< Previous70 APRIL 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM Attractions Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai If you’re dreaming of a staycation, these exclusive hotels with private pools have to go on your bucket list. From desert resorts where you can float looking out on the dunes to sky-high city pools, get ready for a swim to remember. Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai This exceptionally luxurious resort might only be an hour’s drive from Dubai Marina, but it couldn’t feel further from the city. You’re likely to come across a leaping gazelle here – or if you’re really lucky, an Arabian oryx. All Bedouin suites have plunge Hotels with private pools that you’ll want to book into, ASAP pools and after all, where’s better to watch the wildlife than from your very own private pool? A must-book experience. O Dubai, marriott.com (04 832 9900). Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort A hotel on the Palm with a private pool to wallow in? This is the one for you. Known for its Thai-style luxury, this Palm Jumeirah hotel boasts 400 metres of private shoreline and views of the Arabian Gulf. If you want to take a dip in your very own pool, choose between either the pool villas or the overwater villas that are set out to sea. O Palm Jumeirah, anantara.com (04 567 8888). Anantara World Islands Speeding across the water to Anantara World Islands by boat is dreamy enough, but to give your stay an extra luxurious touch, opt for one of the beach pool rooms. Looking out over to the Gulf, you can make the most of a private plunge pool on your terrace, before strolling across to the sandy beach just a few metres away. Delightful. O Dubai World Islands, anantara.com (04 567 8777). Atlantis The Royal The luxury hotel on Palm Jumeirah is known for its extravagant features, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that you can book out a sky Splash outTIMEOUTDUBAI.COM APRIL 2025 71 pool villa with its own private infinity pool. Kitted out with sun loungers and some jaw- dropping views over Palm Jumeirah, there’s even a 24-hour butler service included. O Palm Jumeirah, atlantis.com (04 426 0000). Bab Al Shams Now this is what you call a private pool. The gorgeous desert resort has recently opened a series of brand-new villas, each with their own pools (and fire pits). Offering both one and two bedrooms, you can soak up the stunning décor, get a few lengths in and stare out over the dunes. Only a 45-minute drive from Downtown Dubai, this plush pad is a perfect staycation spot. O Al Qudra, babalshams.com (04 809 6167). Bvlgari Resort Dubai All the private villas at this luxury resort come with their own private beach and temperature-controlled swimming pool. And if you feel like really splashing the cash (or dreaming about it, at least), the signature Bvlgari villa comes equipped with a private home cinema, indoor hot tub and hammam. O Jumeirah Bay Island, bulgarihotels.com (04 777 5555). FIVE Jumeirah Village Looking for a city escape? The sister hotel to the popular party hotel FIVE Palm Jumeirah boasts not one, not two, but 269 swimming pools. Choose between one-, two- or four- bedroom sky villa suites, all of which come complete with panoramic views and your own private pool terrace. O Jumeirah Village Circle, jumeirahvillage. fivehotelsandresorts.com (04 455 9988). FIVE LUXE JBR The latest addition to JBR, the lush hotel is a must-try for partygoers with everything from award-winning beach clubs to incredible rooftop bars. Taking the fun even further, you can opt to stay in a one-bedroom poolside room, so you can be right in on the action. As well as a private terrace, you can enjoy bronzing on the sunloungers followed by a dip in your very own plunge pool while looking out on the main pool below. O JBR, luxejbr.fivehotelandresorts.com (04 275 9999). Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab The design of this hotel takes inspiration from a luxury super yacht, so it’s no surprise you can book a room with a luxury pool inside. The royal suite comes with a dedicated butler service, a private plunge pool and 180-degree views stretching from the Burj Al Arab to the Burj Khalifa. A bucket-list destination, you can even workout in the suite’s private gym, or enjoy a spa treatment – all in your room. O Umm Suqeim, jumeirah.com (04 540 8888). Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort Madinat Jumeirah Hidden within the Madinat Jumeirah waterways, you’ll find the resort’s most luxurious accommodation – the Jumeirah Malakiya villas (Malakiya literally translates to royal in Arabic). Not only do all the villas come with a private swimming pool, they also come with 24-hour butler service, private terraces and in-villa breakfast. O Umm Suqeim, jumeirah.com (800 6234628). Meliá Desert Palm Dubai Set amid a massive polo estate, at this luxury hotel holidaymakers can take a break from wandering around the lush polo fields before taking a drop in their very own eight- metre private temperature controlled pool with indoor and outdoor rainfall showers, A private pool and plenty of green space? Sounds just what we need right now. O Al Awir Road, melia.com (04 323 8888). Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Thought Nikki Beach was all about the banging beach parties? You’re not far wrong – but at the Dubai outpost you can opt for your own private beach villa, found at the swish Nikki Beach Resort set just along the sand from the beach club. It’s 1,270 sq ft one-bedroom beach villa has its own private pool, sea views and beach access, plus a chic dining area and spa-like bathroom. O Pearl Jumeira, nikkibeach.com (04 376 6000). One&Only The Palm A staycation in a massive mansion on the beach? Where do we sign up? The swish Palm Jumeirah resort boasts four exclusive beachfront villas, each with a private pool overlooking the pristine beach. A truly exclusive and memorable stay. O Palm Jumeirah, oneandonlyresorts.com/the-palm (04 440 1010). Terra Solis It’s not often you get a luxury desert hotel created by the team behind Tomorrowland – let alone it having an incredible pool villa you can spend the night in. Located on the desert site, the modern Orion lodge boasts a bohemian interior, immaculate white terrace and a private plunge pool to cool off. If you want to switch it up, hop between the plunge and the venue’s main pool. O Jebel Ali, terraslisdubai.com (04 459 8300).72 APRIL 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM Family & Kids Al Mamzar Beach Park Hit the beach Sandy shores to visit with the fam before the summer arrives There’s close to 1,300km of soft, sandy shoreline in the UAE, which means plenty of opportunity (and space) for some seriously good beaches for families. Whether you want to curl up with a book and let the kids entertain themselves building sandcastles (good luck with that) or prefer to join the little ones for a splash in the sea, the Emirates’ plentiful beaches are the perfect place to do it. These are either free, or cost just a small fee. So, enjoy those early morning beach walks before the sun hits. Al Mamzar Beach Park It might be a short drive but if you can tune out the backseat (heated) discussions then this park on the Sharjah border is worth it. With a choice of four beaches, along with a large lawn, sports pitches and a small skate park, there’s something to keep the whole tribe happy. Pack a picnic, claim a barbecue spot for a budget lunch or pick something up from one of the many outlets. The park has toilets and changing rooms, or you can even rent a chalet for the day if you want to make yourself at home. There are plenty of facilities and spots to eat at on this beach – and what’s a day out at the beach without an ice cream? There’s free parking, too. O Dhs5 (per person), Dhs30 (per car). Open daily 8am-10pm. Near Century Mall, Al Mamzar, dubaipublicparks.ae (04 296 6201). JBR Beach Finding your own private patch of sand on this beach is possible, but be warned it won’t be massive. This is easily Dubai’s busiest beach – with hordes of residents and tourists heading down in droves every day. However, it is a huge stretch of coastline starting from Zero Gravity and extending all the way to the breakwaters near the Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort without interruption. Little adrenaline- seekers can marvel at the camels meandering down the sand, plus have some fun taking on the inflatable Aqua Park. There are loads of restaurants, breakfast spots, cafés and entertainment areas including a cinema, fairground arcades and playgrounds. Facilities include beach bed rental, showers and changing rooms. Plus, there are plenty of activities to entertain the whole family, including a splash pad. O Free. The Beach, opposite JBR, thebeach.ae. Jumeirah Open Beach This is one of Dubai’s quieter stretches of sand. Make sure you take plenty of water and all the snacks that your tribe will want to eat, because while there are several cafés and restaurants, they are few and far between. There are however bathrooms and showers for cleaning off your sandy little people before you load them back into the car, while lifeguards oversee the water for peace of mind. Oh, and if the kids actually give you five minutes to read a book, but you’ve left