Here are 10 ways to set your pulse racing

Slope access is available to intermediate level two skiers and boarders, and ski school is open to all.

Pop in and see the resident gentoo and king penguins while you’re there.

Ski Dubai (00971 4 800 386; skidxb.com), Mall of the Emirates. From AED200 (£42) per adult and AED170 (£36) per child for a two-hour slope pass, AED315 for a 60-minute lesson.

PLAY POLO ON A THOROUGHBRED

Polo is a national obsession in Dubai. Discover the three fundamentals of the sport – riding, hitting the ball and knowing the rules – while atop a world-famous Arabian thoroughbred at Dubai Polo Academy. The academy was founded by professional player Steve Thompson, an authority on the sport and author of How to Look Cool Whilst Learning Polo. This centre is recognised worldwide for its expert tuition.

Dubai Polo Academy (00971 50 887 9847; dubaipoloacademy.com), Dubai Studio City. From AED890 per person for a 60-minute introductory lesson.

SPIN IN A 4X4 ON SAFARI

Dune bashing is not for those who suffer from motion sickness. Strapped into the back of a 4x4 with only a standard seat belt for security, passengers are driven by experts across sand dunes that rise as high as 330ft. With sand clouding the car windows, it feels a little like being inside a cocktail shaker. The reward at the end of the drive is a Middle Eastern tourist activity smorgasbord; at a Bedouin-style camp, guests are introduced to henna hand painting, falconry, camel rides, sandboarding, belly dancing and a banquet of local cuisine. If you only have one day in Dubai, do this.

Arabian Adventures (00971 56 999 4901; arabianadventures.com), hotel pickups provided. From AED395 (£83) per person.

GO BALLISTIC IN A HUMAN CATAPULT

The XDubai Slingshot, a catapult inspired by the original stoneslinging weapon, hurls brave tourists towards the sea from a huge

Y-shaped frame set on Kite Beach. Secured in a harness, the projectile (you) is pulled back, then propelled forward before springing safely back to shore. Prepare to be propelled 400ft over sand and water at speeds of more than 60mph. Picture a horizontal bungee jump and you’re in the right ballpark.

XLine (00971 4 346 0003; xdubai. com/experiences), Kite Beach. From AED280 (£59) per person.

PADDLEBOARD AROUND BURJ AL ARAB

Not all activities have to be fast and furious, and few are more soothing than gliding around Burj Al Arab on a stand-up paddleboard, which is arguably the best way to appreciate the architecture of this iconic sail-shaped hotel. Training is given, along with life jackets, though falls are rare. If you do lose your balance, the water is warm and calm – so the experience is not unpleasant.

Kite n’ Surf (00971 55 800 6363; kitensurf.ae), Nessnass Beach. From AED400 (£84) per person.

SPLASH LANDINGSkydiving, main, and, below, zorbing atSki Dubai

SPINNING AROUND4x4 trips across the sand dunes are not for the faint-hearted