10 Fun Outdoor Things To Do This Week

Calling all adrenaline junkies: This November "The Arch" is set to open during Dubai Fitness Challenge, and promises thrills and chills! The newly minted adventure park will feature a climbing wall, zip-line, bag jump, and quick flight. The Arch is the perfect destination for adventure for entire family.

You and the kids will have an awesome experience as you fly through the air on a 230m zip-line taking in the surrounding views. A massive leap of faith from a 13m platform awaits those of you taking on quick flight, which will have your knees shaking – the only way down is by jumping off the platform, with a cable catching youa few seconds later. The climbing wall consists of five different routes to choose from, for both beginner and experienced level climbers. Finally, you will experience the thrill of leaping through the air from platforms of four our six metres onto a giant inflatable bag if you dare to try the bag jump.

Experience a close encounter with some very curious and friendly camels in Dubai's desert. You and your kiddos will get to go on a guided visit of the farm and feed some animals too! The guided visit takes around an hour.

Space is limited and advance booking by phone is required to reserve your visit.

The venue only accepts cash payments.

Calling all cyclists! This is the most unique community ride in the history of Dubai. For one morning, bike owners, big and small, are invited to cycle around two iconic routes in the heart of the city, while roads are closed to traffic. This event is part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, and is perfect for families with tots and teens, since routes are designed to accommodate riders of all ages and skill levels.

The routes:

- The Family Route: 4km around Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard in Downtown Dubai (ages 5+)

* The General Route: 14km around Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay, Dubai Water Canal and Downtown Dubai (ages 13+)

Enjoy an outdoor Garden Brunch at Al Forsan, Bab Al Shams and tuck into an indulgent spread of fun and flavor where live music and tongue-tingling culinary favorites keep the conversation flowing, while camel and pony rides, a kids’ play area, magic shows and a juggler keep the little ones entertained.

Swap your regular sightseeing adventures for a more invigorating and memorable experience with Dubai Running Tours. For the duration of Dubai Fitness Challenge, the free initiative is a fun and active way to explore Dubai’s iconic landmarks and scenic locales, thanks to Arabian Adventures.

Participants can choose between three routes with varying difficulties – an easy 3km, a moderate 5km or an intense 10km. The first option meanders through the historic Al Fahidi district and Dubai Creek; the second winds past the suave downtown Boulevard area; and the third route sweeps along the beachside running track in Jumeirah, starting at Kite Beach.

The 3km run is self-guided, with the help of the Questo app. It’s ideal for a more relaxed pace and can be done at any time that’s convenient for you. The other two routes are guided by members of the ASICS FrontRunner club. Take advantage of the cool, breezy weather and wake up early for a 6am run or wind down with a sunset jog at 6pm.

All tours will have stops along the way, with interesting facts about Dubai and the surrounding sights. Book your spot today and share your run experience on social media by tagging @arabianadventures and using the hashtags #AAxASICS and #Dubai30x30.

The outdoors has a new address - and it's Hudayriyat Island. This leisure and entertainment hub in the capital is where you and your kids can enjoy a range of outdoor activities while you play, eat, stay, and enjoy a fun-tastic time.

For the science and nature lovers: you can explore the Hudayriyat Heritage Trail, a winding stretch of beautiful pathways and raised tidal boardwalks. It offers visitors the chance to stroll down a timeline of local history and learn all about the the recent and distant past. In addition to exploring the glories of the costal wildlife.

For the active ones: there's no shortage of facilities catering to whatever sport you'd like to play. From fitness, ball sports, and bat sports, to climbing, skateboarding, and cycling, they offer you the perfect outdoor and natural setting to indulge in the physical activity of your choice.

For the foodies: restaurants and food trucks glaore! At Marsana you have 17 food and beverage outlets to choose from, catering to every taste and craving. After all, outdoor adventures work up an appetite.

For the campers: the Island gives you glamping done right at Bab Al Nujoum. You can choose from glamp-tents and camper vans, but in any case you're guaranteed an incredible time. With access to barbecue stations, a water-sports center, a kids' play-area, stretches of beach and even a beach cinema, who wouldn't want to make a stay out of an adventure-filled day out?

Immerse yourselves in the UAE's rich culture and traditions during the impressive Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival. With endless activities and events going on daily, you and your little ones will be spoiled for choice!

You'll come across grand pavilions and exhibitions of UAE heritage that highlight the history and union of the UAE, as well as the Union March and various aspects of UAE culture; International participants and popular folklore performances that showcase different aspects of heritage and traditional culture; Spectacular fireworks displays, and the Emirates Fountain which uses the most advanced technology.

The Festival has also dedicated events and special recreational activities for children to encourage them to develop their skills and explore their talents. And it hosts a wide selection of the best local and international restaurants and food trucks.

The Festival also offers a variety of services such as a nursery, baby strollers, clinic and many more to address the needs of all visitors.

Some Festival highlights include; National Day Celebrations, Union March, World Heritage Parade, Kids Nation, Firework shows, Funfair City, Horse and Camel Shows and Street Artists & Performers

Pony Rides are back at The Royal Stables, and we're raring to go! If your littles are driving you nuts horsing around, then take them down for some real horse-play.

Your littles will enjoy a gentle ride through the Stables' gorgeous gardens in the company of the sweetest little ponies. Qualified instructors will accompany your kiddos at all times to ensure they have a fun and safe time.

The UAE is home to gorgeous scenery, not least of which is the magnificent and mysterious desert. The Empty Quarter, located in the Liwa Desert, is the perfect camping spot, with sprawling dunes and smooth sands as far as the eye can see. This location is perfect for desert activities including dune-bashing, sans-surfing, barbecuing, and star-gazing.

Like the name says, this is literally an empty spot, so be sure to go prepared with all necessities and safety gear, preferably with an experienced camper and a desert-friendly vehicle. So pack up the 4x4 and drive out with the family for a refreshing day in nature.

This park in Khor Fakkan is the perfect way to spend a day out in the cooler wether. Shees Park embraces tall mountains, and provides visitors and tourists a unique tourism experience to discover and enjoy the atmosphere of the mountainous regions.

The park is located on an area of 11,362 square meters and receives its visitors with an artificial waterfall of 25 meters high that flows into the lake surrounded by stone paths and formations of stone sessions. It was completed in eight months. There is an amazing mountain walkway of three mountain terraces connected by stone stairs leading to the main viewing platform at a height of 30 meters from the main park level, and it provides an exceptional experience for viewing the natural sights of the region from great heights.

The park includes several paths of 506 meters long surrounded by palm trees, a group of local plants, play area, 32 shaded seats, and an outdoor theatre that accommodates 70 persons and a barbecue area.

So if you're looking for an invigorating day out in nature, Shees Park needs to go on your list