The great outdoors: Open air gems for the winter season

Bucket-list-worthy: Kayak at the Hatta Dam

If you’re looking for something unique to do and don’t mind a little road trip (approx 90 minutes from Dubai) then why not try a spot of kayaking at the picturesque Hatta Dam?

Featuring a glistening body of water that will take your breath away, this stunning nature hotspot is tucked away inside the rugged peaks of the Hajar mountains.

Great for all ages, even dogs are allowed to get in on the action. There are kayaks, canoes, waterbikes, donut boats, and more available to hire for fair prices. Life jackets are provided for all guests.

Unique experience: Hire a crystal clear paddle board or kayak

You’ve probably tried stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) but have you done it on a clear board? Offering serene underfoot views, this homegrown company provides a range of clear SUP, kayak, and other water sports experiences in Dubai and around the UAE…

A bucket-list-worthy deep sea fishing experience in Dubai

The experience of fishing, catching, and then grilling your supper within a few hours – all by your own hands, is one of life’s simple pleasures. the HUNTR recently experienced this for the first time in Dubai – and wholeheartedly recommend you do the same…

The folks at Deep Blue Sea Fishing & Charter have a variety of boats available for their deep-sea fishing experiences. Prepare to voyage out into Dubai’s deep seas, and then the expert crew will assist you in fishing techniques. Helping you to catch hammour, kingfish, tuna, queenfish, cobia, barracuda, grouper, and many more.

After a successful catch, learn how to properly prepare fish before grilling it on board with a unique BBQ as the sun sets. What could be better…

CAMPR: A bucket list, fuss-free camping experience in the UAE

Always wanted to go camping but don’t want to fork out for a ton of gear you may not use again? Enter CAMPR. A homegrown, fuss-free camping rental solution…

Camping can be a bit of a hassle. Metre-long packing and checklists, figuring out the best location, setting everything up on the other side. We are tired just thinking about it, to be honest. But CAMPR has figured out a way to address these pain points and offers a unique experience in the desert, wadi, mountain, or beach.

Water sports: Hire jet skis and enjoy other water sports at the Fishing Harbour

Attention adventure-seekers. Down at the Fishing Harbour in Umm Suqeim, you can engage in all manner of water sports thanks to the various small business owners and their kiosks. There are an array of activities to choose from, with jet skiing being the most popular. All ages and levels are catered to. Most equipment is available to hire so just bring suitable clothing, cash, your camera, and an open mind…

The Ripe Market Academy Park: The outdoor market supporting small homegrown businesses in the UAE

This wholesome, homegrown organic market offers the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors whilst simultaneously supporting the region's small business owners with a spot of retail therapy. Kid's are well catered to with an assortment of activities including an expansive playground area in the Dubai Police HQ outpost in Dubai, and there are also a plethora of food trucks, specialty coffee stands and, of course, organic produce on offer…

XPark Jr: An outdoor play area for the little ones

For the littles, XPark Jr Dubai is a celebration of Mother Nature and features an outdoor children’s play area with the sole aim of getting kids to fall in love with being outside and playing amongst the earth’s beauty.

The fact that this is 90% outside, in the elements, means that it is ideal visit during the winter. The outdoor area features a petting zoo, faux rivers for splashing around in, Wes Anderson-worthy playhouses and den-like nooks and crannies, and a rather large playground with swings, slides, climbing frames and the like.

Al Qattara Oasis: Escape the hustle & bustle of the city in this picturesque oasis

Located in Abu Dhabi’s Al Ain, the Al Qattara Oasis is a rich Emirati cultural landscape, featuring land that has been farmed for (at least) the last 300 years. Offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, a visit here is the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature. The land features dozens of dates and fruit trees, plus a historic tomb, mosques, souq, and fortified ancient houses…

The Al Qattara Oasis is also within walking distance of the cultural centre and souq, where plenty of unique finds are available. Access to the oasis is free of charge.

Kite Beach Center: A beachside destination in Umm Al Quwain

Kite Beach Center is the first certified kitesurfing school in Umm Al Quwain, but it’s more than that. It’s a family-friendly, multi-purpose leisure spot; where you can even opt to spend the night. Featuring Bali-esque, paired back vibes, thatched umbrellas, and beautiful two-story beach huts, chances are you will love this hidden gem…

Smaller than you might imagine, the center is divided between a specialty coffee shop (serving top-notch creations powered by Nusantara when the HUNTR visited), a mediocre all-day restaurant, various outside seating, and lounging arrangements, and then several striking huts, which can be rented for 7 hour periods (including overnight). There are also tents for camping, camping space for bring-your-own tents, and basic shower and washroom facilities.

Word of warning, if you’re not a fan of dogs and cats you probably will not enjoy this place – which has many of both, free-roaming.

Jubail Mangroves Park: A walk through the mangroves in Abu Dhabi

Offering the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, Jubail Mangroves Park features a stunning mangroves sanctuary. A family-friendly destination, the park also serves to protect Abu Dhabi’s coastline and is a haven for many avian and marine creatures.

Located on Jubail Island, approximately a 30-minute drive from the main city, Jubail Mangroves Park features a meandering boardwalk, which will take you through the mangroves on a peaceful, inspiring, and educational walk with nature.

Facilities on offer include free parking, a visitor center with toilet and shower amenities, a café, and a souvenir corner.

Explore a 300-year-old fortress in Khor Fakkan

Nestled amongst the picturesque mountains in Khorfakkan, Najd Al Maqsar Heritage Village is a must-visit for all adventure seekers, road trippers, and history geeks. Encompassing a 300-year-old fortress, this Wadi Shees gem features several restored ancient houses – offering a rare glimpse at how Emiratis were living 300 years ago…

Free to access when the HUNTR visited, there are plans to include a hotel here to encourage further exploration of this cultural landmark. Rocks engraved with drawings of camels and other animals dating back to 2,000 years BC have also been found in the area.

UAE Flower Farm: Blooming beautiful

Hidden within Wadi Asimah in Ras Al Khaimah you will find one of the region’s best-kept secrets – a sprawling flower farm filled with over 30,0000 of nature’s prettiest, most colourful flowers. Emirati-owned, the UAE Flower Farm is a very special place, created for folks to buy flowers (and seeds) at reasonable prices (either created for you or pick your own). Everything is grown from seeds and lovingly tended to in the spacious outdoor farm, which is framed by spectacular views of Fujairah’s rolling Hajar Mountains.

There is also a small cafe, and animal farm, and entry tickets are priced at 15AED for over 2 years. People of Determination have free access.