your Kindle in your bedside table drawer, worry not, there’s a library unit on TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM APRIL 2025 73 the beach where books can be borrowed for free. Don’t forget to pack the sun cream. O Free. Near Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa, Jumeirah Beach Road. Kite Beach This is one of the best beaches for families and a great spot for all your friends to gather on. Teeming with activities including everything from skateparks to mini bungee jumping, high-rope courses and even a running track, there’s never a dull moment at this beach (which should prevent whining). Watersports are also popular and include kayaking, paddle-boarding and water-skiing to turn a lazy day into something much more adventurous. Not only is the beach packed with activities, it’s also home to plenty of cafés for a break before the kids’ next round of adventure. Want to walk or jog along the coastline? Kite Beach’s 14km track is the perfect spot. O Free. Off Street 5a, behind Jumeirah Beach Road, Umm Suqeim, kitebeach.ae (800 637 227). Mercato Beach This charming and peaceful beach is one to head to when you fancy escaping the crowds. There’s usually a cool breeze sweeping along the shore and, while it’s not the prettiest, it has everything you could want for a quiet day out: sun, sea and sand. Plus, there are some pretty special views of Burj Khalifa to soak up. There are no facilities so bring everything you need, or head to the Mercato Mall opposite to stock up before you find a place to call your own on the sand. Nearby Jumeirah Fishing Harbour has some nice cafés and restaurants (Brix is a top spot for a coffee and a cake), and it’s worth exploring early in the morning or when the temperatures start to dip in the late afternoon. O Free. 13a Street, Jumeirah 2. Nessnass Beach Another of Dubai’s popular kiteboarding spots (signposts read Kitesurfing Beach), this stretch has the perfect conditions for catching some serious air thanks to consistent cross-onshore winds. And if the thought of packing a picnic or a cool box on top of all the other seaside paraphernalia sends chills down your spine, never fear because you can grab a bite(or a smoothie/ ice latte) at Feels, the beach front café that serves up home-made food. Prevent sandy sandwiches by sitting the tribe down at one of the numerous tables outside the eatery. O Free, Nessnass Street, behind Sunset Mall, Jumeirah. Umm Suqeim Beach Tucked behind Umm Suqeim Park, you can have a day on the grass and on the sand at Umm Suqeim Beach. Offering up some lovely vistas all the way down the coast towards Burj Al Arab, there’s even a built-in running track and an adorable Arabian Tea House if you want to grab some lunch. There are changing rooms and public toilets nearby too for when you need them. If you want to dip out of the sun, check out the quirky Book Hero Café, pick up a fresh brew and browse the second-hand novels. O Free. 2C Street, Umm Suqeim. Kite Beach Road trip The Corniche, Abu Dhabi The jewel in Abu Dhabi’s beachy crown, especially when it comes to families, the Corniche is a pristine beachfront divided into three handy sections, so everyone gets maximum enjoyment from its golden joys. There are children’s play areas, restaurants and lots of free sports on offer, like volleyball (there are five courts) and football. Take a stroll and enjoy your day in the capital. O Dhs10 (adults), Dhs5 (kids aged five-12), free (kids under five). Open daily 8am-8pm. The Corniche, Abu Dhabi. Umbrella Beach, Fujairah This is the perfect stretch of shoreline to settle down with a picnic and the family for the day, and you’re spoilt for choice when it comes for spots to spend the day. But if you’re bringing the whole brood, there’s you’ll find a great day out on Umbrella Beach. The mountains provide a pretty impressive backdrop to your beach day out on the Fujairah Corniche with beautiful sparkly waters and plenty of other things to do close by. O Free. Open daily 7.30am-6.30pm. Al Faseel, Fujairah, umbrella-beach.com. Kite Surf Beach, Umm Al Quwain Make a beeline to Kite Surf Beach Centre in Umm Al Quwain, which is not only child-friendly, but dog-friendly, too. The cute spot welcomes the whole family from the tiniest of tots to the furriest of friends – it’s pawfect for the whole gang. You can grab a lounger and umbrella on the sand and then let your four-legged friends off the lead to explore the fenced in beach and to swim in the sea. Load up the car and head off on a road trip. O Dhs75 (adults, weekdays), Dhs45 (kids, weekdays), Dhs100 (adults, weekends), Dhs75 (kids, weekends). Open daily 6am- 10pm. Shaik