Dubai is both a dynamic international business centre and a well laid-back tourist escape; a city where the sophistication of the 21st century walks hand in hand with the simplicity of a bygone era.

Modern day Dubai is a happening place. There are a host of things that you can do while in Dubai.

Camel Racing

On Thursdays and Fridays, from 8am to 2pm, during the months of October - April, Camel Racing is a major sport in Dubai. The track is located on the outskirts of the city at Nad Al Sheba (behind the Metropolitan Hotel).

Desert Safaris

No visit to Dubai would be complete without a trip into the desert. Such excursions, which are best organised as part of a group tour, offer a taste of the true heartland of Arabia.

The majesty and tranquility of the desert can be experienced in a choice of exciting half-day, full-day and overnight safaris. These action-packed trips cover varied terrain ranging from desert to mountain and take in remote camel and goat farms and isolated villages. Highlights of a safari in Dubai may include the following:

• Dune Driving
  Driving in sand is an adventure in itself, combining the excitement of a roller coaster ride with the challenge of remaining mobile on the shifting surface, courses in sand driving vehicles provided along with expert instruction.
  
  
• Camel riding
  The Camel, a symbol of Arabia, is also a major tourist attraction. Camel rides form part of some tours and desert safaris. Tour operators and hotels can also arrange camel rides separately.
  
  
• Exploring the wadis
  A popular pastime with both residents and visitors is known as wadi-bashing exploring the wadis or dry beds of streams that flow after the winter rains from the Hajr mountains. Many wadis offer scenes of unexpected beauty: attractive rock pools, some with water year-round, surrounded by greenery. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are required and are available for hire with or without drivers. As with desert driving, it is recommended that novices do not try their hands at wadi-bashing without expert supervision.
  
  
• Sand-skiing
  Those with a taste for speed and enthusiasm for an unusual sport will enjoy sand-skiing down the dunes of Dubai deserts. Special skis are used and high dunes in the interior of the desert are chosen as slopes. Sand-skiing can be arranged on request or as a part of a full-day or half-day safari.
  
  
• Desert feasts
  Particularly popular are safaris that culminate in spectacular desert sunset views followed by a traditional Arabian barbecue under the stars. These can be tailored to meet every taste from a romantic and peaceful experience to elaborate fun-pack evenings complete with music, belly-dancing, the smoking of hubble-bubble pipes and often a display of falconry.

Dubai by Air

Visitors with a head for heights and a weakness for the dramatic, can enjoy the excitement of a helicopter tour over the city. Alternatively, visitors can enjoy city or desert tours in a fixed-wing aircraft.

Dubai by Sea

A fascinating way to see Dubai is by sea. You sail along the Arabian Gulf and admire the coastline and palaces, hotels and beaches.

Dubai Zoo

Located in Jumeirah, the Dubai Zoo is a popular attraction, especially for families. The zoo's modern facilities though small, house many indigenous Arabian species, including the Arabian Wolf, which is no longer found in the wild, Gordon's Wildcat and the world's only captive breeding colony of Socotra Cormorants.

Encounter Zone

Situated in the Wafi Shopping Mall, this is an entertainment centre with a difference, with areas for both children and results. The popular Crystal Maze is featured along with a horror chamber and fascinating 3D films. Tel: 3247747

Fishing

The Gulf is rich in marine life, and fishing was once a mainstay of the local economy. Kingfish, jackfish, red snapper, rock cod(the popular hamour on most Dubai menus), barracuda and other species are caught commercially and not for sport. Sailfish and bottom-feeding sharks are regularly landed by visiting fishermen who can hire fully-equipped boats, with crew, for deep-sea fishing trips.

Galleria Ice Rink

Located at the Galleria shopping complex at the Hyatt Regency. Rates are Dhs 25, per person, per session and includes skate hire. Timings are 10am - 1.30pm, 2pm - 5.30pm and 6pm - 9,30pm. Tel: 2096551

Golf Courses

Dubai is a golfers paradise. The Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club and the famous Emirates Golf Club are the venues of the European PGA tour. The Nad al Sheeba Golf and Racing Club even offers night golf for the enthusiasts who want to beat the summer heat of Dubai! For bookings or courses, Tel: Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club - 2956000, Nad Al Sheba - 3363666, Emirates Golf Club - 3473222, The Montgomerie - 3905600, The Desert Course - 8846777

Go-Karting

Dubai has the Middle East's first fully-equipped 40,000 sq. ft of air-conditioned indoor go-kart facility at Formula One. Open 7 days a week, from 10am - 10pm for 8 years upwards. Tel: 3388828

Outdoors, an active go-karting fraternity races regularly at the track beside the Jebel Ali Hotel. Visitors can enjoy this sport during the months of Oct-May.

Al Nasr Leisureland Complex

This facility provides bowling, squash, go-karting, ice skating, swimming and fun rides. Rates start at Dhs 10 for 2 hours of fun. Tel: 3371234

Horse Riding

The sport of kings has rapidly become Dubai's most popular spectator event, attracting crowds of more than 15,000. Race meetings are held weekly during the cooler months at one of the UAE's four racecourses. Dubai Racing Club, at Naad Al Sheba, the country's largest and most spectacular track and home to the Dubai World Cup the sport's richest race also holds meetings at night under floodlights. These evenings meetings also prove popular with corporate clients, who may choose to take a hospitality box to entertain clients and other guests. The winter months (Nov - Apr) are more favoured for Horse Racing.

Magic Planet

Housed in the giant Deira City Centre shopping mall, this children's entertainment centre is a unique indoor site with 10 pin bowling, a crawling bungie jungle, variety of electronic games and a mini pitch and putt.

The Souks

The souks on both sides of the Creek are attractive not just for their shopping bargains but also as places for the sightseer and photographer. A huddle of narrow alleyways has survived on the Deira side despite intensive building in recent years. In the tiny lanes of the spice souk, the atmosphere and the scents of the past can be savoured. Bags of spices, incense, rose petals and traditional medicinal products are stacked outside each stall.

The fish souk in Deira is an attraction in itself. Early in the morning and late at night, local fishermen unload mountains of fresh fish which they sell in a frenzied bargaining session. Kingfish, red snapper, rock cod (the popular hammour), barracuda, tuna, lobster, crab, king prawn, sea bream, squid, pomfret, shark, mackerel, sardine and other species are available in abundance for most of the year.

Thunder Bowl

Thunder Bowl is the first of its kind in the Middle East, and its concept is based on similar centres in America and Europe, which have proved very popular.

Thunder Bowl has successfully incorporated the traditional game of bowling, with state-of-the-art technolgoy from the Brunswick Corporations, USA. To further enchance its appeal, Thunder Bowl also offers its customers a complete leisure entertainment package.

Located in the former Safestway Supermarket, on Sheikh Zayed Road near the Defense Round About, Thunder Bowl allows easy access to its customer with ample car parking for over 300 cars.

Wild Wadi

An exciting state-of-the-art water park located adjacent to the Jumeirah Beach Hotel offers exciting water rides for the whole family. It is open from 11am to 7pm. Entry fees vary - Dhs 95 (Adults) for all day and Dhs 75 (children) for all day. Kids under 9 must be with adults.Tel: 3484444

WonderLand

The 18 hectare Wonderland family fun park features a wide range of water attractions including speed slides, surf hills, wave runners and a Caribbean cruise. It is closed on Sundays and Wednesdays are for Ladies Only. Thursdays are for Families Only. It is open from 10am-11pm. Entrance fees varies. Tel: 3241222.

Source: DubaiCityGuide.com