Adventure Sports in Abu Dhabi

Enjoy Dune Bashing, Scuba Diving and Skydiving!

You will be amazed at the adventure sports in Abu Dhabi- there are a lot! Abu Dhabi is the perfect location for adventure sports due to the natural surroundings, there is the desert, the sea and the incredible landscape all within easy reach.

Here are some of the most popular and thrilling adventure sports Abu Dhabi has to offer.

Desert driving (Desert Safari)

Hire a 4X4 or take out your own in to the sandy desert, a Hummer for example can navigate the desert's unique terrain and go up steep dunes to the point where you think it is just about to turn over, but it doesn't!

Other 4X4 adventures will take you into the mountains over rocks and unchartered land then perhaps across streams and pools of water which the 4X4 can handle with your help. Prices start at about 300AED.

Wadi Bashing

Wadi Bashing is one of the traditional Abu Dhabi adventure sports. It is actually the act of riding a four wheel drive vehicle through a Wadi and there are many wadis around Abu Dhabi.

A wadi is a dry river bed like a small valley and the rocks and rough terrain make it perfect for this sport. Feel the thrill of scaling large boulders and almost tipping over then bumping down into the rugged stones.

Other exhilarating adventure sports in Abu Dhabi are in the sand-they include Sand Boarding and quad bike riding. If you want to try rock climbing in Abu Dhabi you'll have to go to Al Ain's Jebel Hafeet.

Dune Buggying

A dune buggy (quad bike) is a cute looking little vehicle like an open jeep but low on the ground with widely placed wheels which move over the desert sands.

The buggies are 1500cc and operated by manual gears to give you the thrill of a natural roller-coaster up and down the dunes.

Scuba Diving

The marine life in the Gulf makes diving here a true adventure sport; you never know what large fish you will come across, a sailfish, marlin or barracuda.

Just off the coast there are many sunken vessels ready to be discovered even in water that is not that deep, this kind of adventure sport is called wreck diving. There are other active sports you can do on the water in Abu Dhabi, they're not necessarily classed as adventure sports but they definitely get the adrenaline pumping.

These sports include water-skiing; wake-boarding; banana boating; para sailing and kite surfing.

Blokarting (Sand Yachting/Land Sailing)

If you want to blow off some steam without polluting the environment with fuel fumes then try blokarting, a blokart is a low open three wheeled buggy frame with a sail and it is propelled forward by the wind.

It can reach speeds of up to 90km/h. The proximity to the ground makes this an exciting experience. Prices start at about 300AED.

For other eco-friendly adventure sports try trail biking through the mangroves.

Skydiving

How about jumping out of an airplane now that's what I call an adventure sport! Many people have this on their "bucket list" and in Abu Dhabi you can accomplish this dream.

You get the speed of free falling, the sensation of flying like a bird and if you dare open your eyes you get the incredible view of Abu Dhabi beneath you. If you've never jumped out of a plane at 13,000 feet before you can start with a tandem jump where you jump attached to a professional instructor.

A professional jump starts at about 1500AED. If you're not up to the actual thing then try indoor skydiving at SkyVenture where you jump into a wind tunnel to simulate the jumping experience. For other adventure sports in the air try a microlight flight or paramotoring/gliding.This is an adventure sport in Abu Dhabi you don't want to miss!

Formula 1 Car Racing

At the Yas Marina Circuit attend the racing school and get a chance to roar around the grand Prix track like a real racing driver. Prices start at about 650AED.

If you're not up to any of these challenges (yet) then try being a spectator at a camel race, horse race or Formula 1 race in Abu Dhabi. You can run out of ideas when it comes to Abu Dhabi adventure sports!

Fishing

Fishing in Abu Dhabi can be a great adventure! We give you all the detail you need to know from getting a fishing licence to booking an all inclusive fishing day out!