Saud bin Rachid Al Mualla Road, Umm Al Quwain, kitebeachcenter.ae (055 507 3060).74 APRIL 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM Designer decluttering Retold Shopping How to sell your stuff online (and maybe find a bargain in the process) We buy plenty online these days (almost everything some weeks), but did you know you can also sell your stuff without leaving the house too? If you’re thinking of turning your books, clothes or electronics into cash we’re here to help. Here’s where to go when you want to add some extra dirhams to your wallet – or find your own pre-loved treasure. Buy It, Sell It, Swap It Dubai The private Dubai-centric Facebook group has nearly 33,000 members looking to, ahem, buy, sell and swap their pre-loved items. All posts must include pictures, the price, collection location and no adverts are allowed. You can find everything from gym equipment, sofas, books, electronics, toys and even cars. O Join via Facebook. Depop If you’re looking to sell or buy preloved clothes, the global app Depop is a prime option here in the UAE. Unlike other countries that use their postal system to ship the clothes to the new buyer, here sellers use Careem Box or ask you to pick up your items. O depop.com. dubizzle If you’re looking to sell your stuff online in this city, dubizzle is probably the best place to start. You can put pretty much any and everything up for sale on this site, whether it be bulky home furniture and appliances, books, clothes, electricals, DVDs, jewellery or even your car. The site is a one-stop- shop for a massive clear-out, but there are thousands upon thousands of products for sale here so competition to get rid of all your stuff could be stiff. That said, people are always on the look-out for bargain price, quality goods, so if you give yourself time and set your products apart from the rest (good pictures help), you could be in with a decent chance of flogging everything. O dubizzle.com. Facebook Dubai is big on Facebook, especially when it comes to selling secondhand goods. Our best advice for using social media to sell your goods is to join your local community’s page. For example, if you live in Arabian Ranches, you can join this group and list your items on there. Or you can post your items directly on Facebook Marketplace. O facebook.com. Garderobe If you have a penchant for designer clothing, bags or shoes, this is where to sell and buy your stuff. Having started in its large villa in Jumeirah many years ago, the website now lists most of its items and offers TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM APRIL 2025 75 those selling an 85 percent commission. From Chanel to Sophia Webster, you’ll find discounted high-end brands on here. It’s the ideal place to sell any unwanted gifts. Plus, you might find something you like to buy. O garderobe.ae. Reloved The brand-new online platform is on every seller’s lips right now. It lets you search for and list pre-loved items, whether it’s furniture, clothing, homeware or even pet accessories. The easy-to-use site has detailed descriptions and high-quality images, so you can pick up something new or part with something old (and gain a little extra cash to add to that savings fund). O therelovedmarketplace.com. RESOLD The UAE’s Premier Pre-Loved Luxury Furniture & Home Decor Platform Though the group name might be a mouthful, this is one of the oldest and best second0hand buying and selling Facebook groups. With more than 30,000 group members signed up, you can buy and sell second hand high-end furniture and home accessories. Each listing must be approved by the group’s owner, so you know you’re getting good quality items. O Join via Facebook. RETOLD The brainchild of self-confessed shopaholic Sian Williams, this Dubai-based operation offers pre-loved couture at a snip. Formerly known as My Ex Wardrobe, it has a passionate following of fellow fashionistas wanting to turn one woman’s cast-offs into their own tailored treasures. RETOLD accepts both high-street and designer brands and the team inspects, photographs, displays and sells your items for you. Good for your wallet and the planet. O shopretold.com. The Luxury Closet This Dubai-based online business is the biggest luxury marketplace in the Middle Visit the shop for bargains Reems Closet A boutique set up in 2008, Reems Closet sells pre-loved fashion at various price points depending on their condition. Pick up authentic ‘as new’ items, or genuine pieces with slight defects (that are all clearly pictured or labelled) at a bargain price. O Open Mon-Thu 10am-8pm, Fri-Sat 2pm- 8pm. Jumeirah Plaza, reemscloset.com (04 343 4412). Thrift