Off the standard itinerary

Unusual Things to Do in Dubai

Everyone does the observation decks, the brunches, and the dune-bashing tour. This is a short, honest list for people looking for something less scripted — from the team at Social Saddles DXB.

Last reviewed 2026-07-02 by the Social Saddles team.

What makes a Dubai experience feel different

The unusual experiences in any city share a trait: they put you inside something locals actually do, rather than in front of something built for visitors. In Dubai that means the desert on its own terms, the water at the right hour, and the communities that form around doing things — not watching things.

Riding a horse through the desert at sunset

Horseback remains one of the most memorable ways to see the desert around Dubai — especially at golden hour, when the dunes hold the light. Guided social rides make it accessible: no experience needed, professional instructors, horses matched to your comfort, and a group dinner after the flagship ride.

It is also one of the few visitor-friendly experiences built around a social club rather than a tour desk — the ride ends with the group, not a drop-off. Start with the first ride guide, read how sunset rides work, or browse the experiences.

Other less-obvious directions worth a look

• A sunrise in the desert — at 5:30 AM the dunes are cool, quiet, and empty; the Saturday Sunrise Ride is built around that hour
• A lakeside evening away from the skyline — the pace of Friday Lake Rides is the opposite of the city
• The coast from a saddle instead of a sunbed — the Beach Ride on select dates
• Joining a club instead of booking a tour — activity clubs are how residents actually meet people here

See the ride calendar