Where will your next active adventure take you? Discover these dynamic indoor and outdoor venues in the emirates.
The fitness community in the UAE will tell you that the cooler winter months are the perfect time to take your workouts beyond the gym and into the great outdoors. Whether it’s the scenic dunes, rugged mountains, lush wadis or man-made tracks rising out of the desert, the region offers endless possibilities for adventure. Moreover, with cutting-edge indoor facilities keeping the action going all year round, there’s no shortage of venues for thrill-seekers to indulge in their favourite sports.
As Dubai’s fitness enthusiasts gear up for the annual Dubai Fitness Challenge, we’ve gathered the top spots in the country where you can elevate your active routines to new heights.
Mountain biking: Hatta, Dubai
Hatta is known for its range of adventures, from hiking to kayaking through its scenic dam. Among its most popular pursuits are the mountain trails that wind through the stunning rugged landscape. The Hatta Mountain Bike Trail caters to all skill levels, from novices to experts, with four distinct routes marked by varying difficulties, from green for beginners to black for advanced riders. Cyclists can either rent a bike or bring their own to explore these trails, which are open 24/7 throughout the year and free to use.
Kitesurfing: Kite Beach, Dubai
Dubai's top beach for kitesurfing enthusiasts, this is the place to be if you're serious about riding the waves. The stretch of soft white sands, warm waters and reliable winds make this a favourable spot for beginners to gain confidence in their kite surfing skills and for advanced surfers to see how far they can go. Water sports fans can also try wakeboarding or stand-up paddleboarding, with high-quality equipment rentals readily available on the shore.
Hiking: Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah, the UAE's premier destination for outdoor adventures, boasts some of the country's most exceptional hiking trails, from the verdant wadis of Shawka Dam to the exhilarating Stairway to Heaven. But the ultimate hiking adventure is one that traverses the Jebel Jais – the UAE's highest mountain. A series of six designated trails, spanning a total of 16 kilometres around the mountain, caters to hikers of all experience levels, offering unique challenges across different segments of the mountain. The standout experience is the Via Ferrata, a one-kilometre trail at the base of Jebel Jais that safely guides non-expert climbers over 120 meters through a combination of scrambling routes, steps, ladders and zip lines.
Cycling: Al Qudra, Dubai
If you see a Dubai resident heading out with a bike before sunrise on the weekend, they’re likely headed to the Al Qudra Cycling Track. This 86-kilometre path, which appears to emerge from the desert, offers stunning views, especially at sunrise and sunset, along with the chance to spot local wildlife along the way. Favoured by both elite cyclists and casual riders, the track features several rest stops, benches and shaded areas under ghaf trees for riders to refuel.
Ice skating: Dubai Ice Rink
Offering a unique twist to active pursuits, this Olympic-sized ice rink at Dubai Mall is suitable for both – the young and the young at heart. Although beginners might find it challenging at first, the programmes are well-designed to help them master ice skating. Advanced skaters will find the rink ideal for honing their skills. Additionally, the rink can also be rented for a game of ice hockey or broomball – adding an element of exciting competition to the mix.
Skiing: Ski Dubai
Only in Dubai can you experience the thrill of skiing all year round in a desert, thanks to Ski Dubai – the region's first indoor skiing facility. Located inside the Mall of the Emirates, this unique destination allows you to slide down the slopes while watching shoppers stroll by the windows. At the onsite Ski Academy, beginners can enrol in group or private lessons, while ski camps are also available to help enthusiasts level up their game.
Diving: Deep Dive Dubai
At this 60.02-metre-deep indoor diving facility (certified as the world's deepest swimming pool for diving by Guinness World Records), underwater adventures get a whole new meaning. While its remarkable depth makes it a great spot to try everything from shallow diving to scuba diving as well as free diving, its unique underwater features make the experience exhilarating. Divers can explore the depths to find a sunken city, an abandoned urban landscape and more using the facility's state-of-the-art equipment.
Rock climbing: Clymb Abu Dhabi
This adventure hub on Yas Island boasts the world's tallest indoor climbing wall. Towering at an impressive 141 feet, The Summyt™ presents a formidable challenge for advanced rock climbers, allowing you to climb at your own pace or compete against fellow enthusiasts. For those not quite ready for the ultimate test, there are four additional walls of varying heights, ranging from three to 22 meters, offering a variety of climbing experiences.
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