Top Places for Thrill-Seekers in the UAE

At some point in our lives, we've all experienced the thrill... The adrenaline... The terrifying moment of pure joy that you just want to do it, over and over again. Be it rollercoasters, spinning teacups, shark swimming, fast cars, zip-lines, swinging boats, zombies or sailing across the UAE's sands in a huge 4x4... We're all thrill-seekers at heart, even if we want to deny it! 

It's no wonder then, that the UAE has become the perfect playground for adrenaline junkies; whether it's inspired by Dubai's Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed's adventures, or the fantastic weather conditions the country experiences throughout the winter months, there's no denying there's plenty on offer to get your pulse racing across the country. 

1. Ride the fastest rollercoaster at Ferrari World
When it comes to the recognisable Ferrari brand, all anyone ever thinks of is speed. So it's no surprise then that speed is exactly what you get when you head to Abu Dhabi's Ferrari World at Yas Island. Here you'll have the chance to experience thrilling simulation rides, shop till you drop in Ferrari's luxury stores and scream so loud on the world's fastest rollercoaster. 

If you're a car lover, a lover of all things Ferrari, or speed junkie, this is most definitely a must-visit experience in the UAE. 

2. Visit the brand new IMG Worlds of Adventure
In true UAE fashion, 2016 witnessed the opening of the world's largest indoor theme park that is just a stones throw away for all Dubai residents and tourists. Now visitors to the park can enjoy thrills, screams and fun-filled memories all in the comfort of A/C units, away from the UAE's strong sun. Thrill-seekers will be overjoyed as every rollercoaster is packed with speed, thrills and spins among many other attractions that are all under the one roof. 

SEE ALSO: 3 must-visit attractions in Dubai

Tickets start at AED 250 for kids, and AED 300 for adults so it makes for the perfect family day out to enjoy. There's five different zones to run around in, including MARVEL, Lost Valley, Cartoon Network, IMG Boulevard and NOVO Cinemas. 

3. Scuba diving in Fujairah's waters
For those mermaids out there who love getting their flippers on for a dive, Fujairah is the perfect place to visit in the UAE. The coast is filled with reefs and a few small wrecks that you can explore, as well as the beautiful marine life that inhabits the waters. 

4. Skydive over Dubai
For a little over over $500 (£400), you can have the opportunity to throw yourself out of a plane over one of Dubai's most iconic landmarks, The Palm Jumeirah. By its very nature, skydiving is a spectacular activity to experience. But the shoreline of Dubai makes this trip all the better, as it provides one of the most incredible views in the world. 

Even if you're not an experienced skydiver, first-timers can jump tandem, with their nerves settled in the knowledge that they're attached to an expert. We highly recommend - hold on tight and enjoy! 

5. Visit one of the country's many water parks
While water parks may not be one of the first thing you consider when it comes to thrill-seeking, but the parks across the UAE all come with their own surprises and thrills to suit all tastes - and nerves! From Yas Waterworld in Abu Dhabi, to Dubai's two parks, Aquaventure and Wild Wadi, there's something for everyone. As a result, they all make for a fantastic day out as a family, or with your best group of friends. 

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We highly recommend the Leap of Faith at Aquaventure, or the Jumeirah Sceirah at Wild Wadi for extra screams!

6. See the UAE in a hot air balloon
If you don't like heights, this would probably be one of the most terrifying experiences you have. But so, so worth it! Jumping in a hot air balloon over the sands of the UAE is one of the most unforgettable memories you can have here. Enjoy what feels like a magic carpet ride over endless sand dunes, green oases, oryx, gazelles and camels. If you head out early, you'll have the chance to witness the breathtakin sunrise. 

7. Swim with sharks at the largest indoor aquarium in the world
For those of you who want to get underwater, but not brave enough to head out to the open ocean waters, there's always Dubai Aquarium. In the heart of the world's largest mall, The Dubai Mall, Dubai Aquarium offers visitors the opportunity to get up close and personal with their collection of sealife... Including their toothy sharks! 

If you don't know how to scuba, there are opportunities to learn with the aquarium, otherwise there's no need with their other shark walker experience... Stick your helmet on, and dive into 10-million litres of water. Plus, you can cage snorkel, too for those of you who aren't as eager to come face to face with Mr. Shark! 

8. Head to the brand new Dubai Parks & Resorts
We're really in for a treat in Dubai with all of these new parks opening! On your next journey to Abu Dhabi, you'll pass the new Dubai Parks and Resorts site that's set to attract thousands and thousands of people from around the world to come and visit. There's 6 parks just in the one resort, and each can take up a full day to explore so you can most definitely have an adventure jam-packed week of fun! 

From motiongate, to Bollywood PARKS, to Riverland, Lapita and LEGOLAND's park and water park, there's something for everyone. Filled with rides, experieneces, meet and greets, movie showings and performances, we have no doubt you'll have a time to remember.

SEE ALSO: Chat with other expats on our bustling forum

Visitors can get a one-day pass for all parks for AED 430 for children, and AED 480 for adults, otherwise individual tickets are available for each park with prices starting from AED 205. Or you could go all-out and purchase an annual pass for AED 2,495. 

9. Explore the desert in a huge 4x4 on a desert safari
For a fantastic thrill, we always recommend going on a desert safari across the sand dunes of the UAE. Packed into a huge 4x4 car, you and your family or friends will no doubt shriek as the vehicle swerves its way across the bumps and lumps of the desert. We highly recommend holding on tight and just enjoying your ride!