28 of the best winter activities to enjoy in Dubai & UAE

Adventure in the mountains: Visit the Hatta Wadi Hub

Hatta Wadi Hub is a seasonal outdoor activities centre and a must-visit for all adrenaline junkies and adventure-seekers. Nestled amidst the Hajar mountains, this Dubai-owned destination offers a plethora of activities for all ages…

Offering over 25 attractions and activities, the Hatta Wadi Hub is open from October through to April, from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m., daily. Perfect for almost all ages, there is an on-site cafe, food trucks, WiFi, gift shop, bike rentals/repair store, and more. You can easily spend the entire day here working up a sweat, enjoying life to the fullest, and making core memories.

The activities on offer include hiking, ziplining, mountain biking, the iconic Hatta drop-in water slide, and the newest attraction; the aerial adventure park.

Sweet spot: Explore the Hatta Honey Bee Discovery Centre

Nestled in Dubai's Hatta region, the Hatta Honey Bee Discovery Centre offers an immersive, educational journey into the world of bees and their sweet creations. Surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Hajar Mountains, this hidden gem invites you to enjoy an experience that the whole fam will love.

Established in late 2018 under the stewardship of H.H. Engr. Salem Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, a leading voice in the preservation and education of honeybees in the UAE, this bee sanctuary spans an impressive 16,000 square meters, and encompasses a harmonious blend of indigenous trees, including the Samar, Ghaf, and Sidr. This botanical oasis not only provides a stunning backdrop but also serves as a crucial ecosystem for the honeybees that call it their home…

At the heart of the farm is its apiary, where the industrious honeybees are hard at work crafting liquid gold. Visitors can witness the fascinating world of bees up close, gaining insights into their intricate hive dynamics and the vital role they play in pollination. The farm's beekeepers are also on hand to share their knowledge, making this an educational and engaging experience for all ages.

Aventura Parks: Dubai’s largest zipline park

Offering an array of fun activities for small and big groups of all ages, Aventura Parks is located within the picturesque Mushrif Park in Dubai.

Nestled within the 35,000 square metre oldest Ghaf tree forest in the city, Aventura features six exciting circuits, 24 zip lines, and 80 obstacles…

Visitors can take a guided nature trail, or visit the Nature Village for family movie nights, games, and arts and crafts. Meanwhile, the newest attraction is called the Himalayan Challenge and features a 12-metre climbing wall.

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…

Insider tips: Crystal Clear also sells a variety of water sports equipment including SUPs. To find out more click here.

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 walking distance to the cultural centre and souq, where plenty of unique finds are available. Access to the oasis is free of charge.

Insider tips: The nearby (approx 5-minute walk) Zoi Cafe is a stunning spots to enjoy specialty coffee and a bite to eat. ETHR is also beautiful, but it’s 15-minutes drive and only suitable for cooler weather since there’s no inside seating.

For your bucketlist: A night in a luxurious trailer overlooking the Hatta Dam

High in the stunning Hajar Mountains, Hatta is a beautiful area of land that belongs to Dubai, and is quickly becoming a coveted destination for residents and tourists alike. Thanks to its family-friendly, please-all landscapes of majestic mountains, glistening bodies of water, and oasis greenery, Hatta is a great option for escaping the hustle and bustle of city life…

The Hatta Sedr Trailers Resort is part of a Meeras/Dubai Holding development, which provides bucket-list-worthy, overnight experiences in the stunning surroundings, including a campsite, domes, caravans, and lodges. The region’s first trailer hotel, the Sedr Trailers Resort is nestled in the mountains and accessible only by the resort’s 4x4s. After checking in you will be transferred to the resort, to make yourself at home in the luxuriously converted trailers, which can accommodate 2 adults and 2 kids across 18 square metres.

Featuring all of the mod cons you need like free wireless internet, tea and coffee-making facilities, food trucks, 24/7 security, air-con, TVs, and more, this glamping experience is truly one for the bucketlist.

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.

Bucket-list-worthy: Kayak at the Hatta Dam

If you’re looking for something totally 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.

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.

