We’ve already touched on the fact that there are various things that you can do during a trip to Dubai, but some are more unusual than others…

Plenty of people will take the chance to head for places like the Dubai Mall to enjoy to top quality shopping or head up the Burj Khalifa to take in views from the tallest building in the world, but what about some of the more unexpected activities that you might be able to try out whilst in the Emirate…

Go Skiing:

You did read that right. We’re talking about somewhere where the average temperature rarely drops below 20°C and which is surrounded by desert, and we’re suggesting going skiing…

Just to be clear, that isn’t clipping on a set of skis to try and fly down towering dunes, but instead, skiing of the indoor variety at the Ski Dubai complex, which is part of the Mall of the Emirates.

Opened back in 2005, Ski Dubai is home to five slopes of varying difficulty that are maintained at a constant temperature between -1°C and 2°C, in coding the first indoor black diamond run for experts to enjoy.

There is a huge snow park with sled and toboggan runs whilst you can even interact with the resident penguins. It’s certainly not something you’ll have expected on a desert adventure….

Hit the race track:

Dubai isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you mention motorsport, but the Emirate is home to an impressive racing facility that is located less than half an hour away from Palm Jumeirah.

Designed by the same people behind the redesign of Silverstone, the Dubai Autodrome features a number of different track layouts that you can sample in a range of different machines.

These include everything from an Abarth 595 or Renault Clio Cup car right through to a Ferrari 458 Challenge and even an ex-F1 car, with the circuit having a Jaguar from 2000 and Arrows from 2002 available for people to drive.

Chill Out:

We’ve already said how you can hit the ski slopes whilst in Dubai, but what about chilling out - quite literally - with a visit to an ice bar?

The Chillout Ice Lounge has been open since 2007 and features ice sculptures, ice seating and ice tables at a subzero temperature of -6°C - with many people sitting down to enjoy a signature hot chocolate.

Considering that the temperature could be more than 40°C outside, it really is a case of polar opposites in terms of what to expect (no pun intended).

Defy Gravity:

There is no shortage of options when it comes to watersports on a trip to Dubai, with various companies offering a range of different activities in the stunning waters that line the coast.

However, if you want to go a bit further than kayaking, waterskiing or paddleboarding then there are a range of gravity defying activities on offer that will give you the chance to try something completely different.

Flyboarding and Jetpacks will give you the chance to soar above the water, whilst a ride on a Jetovater - an innovative waterbike that blasts across the surface.

Fly through the air:

We’ve touched on the fact that you can enjoy a ride on a zipline at Atlantis The Palm elsewhere, but what about if you aren’t staying at the resort and don’t fancy visiting on a day trip?

Dubai XLine operates an impressive zipline that soars high above Dubai Marina from a platform 170m in the air, offering guests the chance to gain a unique view of the city below at speeds of up to 80km/h.

Explore a true miracle:

A desert city like Dubai might not be regarded as the best place to grow flowers but the Dubai Miracle Garden does just that.

In fact, it is now one of the largest natural flower gardens in the world covering more than 72,000 square metres and being home to hundreds of millions of flowers.

With stunning displays that are aimed at all ages, it’s a family friendly attraction that you didn’t know you needed to visit.