FREE things to do in Abu Dhabi

Visit the Abu Dhabi Heritage Village
Located on the Breakwater near the Corniche and Marina Mall, The Abu Dhabi Heritage Village is set in gorgeous gardens and boasts a mock souk, traditional mosque, a recreated Bedouin encampment and a barasti house. Workshops are held where you can watch craftsmen making pots, blowing glass, beating brass and weaving on traditional looms.

Visit the UAE University Natural History Museum
Operated by the UAE University in Al Ain, this incredibly educational museum and information centre is also known as the Museum of Living Resources. Exhibits you must take in on a trip include a herbarium (plant specimens) and collections of various species of animals and birds. Collections of rocks, minerals and fossils are also on display. Fee AED50.
Sun-Thu 8am-2pm. Al Ain University (03 713 3381).

Admire the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The awe inspiring Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a lesson in the superlative. Sitting on a site the size of five football fields it can accommodate 40,960 worshippers. Its columns are clad with more than 20,000 marble panels inlaid with semi-precious stones, including lapis lazuli, red agate, amethyst, abalone shell and mother of pearl. There are four 107 metre minarets, reflective pools, coloured floral marble and mosaics and the world’s largest chandelier. It’s an awe inspiring building and a must see for all those visiting Abu Dhabi.

Sat - Thurs 9am-10pm | Note: The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is closed for tourism activities (and open for worship) on Friday morning and opens again after 4:30pm.

The majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Visit the Women's Handicraft Centre
If you have an interest in traditional crafts, the government-run Women's Handicraft Centre, in the Women's Union building, is definitely worth an hour of your time. Start with the displays of traditional weaving, costumes, textiles, camel bags and crafts in the Exhibition Hall; there are some products for sale in a small shop here. Then head to the eight workshops out the back where covered old local ladies sit on the floor, gossiping and laughing (and totally oblivious to the German and French tour groups), as they demonstrate their crafts of saddu, talli, textile weaving, embroidering, tailoring, basket-weaving, palm-tree frond weaving, and henna. Take off your shoes before entering the rooms and leave them outside.

Male travellers should keep in mind that while you're welcome, in the local culture only male relatives would get this close to women; you should keep some distance out of respect, don't take photos without asking first, and then focus on photographing the crafts rather than the women.

Sun-Thu 7am-3pm. Karama St, Al Mushrif near the Immigration Office and the Royal Stables (02 447 6645).

Traditional weaving

See some unique cars

The Emirates National Auto Museum is an amazing private collection of H.H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan. The collection houses a vast array of cars and other vehicles; some seemingly bought from owners there and then, such as a customised camper van, others received as presents from all around the world. While some have been kept as originally intended, others have been modified to suit the Sheikh's preference.

Open daily 8am-1am, 2pm-6pm. The Emirates National Auto Museum near Hafeen (02 667 6999).

Soak in the history at Liwa Forts
If you’re heading out to the desert oasis of Liwa in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi, you should make a concerted effort to visit the nine ancient forts in the area. The dusty ramparts make for perfect picture opportunities to impress your friends back home, though finding them can be difficult.
Near Mezaira, Western Region, Abu Dhabi.

Read some books
Head to the National Library and choose from 18,000 books, DVDs and CDs that you can hire for free.
Airport Rd (02 657 6034).

Enjoy the Corniche Seaside

Enjoy This Seaside

A leisurely stroll along the Abu Dhabi Corniche is one of the best things to do when you travel to Abu Dhabi. This seaside boardwalk is 4 miles long. The walkways are paved and dotted with benches, gardens and amazing views of the Arabian Gulf.

It is a great spot for an evening walk (when its a bit cooler). The corniche is well lit and quite safe. You can easily walk from many of the Corniche hotels to Marina Mall and Heritage Village by following the Corniche pathways.

Don't miss out on a visit to the beaches along the Abu Dhabi Corniche. The free beach is open to anyone. - See more at: http://www.yourabudhabiguide.com/corniche.html#sthash.c5WNJ3D6.dpuf

A leisurely stroll along the Abu Dhabi Corniche is one of the best things to do when you travel to Abu Dhabi. This seaside boardwalk is 4 miles long. The walkways are paved and dotted with benches, gardens and amazing views of the Arabian Gulf.

