6 Reasons To Visit Abu Dhabi For a Long Weekend
While capitals on the continent or the draw of the Dubai sun usually dominate choices for short breaks, a new contender has emerged. After enjoying an incredible immersive experience in London showcasing the best of Abu Dhabi tourism, Belle About Town dug a little deeper to find out what the city can offer those in search of adventure and culture, or maybe just a little indulgence, when escaping the rat race for some winter sun.
Despite being the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi is less thought of as a holiday destination than the neighbouring city of Dubai. But despite just 50 miles separating the two, Abu Dhabi can take you to a different world. From stunning salt lakes to island safaris, find your pace and explore. Here are some of the surprising highlights we can’t wait to see for ourselves.
Sir Bani Yas Island
More than 17,000 animals roam free on Sir Bani Yas Island thanks to extensive conservation work since the 1970s. Arabian oryx, Somalian ostrich, gazelle and deer roam the land, while sea turtles and dolphins swim in the Arabian Gulf. We were told the island is a mere two hour drive from downtown AD, and offers the most impressive safari experience in the region.
Kayaking in Mangroves
Try kayaking and explore Abu Dhabi’s mangrove channels on this tour, with guiding and equipment provided to make everything easy for you. Select a time slot to suit your schedule, choose a single- or 2-seater kayak depending on numbers in your group, and get paddling and safety instructions. Then, paddle around the wildlife-rich mangroves to enjoy the tranquillity and breezes, with guides to lead the way and assist if required.
You don’t have to be an eco-tourist to appreciate one of the natural blessings of the UAE when you venture into the mangrove forest. The harmonious sounds of flowing water in the mangrove forest create an enchanting atmosphere of tranquil solitude. Voyaging through the mangroves is suitable for beginners, making it a memorable attraction for all.
Fossil Dunes & Salt Lake Tour
The Al Wathba Fossil Dunes were recently discovered, and the formations have taken more than four million years to form. The Al Wathba Fossil Dunes Protected Area comprises more than 1,700 fossil dunes, spread over seven square kilometres, making it one of the largest numbers of fossil dunes concentrated in one location in the emirate.t the reserve you can enjoy the natural marvels of the area, by walking the well-lit trails, which extend to three kilometres both ways and are surrounded by benches and shades for relaxing.
Sandboarding in the Desert
A 45-minute drive from the centre of the city takes you to the heart of the desert outside Abu Dhabi. We love the idea of a desert safari followed by sandboarding, which we’re told is Tripadvisor’s fourth most booked experience by tourists visiting the city. Explore the desert in a 4×4 Land Cruiser, bashing the huge dunes, before trying out sandboarding. Expert instructors will coach you on gliding over the dunes, and apparently, it is a lot easier than it sounds – and looks!
Chi, The Spa
Chi, The Spa draws inspiration from the legendary Shangri-La – a place of personal peace, enchantment and well-being. Massages and treatments are based on authentic natural healing methods shared by many Asian cultures and are rooted in Arabian tradition using all-natural, local ingredients. Those on offer include a traditional Shirodhara where organic coconut oil is gently poured over the forehead, between the eyebrows, to produce a soothing sensation on the head muscles, with the effect seeping through the nerves and passing on to the brain, calming the mind. This ancient ritual is said to promote sleep and relaxation, and stabilise blood pressure.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
The only Louvre outside of Paris – Louvre Abu Dhabi runs under a 2007 agreement between the UAE and France that allows it to use the Louvre’s name until 2037, and has been described by its Parisian parent as “France’s largest cultural project abroad.” Boasting some 8,000 square metres of galleries, Louvre Abu Dhabi is the largest art museum in the Arabian peninsula. Artworks from around the world are showcased at the museum, with stated intent to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western art. The floating dome structure alone sells this ambitious museum as worth a visit.
