Dubai is the second largest of the seven United Arab Emirates but it is the largest in terms of population. It is known for its futuristic architecture that includes some of the largest and the biggest constructions in the world. Dubai drew world’s amazement and wonder, first with the magnificent feat that was the Palm Jumeirah Hotel and then with the mega tall skyscraper Burj Khalifa. The luxury malls go hand in hand with the affluent lifestyle as do the swanky restaurants, top of the line theme parks and resort hotels like Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort.

Dubai is also home to endless miles of white sandy beaches. You will even find some beaches that are named after the sports they are most popular for, like Kitesurfing Beach, a long, smooth stretch of sand off Jumeirah Road. Dubai is constantly expanding its coastline and with it the water sports companies are moving in to offer more extreme sports. The Nasimi Watersports Festival has become an annual event with stand up paddle boarding, plus kitesurfing and ocean kayaking races. The lively event on Nasimi Beach even features music, food and kids activities.

The conventional activities like diving, surfing and fishing are still popular but Dubai has more to offer. ‘Flyboarding’ is an activity that has water jets mounted beneath a ‘flyboard’ that shoot you fifty feet above the water and let you spin, roll, hover and zoom in the air with a certified instructor guiding you step by step. There are a few variations like the Jetpack, FlyBike and Jet Blade Flyboard that offer a similar experience. A Jet Ski tour is a fantastic way to appreciate the city’s iconic coastline. If the open ocean does not suit your fancy, try the Aquaventure Waterpark with water slides, a one and a half kilometre artificial river and a wave pool.

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+