Ski on sand
Where else in the world can you ski on sand dunes as well as in an indoor ski resort? Ski Dubai in the Dubai Emirates Mall opened in December 2005 and is the world's third largest indoor ski slope. 6000 tons of snow have been used to give the real sensation of skiing on snow. A second Dubai indoor ski slope is the Dubai Sunny Mountain Ski Dome in Dubailand which is due to open in 2008.

Bird Watching
If you are a fan of bird watching then Dubai is the place to be in. A tidal wetland a few minutes from the centre of town is the right spot. The city skyline forms a backdrop for thousands of flamingos , herons, ducks and shorebirds, which feed and rest on the mudflats on their migration between Asia and Africa. Over 400 bird species have been seen in the United Arab Emirates and it is possible to find nearly 200 varieties of them during a short stay in the country.

Water - Skiing
Dubai offers spectacular opportunities for diving and snorkelling. A brush with different types of marine life, including moray eels, small sharks, barracudas, stingrays, and smaller exotic fish is common. Shipwrecks are fascinating sites, with great sight-seeing opportunities. The MV Dara is one of the most historic ship wrecks of the West Coast wrecks. It accounted for the greatest loss of life at sea during peace since the Titanic. The death toll was 238 when it sunk in 1961. In the last 40 years, bountiful marine life has developed around the ship. For a novel sporting experience, visitors may like to try their hand at sand-skiing for which trips to the desert dunes can be organised by www.my-dubai.co.uk or by calling 0870 242 0 241.

Sailing and Windsurfing
Sailing is one of the most popular pastimes in Dubai. Fixed keel, dinghy and board sailing are all available here. The conditions are near perfect with minimal tides or currents in the Gulf as the winds are usually predictable and reassuring for the beginner but strong enough to challenge the experienced sailor.

Mountaineering
Mountaineering around Dubai is great during the cooler months from November to April.To the North of Dubai the Ru'us Al Jibal Mountains have peaks at over 2,000 meters. The terrain is eroded due to the harsh desert climate.Trips vary between short easy walks, and all day treks on major routes. Only the experienced need to go here as there are no mountain rescues.

The Jebel Ali Shooting Club, approximately 35 minutes'drive from the city centre, offers pistol, skeet and trap shooting as well as a laser-shooting simulator. The floodlit facility also provides tuition at its shooting academy. The Hatta Fort Hotel has supervised clay pigeon shooting and archery ranges, open to visitors and non-residents.

Criss-Cross on Moto Cross
For the strong at heart, Moto-cross biking in Dubai is a thrill ride over bumpy, twisted terrain. Riding in the desert and through the mountains is a great ride that is, highlighted with beautiful scenery.

Ice-skating in the desert !
Dubai has two ice rinks open year round, located at Al Nasr Leisureland and the Hyatt Regency Galleria. Skates may be hired and instruction is available. The rinks are closed to the public during special instruction periods and timetables should be consulted.

Heritage and Diving Village
There is a traditional Heritage Village near the mouth of the creek with displays showcasing the Emirate's maritime past, pearl-diving and architecture. These include a tented Bedouin village where potters and weavers all sell their handicrafts. The Diving village forms part of an overall plan to turn the entire Shindagha area into a cultural microcosm which will recreate life in Dubai as it was in the days gone by.

Dubai Museum... the old world alive
Dubai museum is house in Al Fahidi Fort, an imposing building which is also a military museum. Built around 1787, it once guarded the city's land ward approaches and has served as a palace, garrison and a prison. It was turned into a museum in 1971 and was restored with an addition of a few galleries in 1995. Recreations of pre-oil days of Dubai, replete with life-size figures, lights and sound effects add to the evocative drama.

Dubai Zoo
Dubai Zoo is the oldest zoo of its kind not only in the United Arab Emirates but also in the Arabian Peninsula. One of the most well-kept zoos anywhere in the world, the Dubai Zoo also happens to be the first Arabian zoo to breed the rare Chimpanzee and Arabian wild cat.