Golf in the morning, horses or cricket later, some time out on the water, and a massage to finish the day – all without leaving the resort. Here’s how all of it can become part of your Dubai holiday.
Cricket on Floodlit Ovals
For anyone who grew up around cricket, or just fancies having a hit, there are floodlit ovals where you can keep playing well after the sun’s gone down. That’s where the floodlights really make a difference because Dubai’s daytime heat isn’t always the easiest to deal with, so being able to get a good game going in the evening changes things.
It’s casual enough for a group that just wants a knockabout, but the setup is good enough that experienced players won’t feel like they’re missing out either.
Golf on Championship Courses
Golf here doesn’t feel like some exclusive, members-only world where you need to know the right people to get on the course. Some championship courses have plenty of history behind them, with names you’ll probably recognise among those who’ve played there. But you can still book a round and enjoy the experience like anyone else.
The courses are well looked after, and a big part of the appeal is just being out in all that green space when so much of Dubai is made up of glass and concrete. Even if you’re not chasing a great score, the experience itself is what makes it enjoyable.
For those looking for golf hotels in Dubai with easy access to a quality course and plenty to do beyond the fairways, JA Lake View Hotel is one option to keep in mind.
Shooting Ranges for Beginners and Pros
Shooting ranges at Dubai resorts are set up for complete beginners just as much as for people who take it seriously, so you won’t feel out of place either way.
Someone walks you through the basics, you get comfortable, and it quickly becomes one of those things you didn’t expect to enjoy but end up talking about for the rest of the trip.
Football on Full-Size Pitches
The same idea applies to the football pitches too – full-size, grass, and usually more than one, so you’re not hanging around waiting for a turn.
It’s ideal for a group that just wants a casual game after a day of exploring, or for families whose kids still have plenty of energy left before dinner. There’s no pressure to be good – it’s just there when you’re in the mood for a game.
Horse Riding at the Equestrian Centre
The equestrian centre brings a completely different pace to the day. It’s not about rushing around or trying to fit in as much as possible – it’s just a slower way to spend a few hours.
If you’ve never been on a horse before, that’s completely fine, too. Someone is usually there to guide you through it, so you can take your time and enjoy the experience. It’s a great option for a quieter morning before getting into everything else on offer.
Wellness Experiences
After a day spent moving between pitches, ranges, and courses, a bit of downtime feels well deserved. A good massage can help loosen up tired shoulders, while hammam treatments, facials, and other spa options give you a chance to properly switch off.
Some resorts even offer things like IV therapy if you’re looking for something a little more restorative. The best part is the setting – peaceful surroundings that make it feel less like you’re booking a treatment and more like you’re taking a proper break.
It’s the one part of the day where you don’t have to do anything at all.
Swimming Pools
You’ll probably find yourself spending a good chunk of time by the pools too. Some have adults-only areas if you want a bit of peace, while family pools give kids space to have fun without anyone feeling like they need to keep the noise down. Having separate areas might not sound like a major detail, but it really changes the experience when everyone has somewhere that suits them.
Watersports
If you’d rather get in the water than just sit by it, there’s usually plenty to choose from – kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, and more. The best thing is you don’t have to be experienced; you can just show up, learn the basics, and have a go.
Sailing is perfect for those easy afternoons when you’re taking things slow, while kayaking and windsurfing are better when you feel like doing something a little more energetic.
Discovering Another Side of Dubai
Most people think of Dubai and picture skyscrapers, shopping malls, and maybe a desert safari somewhere along the way. But there’s another side to the city that’s a little less obvious. Instead of spending your trip just moving from one landmark to the next, you can actually fill your days doing things – playing golf, trying a shooting range, having a game of cricket or football, or heading out for a horse ride.
None of these usually come to mind when people think of Dubai, and that’s exactly what makes them interesting. You start to see a side of the city that doesn’t always make it into the usual photos. Add in some time to relax, a good spa treatment, and a pool day, and the whole trip becomes something you’ll remember for a long time to come.