The route includes educational nodes such as The Floating Platform: with netting to get a closer look at the marine life; Power of the Sea: a viewing platform with better access to the water; Roots of the Mangrove: to spot the roots of the trees; Viewing Tower: located in the middle of the route and gives guests a wider vantage; Salt Collector: an area with water collectors at different levels that emphasizes the change in tides, and Beach Tower: a low-level platform to soak your feet in the water.

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.

Mleiha: A stunning UNESCO nominated World Heritage Site in Sharjah

Located south of Al Dhaid near Jebel Fayah in Sharjah, the Mleiha Archeological Center is a one-of-a-kind destination. A UNESCO-nominated World Heritage Site, this desert gem is home to a variety of significant ancient artifacts and fossils.

Rich in natural beauty and wildlife, Mleiha encompasses a museum, cafe, camping site, and various other desert experiences (there are a wide variety of activities on offer here including dune bashing, hiking, camping, stargazing, and more)…

The perfect place to explore local heritage and mother nature simultaneously, you can spot camels and oryx amongst many other native species. The sand dunes are incredibly soft and rich in iron, so they sparkle like gold when kissed by the sun, and everything you come across will have you grabbing for your camera.

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…

The process is simple. You figure out your party size and whether you would prefer to camp in the desert, wadi, mountain, or beach, and South African founder Christine Vorster and her CAMPR team do the rest. Your picture-perfect trailer will be set up by the team and awaiting your arrival. All you really need to bring is yourself, food, drinks, and bedding.

A bucket-list-worthy experience, the camps can be set up in Dubai, Fujairah, Sharjah, or Ras Al Khaimah, and the team knows the best locations for each terrain.

Mazaraa Farm: An organic farm, shop, restaurant and cafe in Abu Dhabi

Fancy taking a stroll in nature and connecting with the earth? How about partaking in the simple delight of picking your produce straight from the ground? Mazaraa Farm is your place…

Located in the UAE capital, Mazaraa Farm is an Emirati-owned homegrown concept encompassing an organic farm, shop, restaurant, and cafe.

The farm offers a host of family-friendly, wholesome, and fun activities including animal interactions with goats, rabbits, horses, ducks, chickens, camels, burrows, and more. There is also a farm and harvest experience, inviting you to pick your own organic broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, pumpkins, potatoes, beetroot, kale, cabbage, chili, and herbs. The folks at Mazaraa use 100% sustainable farming methods and are passionate about sharing their tips and tricks for “turning the desert green.”

Loop Dubai: A cycling gem with coffee and wholesome bites in Nad Al Sheba

Love cycling? Then you are going to love Loop DXB at the DXBike complex in Meydan. This homegrown concept features a retail store for all of your cycling needs, it offers bike rentals and it has a casual cafe concept.

We loved the laid back community feel here, there’s a lovely outdoor seating area that caters to small and large groups and the menu at the cafe offers vegetarian and healthy options.

There are three different types of bikes that you can rent here – the E-bike rechargeable, a road bike or a ’normal’ bike. You can then take your two wheels out and hit the road on one of two tracks – either 4km or 9km.

UAE Flower Farm: Blooming beautiful

We know what you’re thinking… “That can’t be the UAE?!” Oh but dear reader, it is. And it’s magical. Join your friends at the HUNTR as we present the UAE Flower Farm…

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.

Kayaking at The Louvre Abu Dhabi: Something to add to the bucket list

If kayaking at the mesmerizing Louvre in Abu Dhabi doesn’t sound like a must-do activity then we don’t know what to tell you. Because that’s exactly what this is.

Ideal during the capital’s blissful winter season, kayaking at the Louvre is available for sunrise and sunset sessions. Your friends at the HUNTR have tried both and we preferred the latter for several reasons. Sunrise is cooler so you can manage it even in August and we enjoyed starting our day with such a once-in-a-lifetime activity…

The experience lasts one hour and there’s one sunrise session from 6 a.m. until 7 a.m. and then another from 8 a.m. until 9 a.m. Plus three sessions are available for the afternoon and sunset – 3 p.m., 4.30 p.m., and 6 p.m.

Sonara Camp: An epic fine dining experience in an eco-friendly camp in the picturesque desert

Offering a unique fine dining experience in an eco-friendly camp at the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Sonara Camp Dubai officially opened its doors in early December 2019.

