It was the end of a long day at work, when I was sitting on my sofa, going through my emails. A cool breeze entered through my open windows and my wind chimes started to clatter. I looked out and saw a fresh drizzle of rain. I smiled and said to myself “Hello Winter! I have so missed you!”

Finally, it’s that amazing time in the year when I can wear my jacket and stoles. It’s the time to manically start planning outdoor activities. After all, we are blessed with a short and sweet 4-5 month winter so we may as well make use of every single weekend.

I tried desperately to go back to my emails but my mind was too busy planning activities. So I listed out all the fun things I want to do outdoors with my family and friends.

First on our list was a desert camping weekend with friends and family. I often take friends who are visiting from India there too. Driving through the eastern Hajar Mountains and wadis has a thrill of its own. These are things that are so unique to this part of the world; to be in the midst of a desert, with tented camps and all the ‘luxuries’ we need to ‘rough it out’. Horse riding into the sunset on a sandy desert is also something that can bring an amazing calm so I highly recommend it.

While I love the desert, I also enjoy being by the beach. There’s something very soothing and romantic about having a sundowner in the company of loved ones as the sun gently dips into the ocean.

Winter is also the time to really get sporty. I never thought I’d ride a quad bike so effortlessly, and I’m a pro now. Riding them on the dunes is such a thrill. And just as thrilling is stand-up paddling which you can do at Jebel Ali Hotel. That’s something I have not yet tried but intend to soon. Kite surfing, fly boarding, jet skiing and even scuba diving are all on my list of fun water sports that I want to experience this winter.

More activities on my list of things to do is paragliding and taking a leap of faith. The adrenaline pumping feeling of free falling into the light blue skies over the imposing Palm Jumeirah can be thrilling and terrifying at the same time. But it’s a challenge I pose to myself and I strongly recommend this to all adrenaline junkies.

And for something less insane, you can try a hot-air balloon ride. There are so many other activities that one can do in case you do not want to be mid-air — such as paint-balling and shooting.

That is surely a long list of activities; hopefully there are enough weekends to do it all. Everyone has been eagerly waiting to get active outdoors and now is surely the best time. So go on and have a great time, but a word of caution — always inform someone of your adventure and keep yourself safe. Also keep the city clean by clearing away your trash. Be responsible towards yourself and your city. Happy Winter!