Surfing

There are three very popular water board sports in Dubai—surfing, kite surfing, and SUP (stand-up paddleboarding). Even in the depths of summer, you'll find participants going for it along the Jumierah Beach stretch. Surfing is fun and light-hearted in Dubai—there are only a couple of spots that hold a wave, and even then it's tiny, except for in winter. It is a great place for kids to learn, however. Kite surfing is experiencing huge growth in the Emirates. You must hold an EKC (Emirates Kiteboarding Committee) license to kite surf in Dubai, and there are only two places to board: Nasimi Beach and Dubai Kite Beach. Stand-up paddleboarding is perfect for the glassy Gulf Most hotels with water sports will have boards for rent, but it's particularly popular around Palm Jumeirah.

Kite Zone Dubai. Qualified IKO instructors have private or group kite surfing lessons on offer, but also tandem riding, which is particularly well suited to kids. Situated on pumping Kite Beach, there are plenty of restaurants and other activities on offer. 2 Ness Nass St., Umm Suqeim 1, Jumeirah Beach, Dubai, Dubai. 56/815--4146; www.kitezonedubai.com.

Surf House Dubai. Originally just a small group of surfers teaching kids how to stand up on a wave, Surf House Dubai is now also offering "surfaris" in the region, stand-up paddleboarding lessons, yoga, rentals, and repairs, plus they have a great café on the beach road. Note: surfing lessons only available when there is a wave, otherwise you're better off learning how to SUP. 41a St., Umm Suqeim 2, Jumeirah Beach, Dubai, Dubai. 50/504--3020; www.surfingdubai.com.