It is a great spot for an evening walk (when its a bit cooler). The corniche is well lit and quite safe. You can easily walk from many of the Corniche hotels to Marina Mall and Heritage Village by following the Corniche pathways.

Don't miss out on a visit to the beaches along the Abu Dhabi Corniche. The free beach is open to anyone.

United Arab Emirates - Travel facts and figures

Location: Middle East

United Arab Emirates (UAE), federation of seven independent states located in the southeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula. It is bordered by the Persian Gulf to the north, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the south and west, and Sultanate of Oman and the Gulf of Oman to the east. Its seven member states are Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Al Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain formed in 1971 after independence from Britain.

National Emblem:

  

   National Flag:

Government type: Federation with specified powers delegated to the UAE federal government and other powers reserved to member emirates

Geographic coordinates: 24° 00’ N 54° 00’ E
Area: 83,600 sq km
Highest point: Jabal Yibir 1,527 m

Population: 4.600.000 (estimate is based on the results of the 2005 census)

Population density: 52 / sq km

Capital: Abu Dhabi, geographic coordinates 24° 28’ N 54° 22’ E

Population: 1.500.0000

Local time: GMT + 4 hours

Life expectancy: 76 years

GDP – per capita: $ 43,803

Value of petroleum exports: (billion $) 74.55

Proven crude oil reserves: (billion barrels) 97.80

Proven natural gas reserves: (billion cu. m.) 6,072

Crude oil production: (1,000 b/d) 2,529

Crude oil exports: (1,000 b/d) 2,343

Natural gas exports: (billion cu. m.) 7.55

Burj Khalifa, Dubai:

Tallest building in the world

At over 828 metres (2,716.5 feet) and more than 160 stories, Burj Khalifa holds the following records:

Tallest building in the world; Tallest free-standing structure in the world; Highest number of stories in the world; Highest occupied floor in the world; Highest outdoor observation deck in the world; Elevator with the longest travel distance in the world; Tallest service elevator in the world 

Visas: Tourist Visa This special category of visit visa is available for individual tourists from East and West Europe who are not entitled to be issued with a visa on arrival, as well as visitors from Thailand, South Africa and China. The tourist visa, which must be sponsored by hotels and tour operators, entitles its holder to a 30-day stay and is non-renewable. The fee is Dh100, with an additional Dh10 for delivery.  For more information visit Government.AE

Safety: The UAE is one of the safest places in the world to visit. In fact, it has been designated the world’s safest holiday destination by the international travel industry.

Currency: The dirham (UAE Dh) is the official currency of the UAE. Dirham notes are in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 denominations. The dirham is divided into 100 fils, coins include Dh1, 50, 25, 10 and 5 fils. The value is written in Arabic. Check the latest exchange rates in the UAE or visit the currency converter (Courtesy of Travelex).

Language: Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken.

Customs: Customs clearance in the UAE is fast and efficient. No customs duties are applied to personal belongings however, since the UAE is an Islamic country, religious propaganda, potentially offensive printed material, CD's videos or films should not be brought into the country.
The importation of firearms and dangerous weapons is also restricted.

Duty free allowances
•    2000 cigarettes
•    400 cigars
•    2 kg tobacco
•    2 litres of spirits and 2 litres of wine (non-Muslims only) and perfume.
It is prohibited to import alcohol into Sharjah and you are generally not allowed to bring alcohol into the country if you are travelling by land.

Climate: The climate in the United Arab Emirates is sub-tropical and arid. During summer (April to September) the weather is hot (around 50 °C) and extremely humid. At other times the humidity is less and the temperature generally ranges from 20-35 °C, with an average night time temperature of 15 °C. Rainfall is infrequent and usually occurs between November and March, with an average annual rainfall of 152 mm (6 in.). There can be occasional sandstorms from the desert and some winter mornings bring fog, although this usually dissipates fairly quickly.