For Good In the mood for a serious wardrobe declutter? Thrift For Good is the city’s official charity shop, where your clothes books and accessories donations are sold to raise money for Gulf for Good. Head to the stores in Times Square Center, Palm Jumeirah and the new outlet in Al Quoz to drop off your pre-loved clothes and accessories. You’ll get a small contribution back to spend in store with every bag-load of stuff you donate. Plus, while you’re there you might unearth some second- hand treasures in store. O thriftforgood.org. East and distributes pre-loved designer items to new owners. The online boutique sells pre-loved luxury items like handbags, clothes, watches and jewellery from luxury brands such as Cartier, Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Rolex. The in-house team is trained to verify the authenticity, which ensures that only 100 percent authentic items are put on sale, so if you’re looking to exchange that bag that’s been collecting dust in your own closet for some cold, hard cash, the process is pretty simple. O theluxurycloset.com. Thrift For Good76 APRIL 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM Living it up and want a luxury pampering package? Try these bling-tastic spa treatments – gold, caviar and ice all included. By Sian Traynor It’s no secret that Dubai likes to go all out, and this doesn’t change when it comes to beauty treatments. So if you’re looking to splurge and treat yourself to a luxury pampering session, or you just want to know exactly what money can buy, then here are some of the blingiest treatments in town. 24-Karat Gold Facial at Biolite Dubai Why should I try it? You can have your face painted with real gold. This is about as luxurious as it gets. Lightening and brightening your face, the gold is mixed with a special agent to help it dissolve into your pores and work its magic. Sit back and relax as one of the most precious metals in the world reduces your wrinkles – doesn’t sound too bad does it? O Dhs2,625. Villa 57, Al Thanya Road, Umm Suqeim 2, biolitedubai.com (04 346 6641). Hydracool Caviar Essence Facial by La Vallee at Anantara Spa Why should I try it? For when you fancy caviar, just not on a blini. You know it’s luxurious when there’s caviar in it. The regenerating 90-minute facial uses caviar essence combined with an infusion method to get your skin looking full of life. For the full experience, make sure to choose the option with the hydracool machine, with the ultrasound application for extra impact. O Dhs1190 (without hydracool), Dhs1,500 (with hydracool). Anantara Dubai The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, anantara.com (04 567 8140). Laser Carbon Peel at Lutetia Paris Why should I try it? It was inspired by NASA, obvs. Let your skin get out of this world (ahem) with the treatment inspired by none other than the space association. The LED therapy was used to speed up the growth of plants, and now speeds up the results on your glowing skin. The procedure involves a layer of liquid carbon being sprayed on, which the laser will then go on top of. To finish, a moisturiser is applied. O Dhs750 (+VAT). Dubai Festival City, lutetiaclinics.com (04 706 4000). One&Only Solar Evasion at Guerlain Spa Why should I try it? For that glow. This treatment is all about prepping your skin for tanning and keeping that warm healthy glow for as long as possible. Starting with exfoliation, you’ll then move onto a soothing massage in a process that takes a total of 90 minutes. Covering your face and body, this one offers ultimate relaxation. O Dhs1,035. One&Only The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, oneandonlyresorts.com (04 440 1040). Placenta Diamond Facial at Biolite Aesthetic Clinic Why should I try it? The treatment is quite literally giving your skin a new life. Said to be a skin-tightening solution, the facial is designed to trigger fresh collagen giving you youthful skin. You should note, the placenta is from a lab and not a person, and is administered after a facial cleanse and exfoliation. Then comes the live diamond mask, leaving your skin hydrated. O Dhs2,625. Villa 57, Al Thanya Road, Umm Suqeim 2, biolitedubai.com (04 346 6641). Premium Package at Coya Spa Premium Why should I try it? For when you have time to spare and you want to maximise it. This two-hour ritual combines a classic Moroccan approach with a luxurious full- body massage of your choice. A gentle exfoliation using traditional Moroccan black soap means your skin is left feeling silky, smooth and rejuvenated. Following the bath, you’ll receive a nourishing mask that deeply hydrates and replenishes your