subject: The Great Outdoors In Dubai [print this page] If you like living life to the full and the thought of a week on the beach sends you into a deep slumber, then check out the action on land, sea and air. Adrenalin junkies can get their kicks through a variety of experiences. Shoot the breeze from 4,000 metres with a tandem freefall in Umm Al Quwain, less than an hour's drive from Dubai; or pop next door to the go-karting track
for a few laps closer to the ground. You can also take flying lessons at the local aeroclubs in Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain or, if you already have your pilot's licence, get in some additional flying hours through the Dubai Flying Association or Emirates Flying Association. If you prefer to simply be a passenger then sit back, relax and concentrate on capturing the experience on film with a sightseeing tour of Dubai by helicopter, or see the sun rise over the sand dunes from a hot air balloon.
More sedate adventurers can be at one with nature on a mountain trek in Ras Al Khaimah, which boasts some of the highest peaks in the country and panoramic scenery. Tailor-made trips for both beginners and seasoned trekkers are available through several local tour companies, but a basic degree of walking fitness is required. Put yourself in the hands of a seasoned guide and try an overnight trek to see an altogether different side of mountain life - the perfect antidote to the bright lights of the big city, and a uniquely memorable experience.
A less physically demanding alternative is a day's hiking in the foothills of the Hajjar mountains. Located close to the sleepy town of Hatta, it's enough activity to stretch those calf muscles but you'll make it home in time for dinner at your hotel. Trek through the dry wadis (river beds) at the foot of the mountains and cool off in one of the many freshwater rock pools that fill up in the cool winter months. For the ultimate in five-star trekking, the rock pools can also be reached by four-wheel drive.
The thrill of off-roading across unknown territory in a powerful 4X4 vehicle will satisfy the mosthardened adven turer's need, and is a great stress-buster. Ras Al Khaimah is renowned for its exciting offroad activity and it's a great way to explore the local environment and garner material for tales of derringdo for the folks back home. Water-based activities (perfect for the summer months) range from deep-sea fishing off the coast of Dubai to scuba diving in the crystal clear waters off the East Coast, where the marine life is truly spectacular, and you can swim with baby sharks, turtles and stingray.
The UAE's West Coast has a number of wreck dives for more experienced divers, where vessels have been deliberately sunk to form marine life havens with depths ranging from 12 to 80 metres. There are a number of recommended scuba diving companies operating on both coasts which offer scuba discovery courses as well as PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certification. Continue up the East Coast and into Omani waters and discover the imposing Musandam Peninsula with its soaring walls of rock, idyllic coves and plentiful marine life.
The diving here is unrivalled in the region, and in winter you can watch the graceful antics of schools of dolphin. The mangroves of Khor Kalba, close to Fujairah, are the oldest in Arabia and home to a wide variety of plant and marine life. A site for gentle canoeing excursions through the protected nature reserve, nature lovers - and birdwatchers in particular - will be amazed by the bird population that calls the mangrove forests home.Closer to Dubai, the Ras Al Khor Nature Reserve at the end of the Creek gives the opportunity to see the migrating flocks of pink flamingos at first hand, plus a wealth of other shore birds from the camouflaged bird hides - binoculars provided!
Watersports activities abound from the comfort of your own hotel beach, including deep-sea fishing, windsurfing, parasailing and the ubiquitous sunset cruise. On dry land you could find yourself horseback riding, clay pigeon shooting, hitting the bull's-eye with an archery session, splashing around in a waterpark, teeing off on a world-class golf course, or enjoying a uniquely wintery experience indoors at Ski Dubai,the region's only indoor ski slope. And the list continues to grow...