Whilst the UAE isn’t short of desert experiences, it is short of noteworthy ones. Sonara Camp Dubai is just that, dear reader. An unprecedented concept for the UAE, this homegrown gem is located in the enchanting Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve – a magnificent area of sprawling sand dunes and natural wildlife, including hundreds of majestic oryx and gazelle. Using solar energy and a zero-waste policy, Sonara Camp is also proudly eco-friendly.

Every season French chef Franck Sanna will create a tempting fine dining menu showcasing “Arabic-inspired dishes, East/West fusion, and classic French cuisine” and there’s a fully licensed bar/lounge. The food is all cooked live in the open-air kitchen and there’s something for almost everyone – meat-lovers and vegans included.

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

Say hello to the UAE’s iconic RIPE Market, which is all about farm fresh produce, alfresco dining, supporting small homegrown businesses, and community vibes…

RIPE started off in 2011 to offer the people of the UAE easy access to organic certified produce at affordable prices. The organisation sources quality seasonal fruits and vegetables from local, organic farms, as well as meat, eggs, milk, honey, tea, dairy alternatives, and superfoods.

Today, its activities cover the RIPE farm shops in Al Manara, Town Centre Mall, Jumeirah, or on The Palm; RIPE home delivery which allows you to order fresh produce online; and RIPE Community which brings together likeminded people committed to the organic, artisanal journey.

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…

Marsa Boulevard: Dubai Creek's seasonal lifestyle destination

Marsa Boulevard transforms a stretch of Dubai Creek waterfront into a seasonal dining and retail destination during the cooler months. Located in Al Kheeran near Festival City, the promenade brings together 15-20 rotating concepts spanning Japanese, Italian, Mediterranean, and Arabic cuisines alongside specialty coffee shops and creative retail pop-ups. The format encourages grazing rather than commitment – groups can split between different concepts and try an array of cuisines and acitivties.

The modular structures and Creek-facing seating create a promenade designed for evening exploration, with the atmosphere shifting from relaxed coffee culture around golden hour to livelier dinner service after sunset. The seasonal structure allows chef residencies and venue lineups to refresh with each iteration, making return visits worthwhile. Opens around 4 p.m. daily, running until midnight on weekdays and 1 a.m. on weekends. Early arrivals (4–6 p.m.) secure waterfront seating before crowds arrive.

Visit Masaar: A wholesome free day out for the whole family in Sharjah

Sharjah's Masaar development centres around a 6.6km cycling circuit that weaves through 50,000 trees, offering a professional-grade track suitable for children learning to ride through to serious cyclists training. Three illuminated underpasses and a bridge create an uninterrupted riding experience, while the 24-hour operation and lighting system enable early-morning rides before heat builds or evening circuits when temperatures drop. The Loop serves as the central hub where visitors rent bikes (50 AED first hour, 30 AED subsequent hours, helmets included) or bring their own cycles to use the track free of charge.

Beyond cycling, age-specific children's parks, a skate park, and picnic areas throughout the landscaped grounds make it easy to spend several hours on site. The adjacent Zad food truck park offers seven dining options, though operating hours prove inconsistent – pack your own snacks and water for reliability. Located 15 minutes from Sharjah International Airport and 20 minutes from Dubai International Airport via Emirates Road. The Loop operates 6 a.m.–10 p.m. daily; arrive early (6–8 a.m.) for cooler temperatures and quieter tracks.

Camel Racing in Dubai: Experience the UAE's high-speed heritage sport

From October through April, camel racing blends centuries-old Bedouin tradition with robotic jockeys and professional breeding programmes across Dubai's desert tracks. The Dubai Crown Prince Camel Festival (under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum) transforms Al Marmoom Race Track into the season's cultural epicentre, where pure-bred hejin camels – bred specifically for speed and agility – compete in age-categorised races. Since 2002, lightweight robotic jockeys controlled by trainers in following SUVs have replaced human riders, creating a fascinating blend: the rhythmic pace of camel hooves accompanied by encouraging horns from the convoy of vehicles tracking each racer.

Race day atmosphere builds from the moment camels parade to the starting line, with trainers checking their robotic jockeys while camels shift weight and stretch. The energy among trainers and owners is palpable – these represent significant investments and genuine passions, with families breeding and training camels across generations. Most events are free to attend; arrive 30 minutes before race time (morning races typically start around 7 a.m.) for good viewing spots. For the complete experience, the nearby camel market offers insight into trading traditions that extend beyond racing.

