Extreme Adventures

If ever a city were built for daredevils, it’s Dubai, where a gutsy duo of adrenaline junkies – better known as Jetman – regularly strap jet packs to their backs, soar past the world’s tallest building, then rocketeer in formation with an Emirates A380 wide-body aircraft (all in the name of cre­ating viral video). Where Tom Cruise nixes his stuntman to scale the Burj Khalifa himself while filming Mission: Impossible. Where you can rip the world’s first indoor black-diamond ski run, play tennis on a skyscraper helipad, swim with sharks at the mall and make it home (on camel, if the mood strikes) by dinner. Hang tight for the ultimate adrenaline rides in the Emirate.

In the Sand. Admit it, you’ve always wanted to be allied the Falconer. Now’s your chance to hunt like a sheikh, with a razor-taloned bird that can clock 200 mph diving for prey. Platinum Heritages private falcon experience will deliver you via Range Rover to the Dubai Desert Conserva­tion Reserve, where you’ll encounter one of the world’s top trainers and interact with his elite collection of flying assassins.

Armed with your new Bedouin stalking skills, you’ll want to venture further into the des­ert. Dune bashing (wherein your Land Cruiser turns real-life roller coaster, plummeting down steep sand mountains and bucking you in the air) is a must. Dubai Private Tour’s Royal Desert Safari pairs that thrilling exploit with a bespoke Arabian Nights-style evening. Camel rides, a BBQ spread, belly dancing and sandboarding – capped off with Arabic coffee and shisha – are yours for the taking. For a more rugged ride, strap into the safety harness and roll cage of an open-air Dune Buggy Dubai vehicle. (You’ll be in the driver’s seat.) The company also offers camel trekking and ATV tours. Or slide on some sand skis and show oft’your powder tricks on the dunes, courtesy of Desert Safari Dubai.