Generally, Dubai is talked about due to its reputation for biggest-in-the-world structures, luxury living, and glamorous locals. For this reason, you may have heard about some of the crazier aspects of the city-state.

However, that isn’t all that Dubai has to offer. In addition to the spectacular city, Dubai also has plenty of activities for those who prefer to experience more of the natural world.

If you are a nature lover looking to head to Dubai, here are the five best sea, sky and desert experiences to try.

1. Check an overnight camel safari off your bucket list:

The most obvious (and most sought-after) desert experience in Dubai has to be an overnight camel safari. This unique excursion is a remarkable way of learning more about and from the UAE sands and Bedouin culture. After all, most likely, you don’t have this type of culture nor ecosystem close to where you live, which makes it almost essential to experience.

On a Dubai overnight camel safari, you will be involved in a wide array of activities, such as dune bashing, quad biking, camel riding, watching belly dancers, smoking shisha, and enjoying an Emirati dinner under Arabian tents.

2. Ride a hot air balloon over the desert:

For a more memorable way of seeing the expansive desert, consider taking a hot air balloon desert safari. From high up in the air, you get an unmatchable view of the natural beauty that surrounds Dubai, such as the emerald green desert springs, sand hills and, of course, wandering camels, gazelles and the oryx.

If the alarm clock doesn’t scare you off too much, the ultimate experience is to be flying over the desert while dawn is breaking. In other words, get up early, drink a cup of coffee, and greet the new day while in a hot air balloon.

If you opt to visit the top desert resort in Dubai, then they will be able to give you plenty of recommendations and local tips for where to get your fair share of adventure in the Arabian desert.

3. Take a day trip to Hatta:

If you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Dubai for a little while, then a day trip to Hatta may be precisely what the doctor ordered. Locals and visitors alike enjoy driving about an hour to experience the beauty of Hatta.

If you are a nature lover, Hatta will be a dream. Spend time around the natural pools of turquoise water, realize how small you are when looking up at the rocky mountains, and push your body in water activities such as paddleboarding and kayaking.

4. Zipline over the Dubai Fountain:

For those who are fans of remarkably exhilarating experiences (and also enjoy being in the air), then opting to go ziplining over the Dubai Fountain should undoubtedly be a part of your itinerary.

This particular zipline is located in the center of Downtown Dubai and over the Dubai Fountain, the world’s largest choreographed fountain system. You will observe the vibrancy of this Emirate from an entirely different vantage point from that of most people who visit.

Additionally, there is another breathtaking zipline ride over the Dubai Marina. Keep in mind that this one is twice the distance, and therefore has you up in the air for double the time!

5. Visit an indoor rainforest:

Dubai likes to make the impossible feel possible, and they have indeed achieved that with The Green Planet, an indoor rainforest. After all, would you have ever imagined being able to see one of the world’s most complex ecosystems in the center of urban Dubai? Because you can!

Travelers who choose to spend some time in The Green Planet will be rewarded with the ability to see over 3,000 species of animals and plants from around the world, as well as learning plenty from the informational set-up.

These are all certainly a must for all nature-lovers visiting Dubai!

Have you ever been to Dubai? Are you planning a trip there? What are some of the experiences you are most excited about while there? Let us know in the comments below!

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AUTHOR BIO:

Thomas Grundner is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for JA Resorts & Hotels. He has more than 20 years of expertise in the hospitality and leisure industry – across international markets including Germany, Egypt and Spain. Grundner oversees all sales, marketing and revenue efforts as the company continues to build on its key growth and development strategies and further cultivates its unique blend of “Heartfelt Hospitality” and “Casual Luxury.”