These are the most rewarding walking spots in Dubai to rack up your daily steps while actually enjoying the journey
Your step count is important. There is no debate on this. Not only is it a fantastic, low-impact form of exercise proven to unlock countless health benefits – it also allows us to meditate, to catch up on podcasts, leave feature-length voice notes or just, per chance, to daydream.
What can make your walks dramatically more exciting, though, is a purpose and itinerary – a stroll with a goal.
These are the best DIY walking tours in Dubai
Mosey on up Marsa Boulevard
Mark Twain once famously said “Golf is a good walk spoiled”, and that may or may not be true but one thing we are sure of, is that good walks in the Gulf are a wonderful way to spoil yourself. And of all their varied forms, scenic evening strolls are a singularly elegant treasure of calorie-toasting leisure pleasure. At Marsa Boulevard, you get the golden perambulatory trifactor: fresh Creekside breeze, a messy plethora of F&B options and inspiring scenery. Embark after-dark and take a step-count buddy.
Hit the trail at Al Hayer Forest
If leafy green scenes occupy your dreams, here’s how to make them a verdant Dubai reality. Al Hayer Forest is an
expansive Ghaf tree grove, sat snug against Dubai’s border with Oman (intrepid side quest-ers need only Google
Al Hayer Forest for the location, accessed by the E66 and E55). It’s perfect for a shaded promenade, provincial
picnics or a spot of secluded – though still easily reachable – wilderness camping.
Trace the spaces of Al Marmoom Oasis
Talk of nomadic desert wanders normally defers to Al Qudra’s lakes, but we’re breaking gatekeeping protocols to bring you this trail-blazing news. Al Marmoom hides a true desert oasis, a veritable fertile flurry of treelined lanes, a glass-clear lake, and abundant wildlife.
Check @almarmoon.ae for location and booking details.
Climb to the Hatta Sign
This peak-seeking hike up the Hajar Mountains is something of a rite of passage for UAE residents. The full official route is a 7.3km climb (fun size versions are available), takes around two and a half hours to complete, and it starts and ends at Hatta Wadi Hub. The kick-off point is clearly signposted and your journey will take you through some calf-testing inclines on your way to the itinerary highlight: the Hatta Sign, those big white letters mimicking Hollywood’s own famous hill graffiti.
*DXB Snow Run returns to Ski Dubai next month*
Meander through Mushrif
Mushrif Park has its own official (pet friendly) hiking trail that takes you through the canopied heart of Dubai nature. There’s a 10km route, with plenty of short-cut options for little legs. Play eye-spy with the locale’s wildlife, cross stairways and bridges, scope out sculptures and artworks, and round the whole thing off with a dine-around wrap-party at the neighbouring Al Khawaneej Walk.
Hide ‘n’ Seef
Image: What’s On Archive
Use the Canopy by Hilton as your launch pad for a transitional stroll along the Creek waterfront. Breeze past the modern restaurants and bobbing dhows, and you’ll notice the aesthetic style of the buildings slowly slip from new and shiny to rustic and oldtimey. It’s all recently built, but the architectural fashioning deliberately calls back to the storied past of Dubai’s early settlements. Take a few more steps, and you’re in the enchanting embrace of Al Fahidi Historical District – explore its traditional alleyways, galleries and museums. We recommend refreshments to be taken in the courtyard of the XVA Art Hotel, an underrated cultural gem.
Strut Satwa’s streetfood triangle
The savour safari kicks off at Satwa Roundabout, and the only way to start your street food journey here is with a Dubai institution: Ravi Restaurant. Best experienced from a Karachi-tapas angle. With your biryani buried, peel yourself out of your seat and head east along Al Diyafah Street (towards The H Hotel), soaking in the vibrant street life and shopfronts that make Satwa a people-watching paradise. Your next stop is Pars Iranian Kitchen for a true taste of traditional Persian dishes. After that, we’re switching gears for another titan of Asian cuisine at the aromatic Filipino Market centred around Al Hudaiba Road. Set your Snack Nav for a visit to Bilaot Restaurant and prepare for an edible TedTalk on the sweet treats of Pinoy cuisine.
Strut the Bluewaters boardwalk
The shrewd rambler begins this journey with a toes-in-the-sand strut on the water’s edge of The Beach. From there, make your way towards the man-made Bluewaters Dubai peninsula – you can’t miss it: it’s the one with the world’s largest observation wheel eyeing you up from across the cove. As you approach the route onto the spit of land, a convenient boardwalk provides easy access. Once aboard, you can take a brisk perimeter walk of the attraction, then lunch in one of the excellent restaurants (we strongly recommend Clay, Din Tai Fung, or Alici). And if you’re tempted to turn it into a luxurious daycay, head to La Cantine Beach at the Delano hotel on Bluewaters – pure balmy, beachy bliss.
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