When people think about Dubai, their minds turn to skyscrapers, shopping, and sand. A unique city that is close to both the water and desert, Dubai also features plenty of urban adventures.

If you are considering a vacation in a place where you have never been, then Dubai should be up there on your bucket list. Whether traveling alone, with friends, or with family, you can have the most incredible and awe-inspiring experiences in Dubai.

No other city in the world offers such a variety of high-quality, reasonably priced, and luxurious experiences. Below is our rundown of the top five unique things you can only do on vacation in Dubai.

1. Fly Over Dubai

One of the most incredible ways to experience this city is from high in the sky from the comfort of a private jet charter.

Dubai is expansive, and as you fly over it, you can gaze down on its souks, creeks, beaches, and malls and take in aerial views of the iconic skyscrapers and hotels. You can fly up and around the city for a couple of hours in a private jet, hot air balloon, or helicopter.

Such a trip is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience, making it one of the most sought-after activities in the city. Imagine getting the hawk’s eye view of Dubai from up high.

2. Visit Dubai Mall

Any item that you may want to buy, either for yourself or as a gift, is likely available at Dubai Mall. The entire shopping complex is one of the largest in the world, featuring artistic installations, a movie theater, big-name retailers, world-class restaurants, and much more.

If you spent a day outdoors in the desert heat or enjoyed a trip to the indoor slopes, the Dubai Mall offers the perfect escape. There is so much to do and see that even if you’re not in the mood for shopping, you and your family will find a host of entertainment options.

There are dozens of great restaurants in the Mall, with the only problem being which one to choose! The Mall is so big that you may not be able to cover it all in one day.

Credit: ZQ Lee, via Unsplash

3. Ziplining Through the Marina

Ziplining is not everyone’s cup of tea, but if you enjoy heights, then you can see Dubai from an entirely different perspective. The X-Line Dubai ziplines are a safe and thrilling way to experience this exciting city.

If you’re traveling solo, you can always enjoy the zipline experience on your own. There is also the option to buddy up with another person and go down together. Many of the ziplining experiences also offer a camera in the package, allowing you to record or photograph your entire experience.

4. Off-Roading in the Desert

A crucial aspect of getting the full Dubai experience is to book at least one off-roading adventure during your vacation. Whether you want to ride dune buggies or simply get in the back of a van and drive through the desert, off-roading is the quintessential Middle Eastern experience.

The desert can feel like an entirely different world from the glitz, glamor, and excess you notice when first arriving in Dubai. While you can experience the thrill of being in an urban jungle for the rest of your vacation, no visit to Dubai is complete without spending a few hours away from it.

Credit: Jakub David at Unsplash

5. Skiing and Water Adventures

The Aquaventure Water Park in Dubai is where the entire family can have a blast. The slides and pools are perfect for younger kids, while there are more adventurous rides for adults and older teens.

Aside from the usual waterpark activities, there is an incredible aquarium in the same area. If you or anyone else in your vacation party is a water park or marine enthusiast, they will love a trip to Aquaventure.

Skiing is another activity that promises a wonderful vacation experience in Dubai. Ski Dubai is an indoor ski resort offering all the amenities from the French Alps.

Experience the Vacation of a Lifetime

Vacations are meant to be moments in life that you will always cherish and come back to in the future. When reminiscing about past trips in 20 or 30 years, you are always likely to talk about those vacations you took to Dubai.

You will never run out of fun things to do in Dubai between the incredible shopping malls and boutiques, five-star restaurants, hotels, resorts, spas, and outdoor adventures.

Dubai is a city synonymous with luxury, yet its laidback lifestyle draws people back time and again. We hope the same goes for you!