Caleb Falcon
Abu Dhabi is by far one of the UAE's most cosmopolitan holiday destinations; but apart for the luxuries there are many adventures and experiences to be savoured at this exotic destination.
Just 32 miles from the east of Abu Dhabi is Yas Island, a manmade haven for all manner of adventure. Taking centre stage there is the Yas Marina Circuit Race Track offering Formula One junkies a fabulous opportunity to experience life in the fast lane. Home to the longest straight Formula One race track the circuit offers speed junkies a chance to savour the thrills of racing, on a first-hand account from the driver's seat of a popular race car. For instance you can enjoy a spin around the circuit in an Aston Martin GT4 with an experienced driver in the passenger seat or reach a mind-blowing 60mph in 4.6 seconds by drag racing in a Chevy Camaro. If you are budget conscious there are equal trills at the Yas Go Kart Track and riding the world's fastest roller coaster.
Feel the adrenaline rush as your SUV ploughs it way up a huge sand dune and then rushes down the other end. This is by far one of the most popular adventure sports in the UAE. The Empty Quarter or more precisely the Rub Al Khali desert close to the Eastern Mangroves is the most popular for dune bashing. The area encompasses a total of 250,000sqmls and boasts 980 feet high sand dunes. A typical dune bashing tour will include camel rides, falconry, a chance to savour some Turkish coffee and maybe even an overnight stay at a desert camp. Other options are dune buggy rides and sand boarding.
If you are located within one of the luxurious 5 Star Hotels Abu Dhabi city centre is known for, chances are you could hire a bike and peddle your way to the north-western shores of Abu Dhabi. This area which stretches for about 10 miles along the coast comprises of Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street and the lovely Marina Village. The Corniche Road is well serviced with bicycle paths.
The Eastern Mangroves Lagoon National Park is one of the most beautiful environs in Abu Dhabi. Home to the Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara the area stretches a distance of 5 miles from the Eastern Ring Road. The park is home to over 50 bird species and 200 varieties of fish. The luxury resorts located there offer guided kayak tours across this bio diverse environ as a treat for all nature lovers. Anantara Kayak tours are available under island hopping and exploration, eco tours and fishing. Each tour is further enhanced at the end with yoga session at the resort known as Kayoga – choose the tours which appeals to you.
Located a hundred miles from eastern Abu Dhabi the city of Al Ain borders Oman. It is home to the Al Hajar Mountains famous as the tallest mountain range in the Arabian Peninsula; the highest peak is 9,834 feet. Single or multiple day hikes across this starkly beautiful and rugged environs are organised by adventure sports clubs. There are various treks depending on your fitness level. The 'Secret Staircase' tour lasting about 3 hours is suggested for beginners.
Ski Dubai offers you a chance to ski in a desert climate of 110 degrees within a shopping mall! Located off Sheik Zayed Road the mall is the UAE's very first indoor skating resort, home to 242,187sqfeet of snow. Enjoy skiing, tobogganing and snowboarding around the various slopes. Winter clothing and equipment are readily available for rent.
Beat the desert heat by opting to take on an invigorating horseback ride across the cool desert at night. Depending on the cycle of the full moon evening riding tours are organised by riding schools for visitors to enjoy the thrills of horseback riding under the silvery light of the moon.
