Experience an adrenaline rush with a variety of adventure activities in Dubai. From soaring between skyscrapers to gliding over sandy dunes and flying above the stunning Arabian Gulf, this vibrant city offers thrilling experiences for every couple.

1. Freefall Over Dubai

Skydive Dubai

If you've ever considered skydiving, now's the perfect time to take the leap. Skydive Dubai lets you freefall from 13,000 feet, offering breathtaking views of Palm Jumeirah and the sparkling Arabian Gulf below. Prefer the vast desert landscape? No problem—there's also a drop zone located about 30 kilometers from the city center.

For those seeking a less intense experience, why not try a gyrocopter ride? This two-seater aircraft will provide a memorable aerial view of the emirate from 1,500 feet in the sky.

Location: Al Seyahi Street, Dubai Marina
Price: Approximately AED 2,199 for tandem skydiving (includes training and gear)
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily
Tips:

• Booking: Reserve your spot online well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
• Attire: Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes; avoid bulky items.
• Health: Ensure you're in good health; consult with staff if you have concerns.

2. Desert Quadbiking Adventure

Big Red Adventure Tours

Feel the exhilaration of racing across the desert in a dune buggy or on a quad bike. These specially designed vehicles are built for high-energy thrills, featuring no doors or roof and equipped with roll cages and bucket seats for safety. Big Red Adventure Tours offers various desert safari packages, with options for morning, evening, and overnight adventures, allowing you to conquer heart-pounding 45-degree dunes.

Location: Pinnacle Building, Al Barsha 1
Price: Starting around AED 650 per person for a half-day tour (includes equipment and refreshments)
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily
Tips:

• Timing: Opt for early morning or sunset tours to enjoy cooler temperatures.
• Gear: Bring sunglasses, a scarf for dust protection, and a hat.
• Hydration: Carry plenty of water to stay hydrated.

3. Urban Ziplining Experience

XLine Dubai Marina

Don't miss the chance to try XLine, one of the most exciting attractions in Dubai. Fly across the city at speeds of 80 km/h while enjoying panoramic views of luxurious yachts and towering skyscrapers. Stretching over one kilometer, XLine is officially the world's longest urban zipline and features a gentle incline of 16 degrees. Plus, you can share this thrilling ride with a friend on one of the two parallel lines.

Location: Level P, Dubai Marina Mall
Price: Approximately AED 650 per person
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily
Tips:

• Clothing: Wear snug-fitting clothes and closed-toe shoes for safety.
• Group Size: Consider going with a partner to share the thrill.
• Weather: Check weather conditions; the experience is weather-dependent.

4. Flyboarding Fun

Sky and Sea Adventures

For those eager to conquer the waves, flyboarding is an exhilarating option. This extreme water sport propels you up to 10 meters above the water using a powerful turbine. Suitable for all skill levels, you'll quickly learn to balance in the air, and may even master some impressive tricks. Sky and Sea Adventures, a premier watersports company, offers top-notch training. If flyboarding isn't your thing, consider scuba diving, parasailing, or kitesurfing at the popular Kite Beach.

Location: Hilton - The Walk, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz, Al Saud Street, Dubai Marina
Price: Around AED 600 for a 30-minute session
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily
Tips:

• Preparation: Arrive early to get suited up and receive instructions.
• Gear: Bring a swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen; water shoes are often provided.
• Practice: Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get it right away—practice makes perfect!

5. Mountain Adventures in Hatta

Hatta Wadi Hub

Escape to Hatta for a mix of adventure and natural beauty. Located just a 90-minute drive from Downtown Dubai, this destination is perfect for mountain biking, hiking, and kayaking. Explore the stunning Hajar Mountain range and visit Hatta Wadi Hub for activities like biking, archery, and even zorbing—rolling down a hill in a transparent orb. Extend your stay with a night at JA Hatta Fort Hotel or try glamping at Damani Lodges.

