10 unusual things to do in Dubai
Been to the Burj, done the brunch? These are the experiences that make a Dubai trip or weekend feel different.
Dubai does big and shiny better than anywhere. But the moments people talk about for weeks are usually the strange ones: skiing in the desert, diving into a sunken city, or smashing a TV with a sledgehammer.
The list
A mix of thrill, culture and pure novelty, all in or around the city.
01
Smash a room at The Smash Room
Put on a protective suit and helmet, grab a bat or a sledgehammer and break rescued TVs, printers, computers and glass in your own private room in Al Quoz. Go solo, as a couple or with up to 4 friends per room. Dubai's original rage room since 2018, rated 4.8 from 1,184 Google reviews.
Book a smashFly indoors at iFLY Dubai
Indoor skydiving in a vertical wind tunnel: you get the feeling of freefall without the plane, with an instructor beside you the whole time. No experience needed.
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Ski in the desert at Ski Dubai
Real snow, real slopes and penguins, all year round, inside Mall of the Emirates. Pure Dubai: skiing in a city where it hits 40 degrees outside.
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Go dune bashing on a desert safari
A 4x4 over the dunes at sunset, usually followed by dinner at a desert camp. The classic Dubai experience for a reason.
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Dive one of the deepest pools in the world
Deep Dive Dubai is a giant indoor dive pool built like a sunken city, with try dives for complete beginners.
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Watch the Dubai Fountain show
The fountain shows at the foot of the Burj Khalifa are free to watch in the evenings. Grab a spot by the lake and stay for a few shows.
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Float over the desert at sunrise
A hot air balloon flight gives you the dunes from above as the sun comes up. Early start, unforgettable view.
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Cross the Creek by abra
Hop on a traditional wooden boat across Dubai Creek for a few dirhams, then wander the spice and gold souks.
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Wander old Dubai in Al Fahidi
Wind towers, narrow lanes, small galleries and cafes in one of the oldest parts of the city.
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Look down from the Dubai Frame
A giant picture frame with a glass floor at the top, framing old Dubai on one side and new Dubai on the other.
Visit website →Best stress relief activities in Dubai
Different kinds of stress need different exits.
Photo: The Smash RoomA rage room session
The most physical way to let it out. Founded by psychologist Hiba Balfaqih as a safe place to release stress.
Photo: engin akyurt / UnsplashA spa day
Dubai's hotel spas and traditional hammams are made for a slower kind of reset.
Photo: Nelemson Guevarra / UnsplashA walk by the water
Dubai Marina walk or Kite Beach, best in the cooler months and after sunset.
Questions people ask
What is the most unusual thing to do in Dubai?
Smashing a room full of electronics and glass at The Smash Room is one of the most unusual things to do in Dubai. You gear up in protective equipment, pick your tools and break rescued TVs, printers, computers and glassware in a private room in Al Quoz. Packages start from AED 199 per person.
What are fun things to do in Dubai this weekend?
For something different this weekend, book a private rage room session at The Smash Room in Al Quoz, open until 11 PM on Friday and Saturday. Other popular weekend ideas include a desert safari, indoor skydiving at iFLY Dubai, Ski Dubai, the Dubai Fountain show and an abra ride on Dubai Creek.
What are the best stress relief activities in Dubai?
A rage room session is one of the most physical ways to release stress in Dubai. The Smash Room was founded in 2018 by psychologist Hiba Balfaqih as a safe space to let off steam. Spa days and walks along Dubai Marina or Kite Beach are calmer options.
Is The Smash Room good for tourists?
Yes. No experience is needed, the room is private and everything you need is provided. Book online, arrive 15 minutes early for your safety briefing and wear comfortable clothes with closed shoes.
Where is The Smash Room?
195 Umm Suqeim Street, Al Quoz Industrial 4, Dubai (behind the tyre shop, before KTM Motors). Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 1 PM to 10 PM, Friday and Saturday 1 PM to 11 PM, Sunday 1 PM to 10:30 PM.
Ready to try number one?
Book a private room online in a couple of minutes, or ask the team on WhatsApp.
Keep exploring: Date ideas in Dubai · Teen birthday parties · Smash Room packages · Safety and FAQ
This guide is written by The Smash Room, and yes, we put ourselves first. We are not affiliated with the other places listed; check their websites for current prices and opening times. Photos marked Unsplash are used under the Unsplash License.