Clothing: Lightweight summer clothing in cottons or blends is ideal for most of the year. Sweaters, a light jacket or a shawl may be needed for the cooler evenings. The dress code in UAE is comparatively relaxed, but extremely revealing and inappropriate clothing may be considered offensive.

Religion: Islam is the official religion; other religions are also respected. Ramadan: Ramadan is the holy month of fasting when Muslims abstain from eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours. As a sign of respect, visitors are also required to refrain from these activities in public between sunrise and sunset.

Public holidays in 2013
01 Jan New Year's Day
24 Jan Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet)
06 Jun Leilat al-Meiraj (Ascension of the Prophet)
10 Jul  Ramadan
08 Aug Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
15 Oct Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice)
04 Nov Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year)
02 Dec National Day

Friday is the general day of worship and a public holiday. This is not the best day for cruise calls in Dubai and Abu Dhabi as it is a public holiday and also a day of prayers. Individual & groups will have to note certain sightseeing that may be closed.


Weekend: Government, schools and commercial Friday and Saturday

Electricity: The electrical system is based on 220 and 240 volts / 50 Hz. The most frequently used plugs are the square three-pin type.

Alcohol: Drinking or possession of alcohol without a United Arab Emirates Ministry of Interior liquor permit is illegal and could result in arrest and imprisonment. Alcohol is served at bars in most major hotels (although not in the Emirate of Sharjah) but is intended for guests of the hotel. Travelers who are not guests of the hotel, and who consume alcohol in the restaurants and bars, are required to have their own personal liquor licenses. Liquor licenses are issued only to non-Muslims who possess United Arab Emirates residency permits. These licenses only permit the holder to purchase or consume alcohol in the Emirate which issued the license.

Drugs: Penalties for possession of illegal drugs include imprisonment. The presence of illegal drugs in the body is considered possession. Medications that are available over the counter or by prescription in Australia may be illegal in the United Arab Emirates. Travelers, including those intending only to transit the United Arab Emirates, are advised to contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of the United Arab Emirates before travelling for further information.

Credit cards: All major credit cards are accepted, as are travellers cheques (best carried in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling) in main hotels, stores and larger shops, but in traditional souks, cash is mostly used and bargaining power is increased with the ready availability of currency. ATM machines are available. Banking hours are generally Saturday to Thursday from 8am to 1pm, but some are also open between 4pm and 8.30pm.

Business hours: The weekend has traditionally been Thursday afternoon and Friday, but some organisations now close on Friday and Saturday, working through Thursday afternoon instead. Government offices are open from 7.30am - 2.30pm (Sunday - Thursday and off on Friday and Saturday).
Private sector office hours vary, but are generally from 8am - 1pm, re-opening at either 3pm or 4pm and closing at 6.00pm or 7pm for those that work in split shifts. For most other offices regular working hours are 9am to 5pm.
Shop hours are similar in their opening times, but most shops remain open until 9am–10pm. Department stores, boutiques, souks and many food shops remain open on a Friday, apart from prayer times (between 11.30am and 1.30pm), while larger shops re-open on a Friday afternoon at around 4 –5pm. Embassies and consulates are generally open from 8.45am–12.30pm and are closed on Fridays and in most cases on Saturdays.

Health: While tap water is safe for drinking, a variety of locally bottled mineral water is widely available. Most hotels have medical help available and there is a modern medical infrastructure in terms of private and government medical facilities.

Hotels: Accommodation in the UAE is of a very high standard and most of the world’s top hotel chains run five-star hotels in the Emirates. There are also a number of excellent locally run properties suitable for both tourists and business travellers. Several of the hotels are outstanding examples of modern architecture. Swimming pools, tennis courts and fully equipped health centres are the norm. Most waterfront hotels have excellent beaches and extensive watersports facilities.
Facilities for the physically challenged: Most hotels and public places provide facilities and make special arrangements for physically challenged visitors.