Location: Hatta Wadi Hub, off Dubai-Hatta Road
Price: Entry fee around AED 30; activities like kayaking and biking are extra.
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily
Tips:

• Packing: Bring snacks, plenty of water, and a camera for stunning views.
• Accommodation: Consider staying overnight at JA Hatta Fort Hotel for a full experience.
• Explore: Take time to explore the local history and culture at Hatta Heritage Village.

6. Dive into the Deep

Deep Dive Dubai

A must-visit for water enthusiasts, Deep Dive Dubai boasts the world's deepest swimming pool for diving at 60.02 meters. The facility features a unique 'sunken city' and offers year-round diving courses. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned diver aged 10 and over, you'll have the chance to explore its underwater wonders. You can also enjoy games or book the underwater media room for creative projects.

Location: NAS Sports Complex, Dubai
Price: Starting at AED 400 for a dive experience
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily
Tips:

• Booking: Reserve your spot online; spaces can fill up quickly.
• Health: Ensure you meet the health requirements for diving.
• Equipment: Bring your swimsuit; all diving gear is provided.

7. Cycling Trails in Mushrif Park

Mushrif Park

Cycling enthusiasts will love the new mountain biking trails in Mushrif Park. The park recently opened its first 20 kilometers of what will eventually be a 50-kilometer track, designed to accommodate up to 3,000 cyclists daily. With trails varying in difficulty, there's something for everyone—from beginners to experienced riders. Enjoy additional activities like scenic hiking trails and treetop obstacle courses at Aventura Parks.

Location: Al Khawaneej Street, Mushrif
Price: Entry fee around AED 3; bike rentals vary.
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM daily
Tips:

• Bike Rentals: Rent bikes on-site for convenience; rates are reasonable.
• Timing: Visit early to beat the heat and enjoy the peaceful morning ambiance.
• Explore: Check out the park’s diverse flora and fauna during your ride.

8. Spectacular City Views

Sky Views Dubai

Experience Downtown Dubai like never before at Sky Views Dubai, located 219.5 meters above ground. This stunning attraction offers breathtaking views of the city's skyline and pristine landscapes below. Situated atop the Address Sky View hotel, it features three unique experiences: the Observatory, Glass Slide, and Edge Walk, ensuring unforgettable moments for every couple.

Location: Address Sky View Hotel, Emaar Square Area, Downtown Dubai
Price: Approximately AED 100 for general admission
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily
Tips:

• Timing: Visit during sunset for spectacular views and photo opportunities.
• Advance Booking: Purchase tickets online to avoid queues.
• Experience: Try the edge walk for an exhilarating perspective of the city.

Kuwait has officially approved the issuance of seven-day transit visas for select travelers entering the country via land, particularly through the Abdali border crossing, as part of its strategy to streamline border procedures and enhance regional mobility. The new visa policy, directed by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, specifically targets Gulf citizens, expatriates residing in GCC countries, European nationals, and diplomatic personnel, especially those arriving from Iraq or transiting through Iran.

Colonel Waleed Al-Azmi, Director of the Abdali Border Crossing Administration, announced that the transit visa allows eligible non-residents to stay in Kuwait for up to seven days, enabling travel between Abdali Port and Kuwait International Airport, or vice versa, to organize onward journeys or complete necessary travel arrangements. The visa is not extendable and does not permit holders to work or study in Kuwait.

To apply, travelers must present a passport valid for at least six months, a confirmed onward ticket, and proof of transit, such as accommodation details or supporting documents for their next destination. The visa application can be submitted through the Kuwait Port Authority, Kuwaiti consulates, or, for some nationalities, via an online portal. The processing fee is KWD 2 (about USD 6.50).

Diplomatic personnel and embassy representatives are also permitted to be present at the border to assist their nationals during the entry and exit process, ensuring smoother procedures and additional support. This move is coordinated between the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with certain exceptions and special exemptions available for select nationalities.

