Joanna James
As one of the Middle East's most popular tourist hubs, Abu Dhabi offers active visitors a host of exciting things to do. Here are some of the most exhilarating experiences up for grabs in Abu Dhabi.
Often described as one of the most exciting activities visitors can experience in Abu Dhabi, a desert safari in the Empty Quarter or Rub Al Khali in the Al Dhafra region is a must for all first-timers. Occupying pride of place in the western reaches of the Emirates, the breathtakingly dramatic terrains of this dessert is ideal for a desert safari. Home to some of the most spectacular landscapes in all of the UAE, the Rub Al Khali Desert also contains sand dunes that are as impressive as the date plantations in the Liwa oasis.
As a sporting activity that's not for the faint of heart, dune bashing is the perfect way to unwind for those with an obsession with off-road drives and 4×4 challenges. Step onboard a Range Rover or a Land Cruiser while a seasoned drive takes one on a rollercoaster ride across some of the driest and sandiest landscapes on the planet. The bumpy and exhilarating ride will leave one begging for more as the decent from towering dunes is an experience of a lifetime for thrill-seekers. Those based at the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara or any similar hotel can book an Abu Dhabi desert tour with a dune bashing component via their accommodation provider.
Tipped to be one of the most unique experiences any traveller can sign up for in Abu Dhabi, camping under the stars in the desert can be a magical and unforgettable encounter with nature. While the comforts of a resort base are missing, the joy of commiserating with nature in the arid surroundings of the Arabian desert is one worthy of a few tales if not many. Camping excursions in the desert are organized by resorts as well as private tour operators and encompass a plethora of activities and dining options.
Those who love mountain biking and motorcycles, in general, will appreciate the ingenuity as well as the thrills and spills inherent in quad biking. Heading to the dune areas of the desert, the no-holds-bar ride across the sand on a quad bike is difficult to capture in words as the sheer sense of adventure one feels is indescribable. While there are no restrictions in terms of the types of travellers that can enjoy this experience, those who are not adept at driving vehicles or motorcycles may wish to take lessons from instructors before embarking on the journey.
If skateboarders had access to a vast expanse of sand, this is how they would spend their time. Sand boarding, as well as sand skating, are two diverse but similar activities adventurous travellers can try their hand at during a holiday in Abu Dhabi.
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 passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
