Those who visit Dubai look forward to seeing the Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, and the Palm Island. They also expect to go on a desert safari and maybe even buy some gold. But you should know that there are some really strange Dubai experiences you can get as well. For as perfect and as shiny as the city is at first glance, here are five really quirky things to do in Dubai.

The Hydropolis

Sure there are plenty of amazing, over-the-top hotels in Dubai, but this one is probably the strangest of them all, because it gives the illusion of the Atlantis. It’s a fascinating aesthetic and architectural masterpiece. Book the Ambassador Lagoon, and you will actually be staying below the sea. There is 11.5 million liters of water and more than 65,000 marine species all around you. The Hydropolis is a maze of tunnels and underground passageways, and ruins and mystical relics remain scattered everywhere, giving you the feeling of being in Atlantis.

Dive Into the Arabian Gulf to Search for Pearls

Yes, you can buy gold for very cheap in Dubai, but why not go on a pearl finding exploration? Get on board a dhow and head to a secluded cove, where experts will help you find oysters and pick them up from the bottom of the sea. And the prize – you’ll have a naturally grown pearl in your hand. It’s an amazing experience to be cherished.

Indoor Skiing in Dubai

Enjoy winter activities….. at the mall 

Why: Just when you think Dubai couldn’t be crazier, it becomes so.

Price: 25 USD / 92 AED (ice rink) : 53 USD/196 AED (downhill skiing) 

Fortunately, the laws of the universe do not apply in Dubai, and you can enjoy your favorite winter sports even in the hottest months. Head to the Dubai Mall, home to one of the largest ice rinks in the world, offering private lessons and freestyle classes. Or, if ice skating is not your thing, head to the ski slopes in Ski Dubai. The Mall of the Emirates has excellent snow, a diving board and a black hair-raising track at your disposal all year round. And don’t forget to treat yourself to an après ski in one of the chalets overlooking the snow-covered slopes: fondue, hot chocolate and mulled wine are guaranteed to give you the feeling of winter in the middle of the desert.

It may be in the desert, but believe it or not, there is a ski resort in Dubai where you can enjoy the snow year round. At 20,000-square meters, it’s the largest indoor snow park in the world, and it has everything, including rental equipment and professional ski instructors, who will give you a lesson to start off. There are also adjacent play areas for kids.

Visit a Space-Age Bar – If you are crazy about science fiction, particularly “Star Trek,” then you must visit the High Mile Club. The inside here looks like the Starship Enterprise, and you may very well feel like Captain James T. Kirk having a drink with Commander Spock and the other crew members. The club is located at the Manhattan Hotel and it serves Indian food in a truly bizarre but one-of-a-kind setting.

Visit a Camel MarketMost people are satisfied with just a camel ride, and they are wowed by it too, but you could do better. Paying a visit to the camel market of Al-Ain, you’ll see how the traders buy and sell camels in a tradition that has been going on for hundreds of years. The atmosphere is definitely pungent and raucous here because of the immense chaos within the pens, but it’s truly a unique market experience.

Take a ride on a speedboat with a view

•Why: every speed lover will surely like it

Price: 49.5 USD / 179 DIRHAMS Book:

Book online and get a 30% discount Hold on tight, because this boat will show you serious speed.

Racing through the waves, you will surely feel a rapid heartbeat, but that’s not all. During the 90-minute tour, you will see all the coastal attractions of Dubai. You will fly around the Palm Tree, enjoy spectacular views of Burj Al Arab and Atlantis, and watch the royal palaces from the sea. On an eventful trip, you will still have time to slow down to take some great photos and admire the magical sunset views on the way back. I doubt there’s a better way to get an adrenaline rush and check out all the must-see attractions at the same time.