Travel UAE

Tag: sport

  • Leem Lake and Al Wadi Park, Hatta

    Leem Lake and Al Wadi Park, Hatta

    There are two parks in Hatta, Leem Lake, and Al Wadi Park, which are close together.

    At Leem Lake, you can enjoy the serene waters by renting a kayak. During winter, the Hatta Winter Festival transforms the park into a lively hub with festive decorations, local market stalls, and cultural performances.

    Al Wadi Park is located nearby and suitable for nature lovers and families. With its lush greenery, shaded walking paths, and open spaces, it’s perfect for picnics, strolls, or letting children play in a safe and calm environment. The peaceful surroundings make it a great spot to unwind after exploring the activities at Hatta Lake.

    GPS: 24.815268, 56.131061
    Google Maps
    Photos

  • Meydan dx bike cycle track

    Meydan dx bike cycle track

    Meydan DxBike is a small cycling cluster designed for recreation, featuring a food court, a pump track, and a reasonably extensive cycling route with views of downtown Dubai.

    Along the route, you’ll encounter areas with heavy construction and parts where the track runs alongside traffic-filled roads. However, overall, it’s a pleasant experience, especially for those who prefer not to cycle through the desert (as some other cycling tracks are located there).

    The venue offers parking, bike rentals, and various snack spots. Many people gather here around sunset, often in large numbers, to relax and enjoy the park.

    GPS: 25.148953, 55.286391
    Google Maps
    Photos

  • Jet Ski

    Jet Ski

    There are numerous rental points along Dubai’s coastline. At JBR Beach, you can take a so-called safari tour for an hour around Palm Island—there and back. However, this leaves almost no time for free riding. If you want more freedom, consider renting for 30 minutes to an hour and enjoying the thrill on the water. Opt for morning hours and windless days for smooth conditions, as speeding over glassy water is an unforgettable adrenaline rush.

    GPS: 25.074055, 55.127345
    Photos: 1, 2

  • Desert Buggy Safari

    Desert Buggy Safari

    In the local deserts, you can find a variety of activities: camel riding, jeep rides, buggy rides, sandboarding (snowboarding on dunes), tea time at sunset, camping, and more.

    I went on a buggy ride in the Al Madam Desert with the Red Sand Desert company (their kiosks were once found almost everywhere in Dubai’s tourist areas). You can take a buggy for one person or two or rent an ATV. They provide a mask to protect your eyes from sand, but I found my sunglasses sufficient. Wearing a head covering is recommended, which you can buy on-site.

    The dunes, sands, and landscape are stunning. The buggy tour is not thrilling, as you ride strictly in a convoy along a set route with no room for deviation—no drifting or off-roading. Book those specific tours and clarify this with your guide if you want freeride and more freedom. Otherwise, the experience will feel like being on a “train on rails.” There’s one major stop along the way where you can take many “desert” photos.

    GPS: 24.952452, 55.718704
    Google Maps
    Photos: 1, 2

  • Hatta Dam

    Hatta Dam

    In the mountain town of Hatta, located about 1.5 hours drive from Dubai, there’s a lake (distinct from another artificial lake, Hatta Lake, which I haven’t visited yet — don’t confuse the two) and the well-known Hatta Dam. The town itself is being developed into a tourist hub, though I haven’t had the chance to explore what’s currently on offer entirely. For now, let me tell you about the lake.

    There’s an extensive cycling path throughout the town, though, as is often the case here, it abruptly ends at parking lots, bus stops, or intersections. It may not be the most thrilling activity even when it officially opens.

    Starting at 8 a.m., you can rent various watercraft, ranging from kayaks (where you paddle yourself) to electric-powered boats. Remember that paddling against the wind on breezy days can be tiring.

    The lake is quite large, and it took me about 1.5 hours to kayak around its perimeter. I also explored the “far shore,” specifically the valley and riverbed where water flows into the lake. Pontoons on the shore are convenient for docking and stretching your legs after extended paddling.

    Hatta Dam is much more interesting than Al Rafisah Dam, mainly because the surrounding area has significantly less human activity. In the early morning, during calm weather, you can experience complete peace and silence — except for the ongoing hydroelectric facility construction. This lake is being developed into a hydropower station. The lake is more extensive, with a more winding shoreline, making it exciting to explore every hidden corner.

    The place is very popular, so for a serene experience, I recommend arriving as early as possible. There’s no need to worry about boat availability — they have plenty. If boating isn’t your thing, standing on the dam and soaking in the views can be just as enjoyable. Alternatively, you can explore the hiking trails in the area.

    You’ll find restrooms and food outlets at the large parking lot below the dam. There’s even an option to ride horses if you want something different. No more parking near the dam. Now there is a park/rest area. A car park is now located before reaching the dam. Then, use a shuttle or walk on foot.

    GPS: 24.784474, 56.116087
    Google Maps
    Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4

  • Jubail Mangrove Park

    Jubail Mangrove Park

    Mangrove Park is a park set in a mangrove forest. Mangroves grow in tropical shallow waters, and in this area of the UAE, they resemble shrubs up to 3 meters tall. Wooden walkways have been built right through the mangroves, offering a circular walking route that takes about 40 minutes. Entry is paid, and there’s a café and restrooms available.

    However, I highly recommend skipping the walk and renting a kayak instead. For an easier option, a motorized Dragon Boat holds about 10 people. But with a kayak, you’ll paddle through waters barely 10 cm deep, navigate narrow channels, and even pass directly through the mangroves in search of large crabs and other wildlife.

    In my case, the kayaking session lasted 2 hours (even though they initially mentioned 1). Groups depart every hour, and free exploration is not allowed. During the trip, you’ll get to paddle beyond the mangrove forest and even land on a small island. The guide speaks English and is very enthusiastic about engaging in conversation.

    GPS: 24.545016, 54.485513
    Google Maps
    Photos: 1, 2, 3

  • Kitesurfing

    Kitesurfing

    The Emirates is not a mecca for kitesurfing. However, there’s the sea, beaches, and occasional winds, so there are many riders. During the winter months, the wind blows for a couple of consecutive days once every 2–3 weeks. From July to October, there’s nothing to catch at all. Autumn and spring are hit or miss, but you can ride pretty often if you have a large kite. In winter, you can ride with a 9-meter kite, but on average, 12, 15, and 17-meter kites are more common for twin tips—or foil boards. The wind is predominantly northwesterly, usually onshore or cross-onshore at the spots. If the wind is offshore (I’ve never ridden in such conditions), it’s said to be very gusty. Moreover, in such cases, the air is filled with dust blown from the desert.

    Within Dubai, there are spots like Kite Beach and NessNass Beach. A bit farther away is Jebel Ali Beach. Near Abu Dhabi, there’s a spot on Yas Island. You can find Al Quwain Beach opposite Dubai. Less popular but more interesting in terms of wind are spots closer to Qatar, such as Ruwais, because that area falls within the “wind window” of the Persian Gulf. When there’s no wind in Dubai, there’s usually wind in Ruwais. However, it’s 350 km from Dubai. Most beaches are sandy, so you don’t need shoes. On Yas, there may be shells, rocks, and the like. You might not hurt your feet walking barefoot, but you should be cautious with your gear. There are no kite stations. Recently, the authorities officially opened a kite beach on Yas and claimed that there were even “green mats” on the beach. I haven’t been there yet to see these updates for myself.

    Photos: 1, 2, 3