Top 10 reasons why Kenyans are warming up to Dubai

More Kenyans are saving up to do international tourism and Dubai has become a popular destination. In 2015, over 64,000 Kenyans visited the emirates. Dubai is a crowd favorite for people looking for unique experiences and a taste for luxury.

For those looking for the kind of rush that malls and shopping cannot offer, Dubai also provides activities that will leave you euphoric.

1. Yellow Boats

These bright yellow boats depart from Dubai Marina 20 times per day, taking visitors on a guided tour of the coastline for up to 90 minutes. You’ll cruise along the waters, taking in sights only seen from the water, including the royal palaces along the coast, plus The Palm and its iconic hotels. Alternatively, adrenaline junkies can take the 30-minute high-speed Ultimate Thrill Ride (only suitable for adults) with twists, turns and gasps aplenty.

2. Dune bashing

Dune bashing is a must do activity for the adventurous soul touring Dubai. The action-packed sport entails riding a quad bike or 4 x 4 vehicle through the desert. The vehicles are driven by experienced professionals that will see you slipping, skidding, spinning and doing a lot of exciting stunts on the desert dunes and sand.

The ride which lasts about an hour can be punctuated by an afternoon trip through the dunes of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, followed by a barbecue dinner under the stars and activities including camel rides and traditional entertainment, depending on the touring company.

3. Kite surfing

As one of the fastest growing sports in the city, kite surfers have their very own beach in Dubai. If you’d like to learn and go home with a cool new hobby, private and semi-private lessons are available through Kite School Dubai. Sessions take place on the beach behind Sunset Mall, and need to be booked online, and note that you must be able to swim.

4. Stand up paddle boarding

Paddle boarding is a chilled out way to get on the water, with a large board helping beginners to easily get to grips with the sport, while still providing a good workout for your core, arms and legs. Head to Surf House Dubai to hire a board, then hit the water before heading back to try out their café.

5. Skydive Dubai

For a truly unique view of the city, take to the skies – and then jump out of a plane from 13,500 feet (with a parachute attached, of course). Skydive Dubai has completed countless jumps, with expert instructors ensuring you have a safe experience, with views of The Palm, The World Islands, skyscrapers, beaches and more.

6. Try a foodie bike tour

Grab a bike then meet the Tastecapade team by Kite Beach for a ride along Jumeirah Beach Road. You’ll stop off at numerous cafes and restaurants along the way for juice, snacks and a traditional Arabic feast to keep your energy up, and explore some hidden gems along the shore, including a fishing harbor and Tastecapade’s favourite food truck.

7. Dubai Autodrome

If you are a true fan of racing and motor sport is your poison, then this is the thing for you. Dubai Autodrome is your one-stop shop for karting and motorsport. With numerous experiences on offer, guests can drive their dream cars (including a McLaren), learn how to drift, or take to the kartdrome for a race, where the ‘arrive and drive’ package makes it easy for anyone over 13 years old to get behind the wheel.

8. Astronomy and night safari 

Feeling nocturnal? Some tour companies in Dubai specialize in trips in some pretty special cars, from vintage Land Rovers to brand new G-class Mercedes 4x4s. You’ll be picked up from your hotel at sunset, then driven into the desert and issued with night vision binoculars to spot the indigenous wildlife. Next, you’ll enjoy dinner and shisha at an exclusive camp inside the desert retreat of the royal family, before learning about the stars with an expert astronomer and returning to the city at around 1am.

9. Ski Dubai 

A skiing destination in the desert, Ski Dubai is worth a visit, even if you have no intentions of hitting the slopes. All ages can enjoy the attraction, from meeting the resident penguins to learning how to snowboard, and if you’re a competent skier simply turn up, hire the gear and enjoy two hours on the snow. Activities include a chair lift ride, an indoor sub-zero zip line and the Zorb Ball, with warm clothes provided.

10. Kite Beach

One of Dubai’s most popular spots, at Kite Beach you’ll find a choice of cafes alongside watersports hire and lots of activities. One of the latest additions is the XDubai Skate Park, or, if you’d rather be off the ground, try the high-wire obstacle course, or just rent a lounger and umbrella and catch some rays.