AquaFun Dubai

AquaFun is a giant inflatable obstacle course anchored in the sea off JBR Beach — and at its size, it holds the record as the world's largest inflatable waterpark. Shaped to spell out "AQUAFUN" when seen from above, it is part assault course, part playground, entirely in open water.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Climb, slide, fall, repeat

The course strings together slides, climbing walls, trampolines, balance beams, monkey bars and launch pads. There is no set route — you work your way around, and falling into the Gulf is the entire point.

Sessions and safety

Entry is by timed session with a life jacket and safety briefing included, and lifeguards watch the course throughout. Confident swimming is recommended, though the buoyancy aid does the hard work.

Who it suits

It is genuinely tiring in the best way, and works for families, groups of friends and anyone who fancies something more active than a sunbed. The setting — the Marina towers on one side, open water on the other — is hard to beat.

GOOD TO KNOW

Bring swimwear, a towel and reef-safe sunscreen; the inflatables get hot underfoot at midday, so morning or late-afternoon sessions are more comfortable. Leave valuables ashore — everything on the course gets wet.

JBR is Dubai's water sports hub, so it is easy to stack activities. Parasailing over JBR lifts you 150 metres above the same stretch of coast, while a guided jet ski circuit runs past the Burj Al Arab from the same beach. For something calmer, kayaking in Dubai explores the marina and mangroves. See all Dubai water sports.