Sailing and Windsurfing

Dubai has benign waters, and winds follow a set predictable patterns for most of the year. These conditions are perfect for sailing and even the smallest craft allows you to explore the inshore waters in your own time. Several clubs and water sports centers offer sailing tuition to beginners and boat rental to visitors with a ticket. Large resort hotels usually rent windsurfing gear but not all absorb the cost.

Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Jumeirah Beach Hotel has a selection of windsurfers, Lasers, and Pico craft for rent, as well as instruction for all levels. Guests of the hotel can enjoy nonmotorized water sports (also including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and boogie boarding) for free at certain times. If you are not staying, you will have to take a day beach club membership to access the beach area. Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Jumeirah Beach Rd., Umm Suqeim 3, Jumeirah Beach, Dubai, Dubai. 4/406--8800; www.jumeirah.com/en/hotels-resorts/dubai/jumeirah-beach-hotel/activities/water-sports/.

Watercooled UAE. Watercooled has two locations: one at Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa, and another at Doubletree by Hilton, JBR. The Jebel Ali location offers less populated waters, and is accessed via a private club, whereas the JBR venue sits conveniently on a public (and crowded) beach. Both have a fleet of tiwals, RS dinghies and Hobie catamarans for private hire, or for individual or group lessons. Also available is kite boarding and waterskiing, windsurfing, kayaks, zapcats, and stand-up paddleboards. Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa, Jebel Ali, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Dubai. 4/887--6771.