If you are moving to the United Arab Emirates, you can rest assured that there are various leisure activities you can enjoy. These may vary depending on where you are in the UAE, but in each emirate, you should be able to find certain types of attractions to satisfy you.
The United Arab Emirates has a convenient location and a landscape filled with natural beauty. Its history and rich cultural diversity make the UAE a country where you can have an entertaining lifestyle. Indeed, each of the seven emirates has something special to offer, especially the city of Dubai, which is brimming with leisure facilities of all kinds.
In short, there is a bit of everything to please everyone. Whether you prefer lounging by the swimming pool of a luxury resort, having some fun family time at a theme park, exploring the desert, or engaging in some sports activities, there are plenty of options to keep boredom at bay.
Theme parks in the UAE
The United Arab Emirates has an array of amusement parks, including world-famous ones. For lovers of cars and speed, you will enjoy Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi. As the name suggests, this theme park is all about the Italian car manufacturer. It also has the world's fastest rollercoaster.
For something less thrilling yet fun for the whole family, there's Hili Fun City, a family park with 28 types of activities for all ages and all tastes. There are movie theatres, picnic and play areas, carousels, and circus trains. One of its best features is the famous Flying Clowns ride, where you can experience soaring through the air in colorful carts. This theme park has even been dubbed the Disneyland of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries!
In Dubai, you can also visit the Wild Wadi Water Park, which has many water attractions for both adults and children.
Other themed parks throughout the emirates include the Yas Waterworld, which has the world's largest sheet wave, and IMG Worlds of Adventure.
Sports in the UAE
There are plenty of options for sports lovers. Water sports such as diving, swimming, surfing, sailing, and jet skiing are the most popular ones. These can be refreshing, especially during the hot months. In Fujairah, you can indulge in some scuba diving fun near Snoopy Island and discover the undersea world of coral reefs, stingrays, and sea turtles. Sometimes, you can even see sharks and whales.
If you prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground, you can play tennis, golf, basketball, or soccer. In many residential buildings or around, there are parks or running tracks where you can jog or run a mini-marathon.
World-class sporting events, such as the Grand Prix and other international events, are held regularly in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Check the UAE's yearly calendar to catch them.
Desert activities in the UAE
If you want to experience life in the desert, you can do so on a desert safari (best with a guide and experienced driver). You can slide down the dunes by skiing or sandboarding. You can also fly over the desert aboard a hot air balloon for a more romantic experience. It is also possible to go for camel or horse rides through the desert. Some companies take you to experience camping in the desert, which makes for a great getaway.
Skiing in the UAE
It might seem surprising to do that in such a hot country, but nothing is impossible in the UAE! The city of Dubai has a ski resort with five tracks with different difficulty levels. The largest runway is about 400 meters long: the temperature is around −1ºC, and you will find dry ice and lead-grey skies as if you were at the top of the highest snowy mountains. This attraction, Ski Dubai, is located inside the Mall of Emirates. They have ski gear for hire, in case you did not ship those with you to your new home!
If you're not a fan of skiing but would still like to have fun in the snow, head over to Snow Abu Dhabi's Snow Park, which is filled with rides and activities.
Cruises in the UAE
If you fancy a maritime journey, you can cruise on the Dubai or Abu Dhabi Creeks, where you can find traditional boats called “dhows”. For a more elegant experience, yacht cruises are available, with the option of taking a cruise while enjoying fine dining on board.
Shopping in the UAE
The United Arab Emirates, particularly Dubai, is known to be a haven for shopping enthusiasts. The region has millions of visitors from around the world who shop there. A lot of malls offer shops of all types (clothing, gifts, electronics, homeware), as well as excellent cafés, restaurants, and spas. Some great places for shopping include Global Village, Burjuman Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Abu Dhabi Mall, Wafi Shopping Centre, and Dubai Mall, to name a few.
Cultural activities in the UAE
The United Arab Emirates is a region filled with history that spans thousands of years. It is worth visiting the museums available, or even some of the mosques, for a deeper understanding of the Emirati culture. You can visit the Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque, the Jumeirah Mosque, or the Heritage Village. You may also wish to visit the oasis of Al-Ain — a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Good to know:
Remember to dress modestly if you plan to visit one of the mosques. Women must cover their hair and shoulders. Both men and women should avoid wearing shorts, and any visible tattoos should be covered.
Dining out in the UAE
The UAE is home to the finest restaurants from whatever your budget or your tastebuds prefer. A lot of popular restaurant chains from all over the world have set up branches in the country, which is why expats are spoilt for choice. Furthermore, the UAE is well-known for its world-class hotels and restaurants, which is why brunches and dining choices are countless if you prefer fine dining. Famous chefs from the US and the UK also have restaurants in Dubai, and tourists flock to sample what these chefs have to offer. Various brunches and buffets are also offered regularly, so if you want to try these delicious cuisines, just check with the hotel or restaurant of your choice.
Expat events in the UAE
If you wish to make more friends among the expat community, feel free to join the expat events in your area. You can find them on expat forums and on websites such as Meetup.com. You can also browse the internet for social networking events that connect you with other expats in the UAE. Some groups host women-only events.
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