It’s a city known for excess, home to the world’s tallest building (the 2,722ft Burj Khalifa), biggest mall (the 12m sqft Dubai Mall) and deepest swimming pool (the 60m Deep Dive Dubai). But away from the hotels decked out in gold leaf and the cocktails priced at 2,400AED (£525 / $654 / 622 Euro), Dubai also boasts some equally jaw-dropping natural riches. Jump in your hire car (we’d recommend an SUV) and head out of town to be wowed all over again.
- Swap your room key for some tent pegs at a desert campsite.
You’ll have to forgo your complementary buffet breakfast but if you want to wake up to sunrise over sand dunes and fall sleep to the sound of…absolutely nothing at all, a desert camping trip is a must. Liwa, in the vast expanse of Dubai’s Empty Quarter is the ultimate place to get off-grid, with nothing but miles of sand wherever you look. If that’s a little too remote for you, head to tranquil Al Dhafra Beach, where you can enjoy close-up views of turtles and other marine life as well as getting stuck into some of the best kayaking and snorkelling around.
- Channel your inner Bear Grylls on a mountain survival workshop
Would you know what to do if you became stranded in a harsh outdoor environment? Could you make a fire? How about navigating a way out? In complete contrast to the ritzy hotels and bars of central Dubai, a number of hands-on day courses take participants out into the wilderness to learn everything from survival psychology to what to pack in an emergency kit. You’ll learn how to make a shelter, send emergency signalling and find a source of water. OK, you’ll probably never need any of it but think how impressed your friends will be next time you go camping.
- Get up close and personal with flamingos at a tranquil nature reserve.
It’s hard to believe the Ras Al Khor wetlands are just a few metres from the buzz of downtown Dubai. Step into this extensive reserve and you’ll find a peaceful oasis where flamingos, grey herons, great egrets, cormorants, sandpipers and many more birds flutter and strut. The wetland spans 6.2sqm and includes mangroves, mudflats and saltflats where the birds make their habitats. Hole up in one of three bird hides and spend a relaxing afternoon surrounded by nature before heading back to the manmade splendour of the city.
Raring to go? You’ll be on the road in no time when you book your UAE rental car in advance for collection at Dubai airport.