In Abu Dhabi, you can be whoever you want to be. Some choose to be romantic, some like to be the culture buff and foodie, but there’s something else lying in wait for you: adventure!
Abu Dhabi
As you may have gathered already, Abu Dhabi is full of contradictions. On one hand, you have the modern development that does nothing to hide the city’s wealth, and on the other, you have tradition and culture that lurk behind high-rises, never allowing you to forget that Abu Dhabi is as much a traditional city as it is a hub of modern development.
It sits on the Persian Gulf, making other similar cities pale in comparison – or inspiring them, depending on how you choose to look at it.
In addition to its many shopping malls and other city attractions, Abu Dhabi also features an expansive desert, mountains, and beaches. What do you feel like doing today? Dune bashing in a 4×4 vehicle? Or would you rather take to the beach? Anything’s possible in this delightful and somewhat overwhelming Middle Eastern city.
If you’re here for adventure, you’ll find it in abundance.
Good to Know
Before diving into Abu Dhabi’s inviting world of adventure, you need to prep yourself for the vacation. After all, it’s a foreign city, and if you’re a first-timer, there are some things you need to know.
Abu Dhabi has a desert climate, with temperatures reaching unbearable levels at times. So, choose the time of your vacation carefully to ensure you don’t miss out on your outdoor time.
Cooler months are from November to March. These months bring pleasant weather, with subdued temperatures hardly going above 30 degrees. This time is perfect for outdoor adventures.
The summer months, from April to October, can be incredibly hot. If you can believe it, the temperatures are often in the 40s. Tourists still choose to visit during these months for indoor attractions such as museums and shopping malls.
As for accommodation, the city has a wide range of options catering to all budgets. If you’re here for adventure, you might want to stay near the beach, so a beach hotel in Abu Dhabi will better serve your purpose. You’re spoilt for choice, with Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat leading the way.
Visiting during the cooler months, which is the prime season, requires you to make your reservation early. During the summer months, hotels and resorts in Abu Dhabi regale their guests with generous discounts and accommodation packages, so be on the lookout.
Now that you have the logistics in hand, it’s time to prepare your itinerary.
Dune Bashing
Abu Dhabi’s large desert tract is the ideal playground for those who dare. You can easily find a tour operator that offers desert tours and dune bashing packages – you could also speak to your resort.
Sit in a 4×4 as your driver skilfully drives you through the expansive desert, bashing into the drops and curves of the dunes. It’s a thrilling experience that’s sure to leave you breathless.
Off Desert Driving
It’s your chance to sit behind the wheel and take on the challenging desert landscape yourself.
You can drive through the many routes just off the desert for a thrilling adventure like no other. Along the way, you’ll pass by campsites, and abandoned sites, and you’re sure to run into herds of camels too.
While it also sounds completely thrilling, if you’re new, you can join a group of people who are experienced in off-desert driving.
Jebel Hafit
When it comes to sights, Abu Dhabi knows how to overindulge visitors.
Jebel Hafit is a stunning mountain in the city, loved by hikers. The best time to hike is at sunrise and sunset when the sun rays wash the mountain terrain golden. Standing at 4,068 feet, Jebel Hafit happens to be the highest peak in Abu Dhabi.
The mountain offers some of the best views you’ll see anywhere. It’s also archaeologically and geologically important. The formation of the mountain largely consists of limestone, which has been eroded over millions of years, revealing rock formations and fossils. What’s more, the surrounding area is home to ancient burial sites from the Bronze Age.
Getting to the mountain involves a 90-minute drive from Abu Dhabi but beautiful scenery along the route is sure to lessen the monotony of the journey.
Water Sports
Abu Dhabi offers a range of adventurous water activities too.
- Wakeboarding: If you love the water, try wakeboarding, which is a fun way to surf. You’ll stand on a board while being pulled forward by a motorboat.
- Snorkelling and diving: The waters fringing Abu Dhabi offer plenty of diving and snorkelling opportunities. From shipwrecks to coral reefs to beautiful fish, there’s a lot to discover.
- Kayaking: This is an excellent way to start your day. You can paddle through the lush mangrove forests, encountering wildlife. Not to mention, it’s a great workout too.
- Sea safaris: Join a sea safari to spend the entire day snorkelling, diving, and fishing. You’ll be treated to a delicious BBQ dinner as well.