Dubai is Open - Most Thrilling Activities in the City of Superlatives

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Dear Aviator,

We are living in crazy times with lots of travel restrictions and new regulations which seem to make taking a vacation almost impossible. Dubai is sending a strong signal: We are open! I followed their invitation and I had one of the most exciting vacations ever. At all times I felt absolutely safe. Safer than at home in Berlin. At all venues your temperature was checked. Social distancing was in force and people wore masks. But the best is that for all visitors activities, restaurants, shops, beaches, etc. are open! READY FOR Dubais thrill activities? 

 Stay at the luxury One&Only Mirage 

Dubais Thrill Activities

Drive with a Dune Buggy 

I think it is one of the activities you have to do when you are in Dubai. I did a self drive dune buggy experience with Expert Rangers which absolutely blew my mind. It was so much fun to drive with the buggy up and down the dunes. I got stuck a couple of times because I did not exactly follow the lead drive. Do not forget to bring your action camera to capture this Dubai highlight. 

Thrill factor 4/5

 Breakfast in a desert camp after the hot air ballon ride

Ride a Hot Air Balloon over the Desert

Waking up for this experience at 4 o’clock in the morning was very tough but it was absolutely worth it. For years I wanted to go on a hot air balloon ride. Twice it was canceled on me in South Africa. This time it finally took place in the desert of Dubai. It was a magical adventure to soar through the light chilly morning air and to observe the sun rise at the horizon. The landing was absolutely spectacular and a thrill in itself. After the flight with Platinum Heritage we drove to a desert camp to have breakfast. 

Thrill factor 3/5

Dine in the Burj Khalifa 

The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world which has not only become an icon of Dubai, but of the world. Of course, you can visit the observation decks to enjoy a breathtaking view of Dubai; but you can also definitely elevate your Burj Khalifa experience through a dining experience. Whether it is for lunch, high tea or for dinner. Dining at the AT.MOSPHERE, the highest restaurant in the world, at almost 500 meters elevation is spectacular by itself. The food becomes almost secondary. I went for dinner and enjoyed a 5 course tasting menu. Be sure to make a reservation at the window and do not wear open shoes (men).

Thrill factor 1/5

Fly with a Gyrocopter 

For all aviation lovers, this activity is a must and it was also one of my favorite ones during my trip. Forget about all flight experiences you ever been on, this is the next level of flying. A gyrocopter is a combination of an airplane and a helicopter. It looks fragile and kind of  dangerous but it is absolutely safe. Even if the prop were to fail, the gyrocopter could still land safely by the wind propelling the rotor. No canopy, no wing and no doors give you 360 degrees of flying. The views and the feeling is absolutely incredible. The flight took me directly over The Palm Jumeirah, after taking off next to JBR Beach and flying next to Burj Al Arab. 

Thrill factor 4/5

 

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Ein Beitrag geteilt von Patrick Biedenkapp | Captain (@pilotpatrick)

Scenic Flight in a Seaplane 

It was a premiere for me to fly on board a sea plane. It took off at the Jebel Ali Beach Hotel which is about 30 minutes from Dubai Marina in the direction of Abu Dhabi. Make sure to always plan with enough traveling times between destinations. 

Check in was quick and easy. After a short briefing and temperature control, we were ready for departure. I was excited to find out how a take off and landing felt on the water. Seawings fly with a Cessna Caravan which can carry up to 9 passengers. Unfortunately, due to Corona the copilot seat and the two seats behind are blocked to protect the pilot. 

The views from a maximum flight altitude of 1500 ft are stunning. Even if the flight is only 20 minutes you get the major sights of Dubai. Make sure that you fly on a day with good visibility. At the end of the flight I was surprised that the take off and landing did not feel much different to a runway. 

Thrill factor 2/5

Step on a Glass Bottom in Dubai Frame 

This is my “hidden” gem for you, It is the world’s biggest picture frame and from a distance it looks like it is framing the skyline of Downtown Dubai. It is quite spectacular to see it from the outside since it is covered with one ton of gold! I did know that you can visit the building from the  inside until I found out that I could get a free entrance with my Emirates Airlines return flight ticket (subject to change). An elevator takes you 150 meters high to the observation platform. Be careful as the floor becomes see through when you step on it; Best to visit shortly before sunset.

Thrill 1/5

Dine in the Sky at Dubai Marina

A unique experience for those who enjoy a kick of excitement during dinner. A crane lifts you and a huge construction of tables and seats 50 meter above the streets of Dubai. The view is iconic both during the day and night. I was not really scared of the height but a little concerned that I may drop something because next to your table edge was a big drop. Dinner in the sky is a nice place to celebrate something special!

Thrill 2/5

Flyboard over the Water

This is something I always wanted to try out – Flying over the water with a jetpack! I had previously heard that it is quite difficult so I decided to take the flyboard of Hydro Water Sports first, which is supposingly a little easier. I must admit before this activity I was the most nervous (even though I had previously jumped out of a plane).  Here I was in control and in charge of my performance. In the beginning,   it was quite tricky to get out of the water but after a few minutes I knew how to control the flyboard. It is definitely something exciting to try out when you like water sports. It was soooo much fun! 

Thrill factor 4/5

Skydive over The Palm

Normally I fly airplanes but this time I jumped out of one! It is an adventure of a lifetime you have to do if you want the ultimative adrenaline kick.

The jump with Sky Dive Dubai takes place at approx. 4000 ft directly overhead The Palm Jumeirah and I do not think there is a more epic location than this. After I landed safely on the ground (the whole flight lasts only 5 minutes) I wanted to jump again. It is worth every penny considering that an extra jumper is there solely to take photos and film a video of your experience. It is definitely Dubais thrill activities number one. 

Thrill factor 5/5

Covid-19 traveling

I sure had a blast in Dubai despite the pandemic. Every activity was well organized and they took exceptional care that you feel safe. In case you need a PCR-test prior leaving the country you can contact your hotel concierge. I did my test at the Palazzo Versace hotel. Thee medical staff came to my room to do the test. The costs were 200 AED (approx. 58€) and the result came via email within 24 hours. Please keep yourself updated about all travel requirements to avoid disappointment

I hope you enjoyed Dubais thrill activities. LET ME KNOW IN A COMMENT BELOW WHICH ACTIVITY YOU WOULD ENJOY THE MOST! Please do not miss to like the post.

Safe travels and happy landings!

Your PilotPatrick