Locations:
– Abu Dhabi Desert Safari www.abudhabi-desert-safari.com/
– Arabian Adventures https://www.arabian-adventures.com
– Emirates Tours eatours.ae
Desert safaris and dune bashing is by far the most favoured attraction for first time tourists, and is a very popular activity even for Emiratis, especially at this time of the year when the weather is cooler. Whether by 4-wheel drive, desert bike, or dune buggy, the desert is a top destination for high-spirited fun and adventure.
If you want the thrill of driving through the desert yourself and don’t own a 4-wheel vehicle, you have numerous options available through car rental companies.Or, if you prefer to let someone else take the wheel, you could take advantage of one of the many travel and tour companies that provide activities for small to large groups.
If you’re not comfortable bashing around the dunes, you can still enjoy relaxing at the base camp, away from the noise, where you’ll find comfortable amenities, food and beverages, music, and entertainment to make this a memorable experience.
And for those less daring, desert barbecues are paramount! Feel the magic and stillness of the wilderness, recharge your batteries, escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, and absorb this unforgettable experience! Take advantage of the weather this season; wrap up warmly and share a barbecue in peaceful relaxing surroundings with family and friends.
Locations:
– Abu Dhabi Equestrian Clubwww.adec-web.com
– Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Clubwww.aesgc.com
– Al Forsan International Sports Resortwww.alforsan.com
– Sunset Camel Ride at Qasr Al Sarabwww.qasralsarab.anantara.com
The UAE is known for its love of camels and horseswith an abundance of riding activities in Abu Dhabi offering wide and varied recreational options to choose from. There are many world class stables available throughout the Emirates if you enjoy riding or taking lessonsand you will be spoilt for choice if you prefer horse or camel racing events, watching polo tournaments,or attending equestrian shows. Far from the big cities, these animals are still an integral part of everyday life in the UAE.
Among the many locations available are Saadiyat Island Beach and the exclusive Yas Island beach; both offer many options with well-trained horses for all levels of riding experience.If you are up for a road trip, visit Qasr Al Sarabfor an enjoyablesunset camel ride tour in the Liwa desert.
Locations:
– Flyboardingwww.flyboards-uae.com
– Jetlev Flyer www.gulfwatersports.ae
– Jet Skiing www.ghantootmarina.com
– Wakeboarding www.watercooleddubai.com
– Surfing www.wadiadventure.ae
– Snorkeling and scuba diving www.divemahara.com
Abu Dhabi is emerging as a leading hub for watersports activities and events. There are dozens of options to choose from including kitesurfing, flyboarding, JetLev Flyer, jet skiing, wakeboarding, surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. For close proximity, water sport enthusiasts can join the action by the CornicheBeach, Kite Beach on Yas Island, or the surrounding beaches by the mangroves. You can also head out of town to visit the pristine and more secluded beaches in Ghantoot or the Western Region which hosts the annual “Al Gharbia Watersports Festival,” one of the great pre-summer highlights on the entertainment calendar.
There is no other city in the world thatoffers all these watersports options at one place. And don’t be afraid to try something new! As with other activities in Abu Dhabi, professional quick-start lessons are available on the spot for first timers.
Locations:
– Caracal Shooting Clubwww.caracalsc.ae
– The AESGC Shooting Clubwww.aesgc.com/shooting/index.php
Abu Dhabi has some state of the art shooting facilities with excellent safety records. The facilities are equally suited for first-timers and seasoned shooters. Coaches and instructors are available for hands-on training and safety instructions.
Reservations are not needed but an ID is required. Membership is also available with various club facilities and guest accommodations.
Locations:
– Al Forsan Resort www.alforsan.com/eng/paintball.html
– Al Ain Paintball www.facebook.com/alainpaintball
– Armed Forces Officers Club www.afoc.mil.ae/outdoor.htm
Paintball is not for the faint hearted. It can be an exhilarating experience with high-pacedmoments. The facilities are buzzing with activity even on weekdays. While Al Forsan International Sports Resort has a state of the art range, it only allows entry for groups with up to 40 members.The other facilities allow individual entrants or smaller groups.
Locations:
Explore the Abu Dhabi you never knew. Take lessons and set off on a kayaking trip through the less explored Abu Dhabi mangroves. Many local companies offer eco-tours with guides for an in-depth understanding of the local flora and fauna. Kayaking is a fun and low risk option to explore and discover the picturesque mangroves.
Locations:
– YasMarina Circuithttp://www.yasmarinacircuit.com
The Aston Martin driving Experience at the Abu Dhabi Yas Marina Circuit is quite an adrenaline rush! Visitors can pre-book one of the many driving events online. Track options also include services of professional racing trainers who are known to bring the best out of budding drivers. There are also options for those who have the need for speed and dare to take your own car on the track.
Locations:
– Abu Dhabi Golf Clubwww.adgolfclub.com
– Yas Links Abu Dhabi www.yaslinks.com
– Saadiyat Beach Golf Clubwww.sbgolfclub.ae
If you are a golf fanatic, you don’t have to travel far to indulge in your favourite sport as there are three championship golf courses just 20 minutes’ drive from the city. Take a lesson, or ask about special packages for non-members and groups.
Abu Dhabi’s stunningly beautiful landscaped golf courses are impressively well maintained in spite of a lack of rainfall and the harsh summer weatherconditions. You’ll find this city is a golfer’s haven whether you’re a professional, leisurely player, or just learning the game.
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