The introduction of the 7-day transit visa reflects Kuwait’s broader efforts to facilitate cross-border movement, support regional connectivity, and maintain robust security and compliance at its borders

Thailand’s tourism sector is facing significant challenges as the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict disrupts travel from key Middle Eastern markets. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) warns that arrivals from five countries Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria could drop by as much as 50%, with early signs of decline already evident in popular destinations like Phuket due to airspace closures.

Thapanee Kiatphaibool, governor of the TAT, explained that several major airlines flying to Thailand including Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Flydubai, Air Arabia, Oman Air, and SalamAir have rerouted flights to avoid conflict zones. Tehran-based Mahan Air has temporarily suspended its Bangkok and Phuket routes, causing the Iranian market to effectively vanish during this period.

These five countries represent about 7% of Middle Eastern visitors to Thailand, with the region (excluding Israel) accounting for 100,781 travelers in June 2024. The timing of the conflict coincides with the Eid al-Adha festival, a peak travel period that last year brought 7,165 tourists from these markets. This year, arrivals are expected to fall sharply to between 3,500 and 5,000 as tourists and airlines postpone trips amid uncertainty.

The TAT is also monitoring potential longer-term impacts on larger Middle Eastern markets such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain, which together contribute 80% of Thailand’s Middle East tourism. Concerns over air travel safety could further dampen demand, affecting hotels in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, and Chiang Mai, which are popular with Middle Eastern visitors.

If the conflict is resolved soon, arrivals may begin to recover in July. Some airlines, including Royal Jordanian Airlines, plan to launch new routes, such as the Amman-Bangkok service starting in August. However, a full recovery depends on how long and severe the conflict’s effects prove to be.

The TAT aims to attract 1.06 million visitors from the Middle East in 2025, an 11% increase over last year, and generate approximately 86 billion baht in revenue. As the situation evolves, Thailand’s tourism industry remains cautiously optimistic but vigilant about the challenges ahead.

Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) has reiterated that fees paid for exit and re-entry visas are strictly non-refundable, even if the visa is canceled—a policy that has been reconfirmed as thousands of expatriates plan their summer travel. This clarification was issued following a public inquiry from a resident, to which Jawazat responded unequivocally: “If the exit and re-entry visa is cancelled, the fees are non-refundable”.

Under current regulations, a single exit and re-entry visa costs 200 Saudi riyals and is valid for up to two months, with an additional 100 riyals for each extra month, provided the resident’s permit (iqama) remains valid. For multiple exit and re-entry visas, the fee is 500 riyals for up to three months, and 200 riyals for each additional month.

Notably, for residents who are already outside the Kingdom and need to extend their visas, the extension fees are doubled—200 riyals per month for a single visa and 400 riyals per month for a multiple visa.

The process for issuing, canceling, or extending these visas is managed digitally through the Absher platform. To cancel a visa, users must log in, access “Services for Sponsors,” select the relevant individual, and confirm the cancellation; however, the fee remains non-refundable regardless of the reason for cancellation.

Recent regulatory updates have also introduced higher fees for expatriates outside Saudi Arabia, including doubled extension charges and increased costs for renewing residency permits (Iqama) abroad. Penalties for not using or canceling a visa within the allowed time can be steep, starting at 1,000 riyals for the first offense and rising to 3,000 riyals for repeated violations. Overstaying outside Saudi Arabia after a visa expires incurs a fine of 100 USD per month.

These rules apply to all visa holders, including professionals, domestic workers, and dependents, and are part of broader changes to residency and travel regulations aimed at streamlining processes and ensuring compliance. Authorities urge residents to carefully plan their travel and visa applications, as changes or cancellations will not result in a refund of paid fees.

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is showing promising signs of recovery, with a 33% year-on-year (YoY) increase in tourist arrivals during the first 10 days of June 2025. The island welcomed 43,962 visitors compared to 33,017 in the same period last year.

