All the cool, fun activities you’ve missed in the UAE in the last 6 months

DUBAI BUTTERFLY PARK: Dubai Butterfly Park is a fascinating all-year-old must-visit destination in Dubai. It’s was added to The Dubai Miracle Garden (which in itself is also a not-to-missed Dubai destination, open during the winter months). The butterfly garden is the world's largest and region's first butterfly centre.

JEBEL JAIS FLIGHT: This is the world's longest zip line. It is 2.8-km long – the length of 28 football fields. It is located in Jebel Jais, the UAE’s tallest mountain, in Ras Al Khaimah, the emirate that is looking to become the hub for adventure sports in the Middle East.

XLINE DUBAI MARINA: This is the world's longest urban zipline and the only zipline inside the city. This 16-degree zip line ride zooms through skyscrapers and over the marina, allowing you to make the most out of your day in Dubai without having to leave the city.

HOT AIR BALLOON: See Dubai from the skies while hot air ballooning. This is a unique experience that takes you through a journey over the sands of the emirate. You get to float over the desert at 4,000ft, witness the world's first in-flight falcon show and traverse the desert in museum-quality vintage 4x4s.

THE TEPFACTOR DUBAI: This offers an urban adventure experience, where you can challenge your team (or kids), discover your inner strength and willpower. There are 21 Challenges in 4 Categories.

XTRIKE: This is an action-packed destination. Xstrike Dubai offers indoor activities, where you can experience the adrenaline-pumping atmosphere of a real-life battlefield. Some fans describe it as "laser tag on steroids". The destination promises loads of fun.

FERRARI WORLD ABU DHABI: It’s the first Ferrari branded theme park in the world. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi features adrenaline-fuelled rides and fun activities, with a winning mix of rides and attractions for kids and adults alike.

AL SERKAL AVENUE: This is Dubai’s top arts district. Established in 2008, Al Serkal Avenue is a renowned cultural district of contemporary art galleries hosting local and global artists, museums, non-profit organisations, events, tours and workshops. It is located an industrial compound hosting warehouses in Al Quoz, in Dubai.

DUBAI FRAME: When in Dubai, it’s a must-visit. The Dubai Frame is an architectural landmark in Zabeel Park. It has been described by The Guardian newspaper as "the biggest picture frame on the planet.” It frames most of the city’s iconic buildings nearby.

ZABEEL PARK: This urban public park offers a tranquil spot in the centre of the city. It is located in the Zabeel district of Dubai, UAE, is spread in a wide area the size of 45 football fields. It is bounded by Sheikh Rashid Road to the north, the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Road to the northwest, while the Sheikh Zayed Road cuts through the south. Pre-pandemic, it’s a favourite hangout of kids and families.

KAYAKING: This is kayaking of a different kind. It takes your around the Mangrove National Park in Abu Dhabi, a mangrove forest with over 60 species of birds. It has channels for kayaking and other water activities.

AL AIN ZOO: The best zoo in the Middle East, where you can find rare white lions. The zoo also offers educational safari tours for students. A safari takes visitors on a wildlife conservation educational tour.

3D BLACKLIGHT MINI-GOLF: Fancy golfing in the dark? Well, it's not total darkness. This place is called 3D Blacklight Minigolf Dubai. It offers a mini golf experience set in the dark, illuminated by elaborate neon backlighting and 3D effects. The place is very artfully done.

KAYAKING LOUVRE ABU DHABI: This is where you can enjoy the museum from the stillness of the Arabian Sea. Take a tour on a kayak and learn all about Louvre Abu Dhabi's architecture from a unique perspective. For effect, some people fancy doing this activity during the full moon.

DRIVE YOUR OWN BOAT: Experience what it's like to be a Captain and drive your own boat on this delightful boat tour of modern Dubai. This 90-minute activity allows you to take control of a sturdy boat and cruise along the Dubai coastline with an escort-guide. You may also stop to behold the landmarks such as the Burj Al Arab Hotel and the Dubai Beach Residence towers. A fun alternative to sightseeing, and a perfect team-building activity.

PINK FLAMINGOS IN RAS AL KHOR, DUBAI: Look closer and see pink flamingos in the UAE. If you want to see nature up close, consider going to Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary in Dubai. Really a special experience. Perfect for a quick Dubai day trip.

SKI DUBAI: No visit to this city is complete without checking out Ski Dubai. It is the world's largest snow park spread across 3,000 square meters offering real snow and entertainment for the whole family. he park maintains a temperature of -1 degree to 2 degrees C throughout the year. Just head down to the Mall of the Emirates, one of the largest shopping malls in the world, located in Dubai.

DUBAI AQUARIUM AND UNDERWATER ZOO: This is surely one of the most fascinating attractions in Dubai. Located at The Dubai Mall, the largest mall in the world, the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo offers a memorable journey into ocean life. With capacity to hold 10 million litres of water, Dubai Aquarium is one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world. It showcases the marvels of the ocean floor. Let your eyes feast on one of the most diverse collections of aquatic life.

SKYDIVE DUBAI: First-time jumper? Or repeat offender? No worries. Just book a tandem jump at Skydive Dubai. If you're traveling to the UAE for a visit, doing a tandem jump off a plane is one of the most exhilarating experiences you could ever do.