Dubai, more than just a stopover

As flight EK773 descends from the night sky onto one of the busier airports in the world, I have a glimpse of Dubai’s famous coastlines, with shimmering cities lights illuminating the Palm and World Islands that protrude into the Arabian Gulf. When the plane doors open, it is clear that my 'pack light' strategy of shorts and slops would serve me well.

It is only 01:30 a.m., but the perspiration begins to drip from my brow as I make my way through customs and into a waiting cab. Waking up to temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius and rising fast, it was time for the beach and there certainly are some exquisite beaches on offer. Walking along the beachfront is an experience in itself, of gazing at the flush architecture and luxurious cars, which line your path, to a swim that provides some relief from the searing heat. Since most people are here to work, the beaches are fairly vacant during the week. And with Dubai temperatures and minimal wind, every day is a beach day.

Adventures galore

However, if you are looking for adventure over relaxation, The Wild Wadi Water Park, situated in the area of Jumeirah, not only offers whimsical views of the Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel but is sure to get the adrenaline pumping with some monstrous waterslides.

I follow the signs to one such slide, 'Jumeirah Sceirah', but I'm convinced that I am going the wrong way. Like a salmon returning to its place of birth, I fight my way up the stairs and through the throngs of people retreating down the staircase. As I reach the entrance to the ride, I realise my sense of direction has been spot on, it is only my sanity that is questionable. Stepping into a capsule, I await the click of a switch that will activate a trap door and drop me vertically into an endless abyss of fear.

Up high

Dubai also offers one of the world’s best skydiving facilities. Although my addiction to adrenaline is beginning to grow, I am not quite ready to throw myself out of a plane, so opt instead for iFly Dubai, a fantastic alternative. Thrust into a wind tank, I find myself hovering weightlessly in anticipation of my guide’s next hand signal and within two minutes I have shown gravity who is boss; gliding, spinning, and turning like I was born to fly.

A winter wonderland

But this is not where Dubai’s 'bigger is better' and 'what can’t be done shall be done' mentality ends. It comes as no surprise then that a country known for its sweltering heat and arid landscape also makes room for a winter wonderland. Before my body has time to process the 40 degree Celsius swing in temperature, I am on a chairlift marvelling at the activities showcased within the ski dome. Screams from those harnessed onto zip lines whiz over myhead, whilst kids in toboggans and tubes slide below my dangling feet. From jumps and rails, to a relaxed stroll amongst the penguins, Ski Dubai caters for every level of skiing enthusiast. And whilst I sat in the mountain cabin sipping on hot chocolate and welcoming the feeling that was slowly returning to my fingers, it was hard to remember the dry heat waiting outside.

Playing in the dunes

Of course one cannot visit the desert and ignore the magnificent beauty of the majestic sand dunes and vast open spaces, which dwarf the newly created metropolitan feel of Dubai’s city centre. Royal Arabian Tours gives one the opportunity to experience the best of the desert in an afternoon.

Picked up from my hotel, I am whisked away in a luxury Land Cruiser that heads towards the setting sun, leaving civilisation behind in our dust. After an hour’s drive, the driver stops to let air out of the tyres and I manage to sneak off for a pit stop of my own. On returning to the vehicle, it is clear that the deflated tyres have only inflated the spirit of adventure in our driver. The only way to really describe these guys is as 'desert surfers', as they scour the landscape in search of the 'lip' of each and every dune, performing some of the most absurd cutbacks before racing down the dune and joining up again with what has now become a rather substantial luxury Land Cruiser convoy. From the gasps of the multi-generational family of six in the back and myself strapped in tightly in the front, it is obvious that desert acrobatics are something new for us all. Yet glancing to my left, I’m reassured by the calm and professional demeanour of our Arabian guide behind the wheel. Without him having to speak a word I am quickly educated on the skills these men possess and slowly begin to relax into my navigator’s seat.

Just as I begin to feel at home in my comfy leather throne, we stop for dinner. An Arabian feast set within the walls of a desert camp. Some choose to smoke sheesha* with new-found friends, whilst others prepare for their first ride on a camel before settling down to enjoy dinner and a belly dancing show. All too soon I find myself back in the Land Cruiser heading towards the glow of the city lights.

Rev it up:

Having experienced the elation of riding in the desert I am eager to make my way back, but take control of the wheel myself this time. It is with this in mind that I come across JUST GAS IT, a biking company that allows riders to do exactly that. They have a range of motorbikes and quad bikes that are an ideal way to explore the desert and there seems to be just one rule: JUST GAS IT. Unearthing every type of human emotion, from sheer fear to fist-pumping passion, this is an experience that will leave you breathless as you pass Bedouin camel farmers waking to the hum of your bike's engine. Bradley, originally from South Africa, started this company on the outskirts of Dubai and is willing to share his passion with me as we open the throttle on Dubai’s largest playground for an experience I will never forget.

One of the great things about Dubai is that it attracts people from all over the world and as my time draws to a close, I head to the desert one last time for a braai with friends, old and new, to say goodbye to a place that has been home for the last two weeks. A place that deserves more than just a stopover!