The Eid holiday seems to have come round really quickly this year, and as I am just back from three weeks of gallivanting around Europe for various weddings and celebrations, and will be doing the same again in September, I have resolved that my feet will not leave the ground for this break.

However, I am keen to get out of the city for a couple of days, and to try to escape the heat if possible. Luckily some of my lovely friends have arranged a trip up to Jebel Shams (the highest mountain in Oman) where temperatures apparently only reach 20 degrees in summer due to the altitude. I’ll save the details for a future post when I can share pictures too, but suffice to say, I’m a happy lady.

For anyone else who is not leaving Dubai for Eid, I’ve previously written my recommendations for things to do within the UAE here, however I thought I would focus this week on activities within Dubai itself, and which can be done now while it’s still too warm to be outside:

1. Trampolining!

Make like Tigger and bounce for an hour! I recently wrote a post (here) all about the new Bounce outlet in Al Barsha where you can take part in Dodgeball matches, propel yourself onto crash mats, try to do a Michael Jordan with the basketball hoop, or walk up walls – all good fun, great exercise and guaranteed lots of laughs.

2. Go diving!

Head underwater where the temperatures are much cooler. Whether you’ve done it before or are learning the ropes, the dive centres at Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Jebel Ali Resort both offer trial dive sessions, beginners and advanced, as well as a whole range of specialities if you fancy doing something different. What better time to learn something new??

3. Cool off at a water park!

If you don’t want to be below the water (for long!), check out Wild Wadi or Aquaventure, both offer a great experience whether you prefer floating along a lazy river, or getting an adrenaline high by hurtling down near vertical drops! Wild Wadi remains my favourite as everything seems much more accessible and easy to get around.

4. Take up skiing or snowboarding!

Hit the slopes at Ski Dubai, no matter what your level of experience, there are lessons available for all, and if that doesn’t take your fancy, there are plenty of other activities available from zorbing and sledging to ziplining and even meeting the penguins! I haven’t yet had a chance to try these activities but they look fun from the mall, and I enjoyed my snowboarding lessons!

5.  Take up a new watersport!

This is something else I have dedicated a post to in the past here, although now I would also add paddleboarding (SUP) to the list. I still haven’t had a chance to take lessons but I have attempted this with my godchildren, and it’s harder than it looks! If I was staying in Dubai over the next couple of days, it would definitely be something I would try! Temperatures might make it a bit warm for kayaking at the moment, but wake boarding would definitely be good right now too.

So there you have it, my recommendations on how to make the most of Dubai for the Eid holiday, and despite the heat, staying outdoors! If the cool of the air conditioning does prove too much of a temptation though, I would personally love to get airborne and try iFly (another one on my bucket list). Then there’s always the pull of the cinema platinum experience at Reel Cinemas, especially with such good films coming out, and of course the countless bargains to be had as part of Dubai Shopping Festival across the city’s numerous malls.

Whatever you’re doing, feel free to share, and I wish you a fantastic break – Eid Mubarak everyone!