One for the bucket list: A hot air balloon experience in the Dubai desert

Hero Balloon Flights combines hot air ballooning over the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve with a gourmet breakfast experience that elevates the typical desert safari format. Your journey starts before dawn with Land Rover Defender 130 pick-up, arriving at the launch site where a drone show illuminates the dark sky – a signature touch. Once aloft, the balloon drifts close enough to glimpse Arabian oryx and gazelles in their natural habitat, while an onboard storyteller and falconer share desert lore and release a falcon mid-flight. The journey feels intimate with just four guests per compartment, ensuring unobstructed views as sunrise transforms the dunes into gold and amber hues.

After landing, breakfast is served in cabanas within a desert oasis on the Royal Desert Property, where award-winning Chef Claudio Filippone and Executive Chef Manish Khot present a menu inspired by the ancient Greek philosophy of the Four Elements. Highlights include seaweed-poached crab and lobster with mango, crème fraîche, and caviar (Water), layered vegetables with desert truffle (Earth), smoked couscous with grilled chicken and mint yoghurt (Fire), and airy puff pastry with vanilla lemon espuma and date syrup (Air). Each dish is as visually striking as it is flavourful, making this ideal for special occasions. Reserve well ahead, particularly October to April when mild weather creates ideal flying conditions.

Liwa Nights Bedouin Glamping Retreat: An authentic desert escape in Abu Dhabi's Empty Quarter

Liwa Nights sits deep in the Rub' al Khali (the Empty Quarter), offering an adults-only desert experience built around cultural authenticity rather than manufactured resort luxury. Founded in 2021 by Brianne Albright and Salem Ibrahim Almazrouei (a Madinat Zayed-born local), the solar-powered retreat features 10 luxury tents with en-suite bathrooms positioned directly on the dunes, each with a private patio opening onto the sand. The experience centres on genuine Emirati hospitality: traditional Arabic coffee and date balls upon arrival, communal meals featuring authentic home cooking (fatoosh salad, chicken biryani, dal, date ice cream), and complimentary camel rides alongside sunrise and sunset dune hikes, weekend dune bashing, and seasonal date farm tours.

The overnight stay follows natural rhythms – sunset dune bashing as afternoon light softens, dinner under desert stars with woven basket pendant lights casting patterns on walls, stargazing with telescope and Bedouin navigation stories, sunrise from your tent's patio as deep purples give way to warm ambers across the dunes. The property uses repurposed date palm materials throughout (from trunk to frond), with pieces from local artisans including Al Ghadeer Emirati Crafts. Check-out is noon; arrive before sunset as navigating the final sand tracks is easier with daylight. Pack layers for evening (temperatures drop significantly), sun protection, and wake early for sunrise when exploring the dunes is most comfortable. Located near the annual Liwa International Festival (December/January).

Grassroots Village: An off-grid eco-community in Hatta

Grassroots Village is an off-grid eco-community at the foot of the Hatta mountains (less than two hours from Dubai), operating as both a long-term residential community and destination for short-term visitors seeking connection to land and slower rhythms. Founded on permaculture principles and guided by 80-year-old Emirati landowner Mubarak, the working farm welcomes creatives, farmers, and curious city dwellers through day visits (50 AED per person, includes farm tour and communal lunch), overnight camping (150 AED, bring your own tent), shared farm rooms (300 AED per night), or volunteer exchanges that trade labour for skills and accommodation.

Daily structure follows natural cycles – mornings begin with animal care and plant watering, followed by communal breakfast at 9 a.m. where Mubarak gathers residents, with work continuing on farm projects until midday heat prompts a break. The permaculture approach manifests in visible systems throughout: fallen leaves mulch soil naturally, chickens transform food waste into compost, livestock graze freely, and stone structures are built from materials found on site. Rather than positioning as a wellness retreat, Grassroots describes its model as "heart residency" – welcoming those with sincere passion for creative or agricultural pursuits. The community hosts yoga sessions, hiking groups, silent retreats, and music weekends; check the website for upcoming gatherings. Facilities are basic and off-grid (composting toilets, solar power, limited connectivity), and mountain evenings require layers as temperature drops significantly.