The daily average number of tourists also rose significantly, reaching 4,396 visitors per day, up from 3,302 during the first 10 days of June 2024. This uptick is encouraging, especially given that June is traditionally an off-season month for travel to Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) projects 177,257 arrivals for the entire month of June. However, industry stakeholders remain cautious due to a shortfall in arrivals during the first five months of 2025. From January to May, tourist arrivals missed projections by a cumulative 279,452 visitors, underscoring ongoing challenges in converting interest into actual visits despite improving macroeconomic conditions.

Between January 1 and June 10, 2025, Sri Lanka welcomed over 1.07 million tourists, marking a 16% increase compared to 927,196 visitors during the same period in 2024. Notably, arrivals in January, February, and May 2025 exceeded pre-pandemic levels seen in 2018, highlighting Sri Lanka’s renewed appeal as a travel destination.

Despite these positive trends, consistent growth remains elusive. A key hurdle has been the delay in launching a global tourism campaign, which has not been updated in 16 years. The much-anticipated ‘Nation Branding’ campaign, set to launch on June 26, is expected to boost Sri Lanka’s visibility in key markets and drive higher arrivals during the lucrative winter season.

In June 2025, India, the UK, and Bangladesh emerged as the top source markets, contributing 12,362, 3,740, and 2,717 tourists respectively. Year-to-date, India leads with 216,422 arrivals, followed by Russia (111,285) and the UK (100,014). These markets remain central to Sri Lanka’s tourism recovery strategy.

Sri Lanka aims to attract 3 million tourists and generate $5 billion in tourism revenue by the end of 2025. To meet this target, the industry needs to draw approximately 1.93 million visitors 64.2% of the annual goal during the remaining months of the year. So far, the sector has generated over $1.54 billion in revenue in the first five months, with $3.46 billion still needed to reach the target.

In 2024, Sri Lanka’s tourism revenue reached $3.16 billion, a substantial 53.2% increase from $2.07 billion in 2023, reflecting the sector’s strong recovery momentum.

Stay tuned for updates on the upcoming Nation Branding campaign and further developments in Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.

Starting July 1, 2025, residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) holding valid residency permits will be able to enter Armenia without a visa, marking a significant expansion of Armenia’s visa-free travel policy. Previously, only UAE nationals enjoyed visa-free access, while expatriate residents had to obtain visas on arrival.

The new policy applies to residents with residency permits valid for at least six months and allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism, leisure, or business purposes.

This change is part of a broader Armenian government initiative to enhance tourism, investment, and economic ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, which include the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar. The policy also aligns with Armenia’s visa-free arrangements for residents of the European Union, the Schengen Area, and the United States.

The Armenian cabinet approved this reform in May 2025 to facilitate easier travel for expatriates living in these economically significant regions and to boost Armenia’s attractiveness as a destination for short-term visitors and business travelers.

Armenia’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, combined with its rich cultural heritage—including UNESCO World Heritage monasteries like Geghard and Khor Virap—and natural attractions such as Lake Sevan and Dilijan National Park, makes it an appealing destination for UAE residents, particularly expatriates.

The country is accessible via direct flights from Dubai and other UAE cities through airlines such as flydubai, Air Arabia, and Wizz Air. Armenian tourism officials expect the visa-free entry for UAE residents to increase tourist arrivals, strengthen economic relations, and promote business engagements between Armenia and the GCC.

Lusine Gevorgyan, Chairperson of Armenia’s Tourism Committee, emphasized that this milestone reflects Armenia’s commitment to making the country more accessible to regional travelers seeking meaningful cultural and leisure experiences. The visa waiver is also expected to encourage more frequent travel and investment flows, with officials optimistic about a rise in direct flights and business cooperation.

In summary, from July 1, 2025, UAE residents with valid residency permits will benefit from visa-free entry to Armenia for up to 90 days, a move designed to enhance tourism, business, and bilateral relations between Armenia and the GCC region.