Social conventions: Muslim religious laws should be observed. Women are expected to dress modestly and men should dress formally for most occasions. Alcohol is tolerated, with non-Muslims allowed to drink alcohol in the city’s bars, restaurants, clubs and hotels. Smoking is the same as in Europe and in most cases it is obvious where not to smoke, except during Ramadan when it is illegal to eat, drink or smoke in public.

Photography: Normal tourist photography is acceptable but it is considered offensive to photograph Muslim women. It is also courteous to ask permission before photographing men. In general, photographs of government buildings or military installations should not be taken.

Mobile: telephony is widespread and of excellent quality. The system used is GSM. MMS, WEP and GSRM services are also on hand, and 3G services are available.

Traffic system: Driving in the UAE is on the right-hand side.

Taxis: Moderate bargaining is needed.

Getting around: Most tourists visiting the UAE on all-in package tours will base themselves at one or more hotels in the UAE, using the ubiquitous and inexpensive taxis for sightseeing and shopping, and local tour companies for more extended trips. However, it is worth remembering that cars and four-wheel drives are readily available for hire, the road network is excellent and there are intriguing places to visit far from the cosmopolitan cities.

Getting there: The 2 national airlines Etihad Airways and Emirates offer a comprehensive air service to the UAE's six international airports at Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Ra's al-Khaimah and Fujairah. Air Arabia based in Sharjah.

UAE airports:
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
t +971 2 5757500, flight enquiries: +971 2 5757611)
w www.abudhabiairprt.ae

Dubai Airport (DXB)
t +971 4 2245555, flight enquiries: +971 4 2066666)
w www.dubaiairport.com

Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)
t +971 6 5581111, flight enquiries: +971 6 5581000)
w www.shj-airport.gov.ae

Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT)
t +971 7 2448111)
w www.rkt-airport.com

Fujairah International Airport (FJR)
t +971 9 2226222
w www.fujairah-airport.com

Internet country code: .ae
Telephone dialing code: + 971


By Emirates Pocket Guide

Learn Basic Arabic

Hello

Marhaba

How are you?

Kaeef halak

Good morning

Sabah el khair

Good evening

Massa el khair

Greetings

TaHiat

Goodbye

MaAa es-salama

Excuse me

MaAzera

Sorry

Asef

Please

MinFadlak

Stop

Tawaqaf

Thank you

Shukran-Lak

Yes/No

NaAm/La

I don't Know

LaaAref

Who?/What?

Maza/Man

Where?/Why?

Ayna/Lemaza

How much?

Kam ath-thaman

How much does it cost?

Kam et-taklefa

How many?

Kam al Aadad

Do you speak English?

hal TaTaKalam alanglizia

I don't speak arabic

ana La ataKalam El Aarabya

What is your name?

ma iSmaK

Nice to meet you

sarertu Lemuqabalatek

My name is...

ismii...

How do I get to?

Kaeef yomKanany El Hosool ala?

Where is...?

Ayna

Is this the way to..?

Hal haza howa et-tareeq ela?

Can I drive here?

Hal yomkanany El qayada hona

I Think I'm lost

Annee mafqood

Is it safe/dangerous?

Hal howa aamen/khatar

Where can I buy...?

Ayna yomkanany shera?

Help!

mosaAda

I need a doctor

aHtaj ela Tabib

I have a fever

Aendee Huma

It hurts

Enahu Moalem

The pain is here

Al alam huna

Where is the bathroom?

Ayna Al Hamam

Do you have a phone?

Hal Ladika hatef

Where is the hospital?

Ayna Al mustashfaa

My car has broke down

Sayaratee TaAtalat

Where is the nearest garage/petrol station

Ayna aqrab Karaj/maHatet banseen

Where is the nearest cash machine?

Ayna aqrab Saraf aalee

I need water/food Can you take me to...?

aHtaj ela myah wa TaAam hal TastatiaA An TaaKhoznee Le

My friend is hurt or sick

sadeeqee moTaab/mareed

Related posts:
Arabic Phrases and Words to use in Abu Dhabi
Useful Arabic phrases
Basic Arabic Phrases