Joanna James
Abu Dhabi is much more than just a luxurious holiday destination. Abu Dhabi presents plenty of outdoor activities that let you immerse in the rich culture of the Middle East.
If you are staying at a property within easy reach of the downtown area like Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara, you can start discovering Abu Dhabi with a morning tour of the city. Book a sightseeing tour with a driver guide to enjoy the city without getting lost. Pay a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in its white marbled glory and tour the Heritage Village of Abu Dhabi to see the myriad of displays of the city's rich trading past. Explore the Date Market and buy some of the best dates in the world and visit the fishing harbour to gaze at the skyscraper-lined Cornice.
Many visitors look for five star hotels Abu Dhabi has to offer to spend an indulgent vacation but you don't have to limit your stay to your hotel; there are other interesting ways of spending an Arabian night. Bedouin style camping can be a luxurious yet authentic desert camp experience where you can rest surrounded by exotic silk bedding and comfort. Start the evening with dune bashing, camel riding and ancient falconry in the style of a true sultan. Settle down around the warm, red embers of a desert fire to tuck into a spice infused, savoury and succulent barbeque dinner. Once you've had your fill of food, stories, Bedouin songs and Dabke dance, settle down inside your tent amidst the luxury of your bedding to dream peacefully under a cobalt blue sky, studded with silver stars.
Go on a cruise during the day to view Abu Dhabi's islands in all their glory from a different perspective. Gaze at the shimmering Al Raha Beach and the mangrove woods while you float by comfortably and wonder at the city's skyline adorned with majestic skyscrapers. If you are lucky you may catch a glimpse of wild gazelle on the Samaliyah Island as you cruise along. Feast on the delectable food offered onboard whilst you let the sea breeze caress you.
The turquoise depths of the ocean surrounding Abu Dhabi beckon visitors to spend some time at the beach. You can try water sports activities like kite surfing and wake-boarding or simply relax by the shore. You can also try diving or go sailing. The Corniche beach is a beloved spot as the beautiful mangrove view and the crystals sea waters create a magical ambiance.
A visit to Abu Dhabi is not complete without a desert safari. You can board a 4x4 to brave the sandy desert. Go for a dune bashing round to enjoy the ready rush of adrenaline or opt for a camel ride to savour the desert in authentic style. Once the sun sinks below the horizon, go to your desert camp where they will welcome you with dates and Arabic coffee. Get a temporary henna tattoo and settle down to watch a spectacular desert sunset whilst your succulent barbeque dinner starts to emanate an enticing fragrance taking you back in time to bygone days when weary traders settled down in the desert to rest at night.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a pas...
