for choice. Check out what to put on your to-do list and get on out there.
And, if you fancy going a little off-track for more of a DIY desert camping experience, we’ve got you covered in our essential guide to camping throughout the UAE.
(Although, if you’re after a more glamorous camping experience, click here).
Sonara Camp
Sonara Camp has launched desert dune tents for glammed up overnight stays in a completely untouched part of the Dubai desert, offering up the opportunity to dine and sleep in purely nomadic surroundings. For Dhs1,500, you’ll get a night in a nomadic tent out on the dunes, as well as breakfast the following morning. As for activities, expect camel rides, sandboarding, falconry shows, stargazing and more. Click here for more info.
Dhs1,500 (per tent per night), Dhs860 (dining experience per person). Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Al Ain Road, www.nara.ae (050 336 7909).
Laguna Waterpark Dubai
It’s the sleepover we’ve always dreamed about when we we’re little and not wanting to leave a waterpark, but now Laguna Waterpark Dubai is making it come true. La Mer’s buzzing waterpark is set to launch The Camp, the region’s first-ever overnight camping experience located within a waterpark. We’re excited. Taking place every Thursday and Friday, the overnight stay kicks off at 5pm, where campers can head straight to the slides, hit up the WaveOZ 180 FlowRider, or choose to tuck into a unlimited barbecue offering everything from burgers to flame-grilled chicken – until 10pm. Find out all about it right here.
Dhs700 (tent for two), Dhs1,200 (tent for four). Every Thu and Fri, 5pm (check-in); 10am (check-out). Laguna Waterpark, Central La Mer, www.lagunawaterpark.com/en/the-camp.
Jais Adventure Peak
Think you’ve already conquered the world’s longest zipline at Jebel Jais? There are now plenty more reasons to head up to the UAE’s highest mountain. The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority has officially launched Jais Adventure Peak, a new collection of adventure attractions that includes more ziplines, a viewing deck, adventure centre and an all-new Sky Maze. The attraction features the world’s longest zipline, Jebel Jais Flight, the recently launched seven zipline Jais Sky Tour and a Jebel Jais Viewing Deck Park to check out the scenery. Check it all out right here.
Open Wed-Sun, 9.30am-5.30pm (Sky Maze); Open Wed-Sun 10am-6pm (Sky Tour); Wed-Sun 9am-5pm (Jebel Jais Flight). Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah, www.visitjebeljais.com (050 265 6224).
Jebel Hafeet Desert Park
Historical treasures, camping experiences and more, that’s what this new desert park offers. In Al Ain, at the foot of Abu Dhabi’s highest peak, the Jebel Hafeet Desert Park is the perfect place to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site. the Desert Park allows you the chance to explore historic remains from the Neolithic period and 5,000-year-old Bronze Age tombs. A host of archaeological attractions scattered across the park give you the chance to understand life in the region thousands of years ago. For more info, click here.
Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain, www.jebelhafitdesertpark.ae.