skin. Finally, a full body massage will melt away any remaining tension. O Dhs650. Saas Tower, Marasi Drive, Business Bay, @coyaspapremium (056 403 5854). Royal Banyan at Banyan Tree Spa Why should I try it? It’s 150 minutes. In our opinion, every spa treatment should last more than two hours. The spa’s signature treatment, you’ll receive a special herbal pouch body massage, a face massage with jade and a herbal bath to ensure you are well and truly pampered. O Dhs2,250 (Royal Banyan). Banyan Tree Spa Dubai, Bluewaters Island, banyantree.com (04 556 6401). That luxe life WellbeingTIMEOUTDUBAI.COM APRIL 2025 77 For the gents Golden Cloud Hammam at Awaken Why should I try it? You’ll be covered in 24-karat gold. Much like the hotel, the spa at Atlantis The Royal only boasts the best of the best. Start with a foam soap massage, then enjoy a crushed gold body polish, a gold rhassoul body mask, golden hair essence and finally a body oil for a golden glow. O Dhs1,000 (Mon-Fri), Dhs1,100 (Sat-Sun). Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah, atlantis.com (04 426 2131). CRYO Facial at CRYO Why should I try it? To experience the extreme cold (in the best way). An ideal treatment for gents, the facial only lasts 20 minutes and is all focused on cooled air rather than floral face masks. Cooling down to a chilly -162°C, the cryogenically cooled air activates collagen deep in your skin, reducing fine lines and plumping your face. If you like the facial, you can even get the procedure on your entire body. O Dhs39. Various locations including Emirates Towers, cryo.com (050 891 5607). Iyashi Dome at Pearl Spa Why should I try it? To help improve those zzzs. The hands and touch-free treatment uses an infrared device that was created in Japan. Increasing your body temperature, the sessions are said to improve your sleep, slimming and skin by making you sweat. Lasting 60 minutes, the treatment will detox your body, repair your muscles and can even help you burn some calories in the meantime. O From Dhs550. Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, Jumeirah, fourseasons.com (04 270 7732). Stone therapy face and body at Dior Spa Why should I try it? Who doesn’t want a treat from Dior? This treatment is giving designer. But of course you’d expect nothing less of a procedure coming from Dior. Spread over 120 minutes, you will be given a massage covering the face, back, stomach and feet, elevated by precious stones chosen for their properties. Your face will then be given a micro-abrasion by a sapphire crystal before an LED therapy mask finishes the session. O Dhs2,500. The Lana – Dorchester Collection Dubai, Business Bay, dorchestercollection.com (04 541 6688). The Infusion Youth Sublime at Talise Spa Why should I try it? It’s the only place in the world you can get this treatment. Located at the Talise Spa inside the Burj Al Arab, it should be no surprise that this procedure was created exclusively for the world-famous luxury hotel. Rejuvenating your face, the method plumps the skin with collagen, while also a radiofrequency to massage the skin. Contouring and reducing inflammation, the 90-minute procedure is pure bliss. Not only will you be relaxed, it’s a chance to visit the Burj Al Arab, too. O Dhs1,950. Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, Umm Suqeim, jumeirah.com (04 301 7365). Dior Spa78 APRIL 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM Sports & Outdoors In the saddle From desert hacks to dressage, here’s where to go horse riding. By Amy MathiesonTIMEOUTDUBAI.COM APRIL 2025 79 A day at the races What is the Dubai World Cup? One of the most famous horse racing events on the planet, the Dubai World Cup is big, loud and an unmissable day out, making it one of the most hotly anticipated events in the social and sporting calendar. The first Dubai World Cup took place in 1996 at Nad Al Sheba Racecourse, but has been held at Meydan since 2006. A whopping prize of $US30.5million (around Dhs110million) is up for grabs across the nine races on the day. When is it? Saturday April 5, at Meydan Racecourse. Be there. Do I need a ticket? Yes, and they start from only Dhs20 for general entry. If you’re looking to make the most of the day you can take advantage of a range of food and drinks packages, too. What do I wear? Make sure you’re kitted out in your very best for a chance to get noticed in the Style Stakes competition – and because it’s always a nice chance to dress up. O From Dhs20. Sat Apr 5, gates open 1pm. Meydan Racecourse, Nad Al Sheba, dubairacingclub.com. Not only are horses wonderful, calming creatures, horse riding is a top way of keeping fit and getting some exercise in a fun way. Horse riding is excellent for core strength and whether you’re a dressage pro or a happy hacker, there’s no better place to learn to ride – or revisit a childhood hobby – than right here in Dubai. From desert hacks to dressage competitions and showjumping lessons in the sunshine – there are loads of places to get in the saddle. Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club Best for: Competitive riders. This state-of-the-art polo and equestrian community is devoted to equine sports. From beginners’ lessons to coaching in jumping and dressage, all levels and all ages will feel perfectly at home in the saddle here. You’ll need an assessment lesson first (which is Dhs429 for adults) and after that group lessons are from Dhs299. If you’re after something a little more serious, and you have the time and commitment, you can lease a horse. Plus, if you don’t fancy hopping aboard yourself, there are plenty of polo events throughout the winter where you can see the pros in action. O From Dhs299 (45 minutes). Dubailand, alhabtoorpoloclub.com/equestrian/riding-school (04 436 2222). Al Jiyad Stables Best for: All-levels of desert hacking. This desert spot has more than 120 Arabian and part-bred Arab horses for you to ride. If you’re looking for a desert hack, this could well be for you – especially with the stunning setting. Set out in the Al Marmoum Conservation Area you’ll get to see the UAE’s beautiful desert wildlife up close and enjoy views of the rolling dunes. The hourly desert hacks are suitable for all levels. O From Dhs150 (one-hour). Al Qudra Road, aljiyadstables.com (050 559 9262). Desert Palm Dubai Best for: Riders wanting to improve. An idyllic location where horse enthusiasts can learn to ride or develop their skills, Desert Palm is tucked in a lush green oasis just across from Dubai Safari. The riding school boasts an impressive collection of horses and ponies ranging from smaller steeds of 11 hands up to larger rides of 18 hands and hosts group and private lessons. The school caters to all levels of kids and adults, while it also runs its own multi-discipline competition series including showjumping, one-day eventing as well as dressage. If you’re after something more casual you can book a hack, so all bases are covered. There’s a cute little café too – Daughter & Dad Coffee – so you can stop by for a cuppa and a cake. O From Dhs290 (45 minutes). Al Awir Road, desertpalmdubai.com (050 451 7773). Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club Best for: Learning to ride. Complete beginners as well as more experienced riders will all feel very at home here among the calm, idyllic setting of the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, with all manners of riding and livery lessons for all ages and abilities. Lessons start from Dhs235 for beginners, and run all the way through to advanced, plus there are polo lessons, too, if you want to improve your skills on the polo field. If you want to see how the experts do it, there are plenty of polo matches to watch, with a range of brunch and picnic options too. Plus, there’s a popular family restaurant and kids’ play area if you’re visiting with the gang. O From Dhs235 (45 minutes). Al Qudra Road, poloclubdubai.com (04 361 8111). Emirates Equestrian Centre Best for: Advanced riders. This is one of the best places to go horse riding in Dubai, although you’ll need to have some level of riding skill to go on a desert hack here. You need to be able to walk, trot and canter – but if you know your stuff then this is a brilliant option to check out. There are also loads of lessons and competitions taking place so if you love horse riding this should be one of your first ports of call. During the winter Emirates Equestrian Centre is also home to plenty of top-level events, so pop along and see local and international showjumpers in action. O From Dhs174 (one-hour group lesson). Al Qudra, emiratesequestriancentre.com (050 558 7656). JA Equestrian Centre Best for: Riding in the sea. Whether you’re heading to JA The Resort on a staycation or just looking for a dedicated place to go horse riding in Dubai, JA Equestrian Centre is a top shout. This fully equipped equestrian centre in Jebel Ali offers heaps of different riding experiences, from lessons to hacks and more. Getting a little hot or fancy trying something totally different? You can even go swimming in the Arabian Gulf with horses here, for an utterly memorable experience. A bucket-list experience for pony-mad kids (and adults) and one to book ASAP. O From Dhs130 (30 minutes). JA The Resort, Jebel Ali, jaresortshotels.com (04 814 5555).Next >