Why A Trip To Abu Dhabi is Always A Good Idea: 10 Things To Do This Winter That Will Inspire, Excite and Restore The Senses
A Harper’s Bazaar Arabia editor shares a few of her favourite activities in Abu Dhabi, ideal for those looking to tap into their adventurous side…
“What is there to do in the UAE?” It was a question I was asked many times in the years after I moved to the emirates. My answer was always the same: “Plenty!”
There’s so much to do, in fact, that expats and tourists alike often don’t have time to see the best that the UAE has to offer – activities that don’t involve wandering around shopping malls or attending bottomless brunches on the regular.
There are a variety of memorable, enriching experiences, available 365 days and minutes apart. In Abu Dhabi you’ll find seamless connections between a wealth of cultural heritage, alongside exciting experiences. For example, Yas Island welcomes the world with year-round theme park action and waterfront attractions. Only 15 minutes away, Saadiyat Island is filled with living culture, home to Louvre Abu Dhabi’s timeless inspiration and unforgettable architecture.
Located at the heart of the island Saadiyat Cultural District hosts community events and exhibitions at Manarat Al Saadiyat, alongside Berklee Abu Dhabi, the pre-eminent institute of contemporary music and the performing arts. The district is also the future home of the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, and Zayed National Museum.
Abu Dhabi is home to some of the greatest gems that come to life throughout the cooler season. Whether you’re an adventurist or an art lover or, simply, keen to learn more about the natural beauty of the emirate, you can explore a different side of Abu Dhabi this winter at your own pace.
Here are seven things to do in Abu Dhabi this winter
Go Kayaking in The Mangroves
A morning spent paddling through aquatic brush is pure tranquil bliss. Possibly one of the most underrated activities to do in Abu Dhabi, kayaking in the Jubail Mangroves gives adventurists a closer look at the magic of mother nature and the true beauty of the emirate. Not interested in picking up a paddle? Consider taking a stroll down the boardwalks and see if you can spot a turtle or heron relaxing amongst the reeds in the water, one of the best ways to restore your body and soul this winter.
For more information on Jubail Mangroves Park, click here.
Spend A Weekend at Sir Bani Yas Island
One of the best holidays I ever had was at nature reserve Sir Bani Yas Island watching giraffes frolic in the winter sunlight whilst on a safari, before spending an afternoon dipping my toes into crystal clear beach waters and getting up close and personal with a trio of peacocks (perhaps a bit too close as they tried to snatch a snack from our table!). An island located within Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region, this unique destination boasts five-star hotels, villas and family-friendly accommodations while being home to 17,000 free-roaming animals, including Arabian oryx, gazelles, giraffes, hyenas and cheetahs.
For more information on Sir Bani Yas Island, click here.
Pay A Visit To Louvre Abu Dhabi
Having opened its doors in November of 2017, Louvre Abu Dhabi (designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel) is best known as one of the region’s first universal museums. An ideal spot to take in creative inspiration, the museum boasts a vast collection of unique artifacts and artworks from throughout time — a true cultural inspiration, indeed. Consider taking in the beauty of Jackson Pollock’s abstract paintings or bring the little ones to the children’s museum.
For more information on Louvre Abu Dhabi, click here.
Cool down at Yas Waterworld
When my husband and I first moved to the UAE we spent countless weekends cooling off at various waterparks throughout the emirates and Yas Waterworld was by far our favourite. With over 40 themed rides, slides, and thrilling aquatic adventures this particular park is excellent for families and grownups, who will forever be kids at heart — talk about excitement for everyone, all year round.
For more information on Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, click here.
Hit The Green
For those looking to unwind, consider an early morning or balmy afternoon at Yas Links Abu Dhabi – the first true links golf course in the Middle East. Located on Yas Island, the course has hosted the 2019 Special Olympics World Games and ranks highly amongst golf aficionados.
For more information on Yas Links Abu Dhabi, click here.
Retreat To The Desert
Ideal for couples looking to experience the tranquility of a desert retreat Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is one of the most unique resorts in the UAE. Located 200km away from Abu Dhabi’s city center in the Empty Quarter, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to an otherworldly oasis, one lush with tranquility. The best part? There are endless opportunities to learn about the region’s ancient cultural traditions, like falconry; explore the flame-coloured dunes – preferably on camelback; and spot wild animals in their natural habitat, like the Arabian oryx and hares.
For more information on Qasr al Sarab, click here.
Brush Up On Your History at Qasr Al Watan
No visit to Abu Dhabi is complete without paying a trip to Qasr Al Watan. The working presidential palace of the UAE houses a wealth of knowledge and information about Emirati culture, history, and heritage. Spend an afternoon perusing the Qasr Al Watan library or take in the lights show every day at 19:00.
For more information on Qasr Al Watan, click here.
Go On A Safari in Al Ain
There’s no better way to spend a winter afternoon than taking in the natural beauty of Al Ain… and the furry residents that call it home. Located an hour and a half hours’ drive away from Abu Dhabi this incredible 217-hectare park boasts one of the world’s largest man-made African safaris and is home to a range of African animals, along with 2,500 unique flora and fauna species.
For more information on Al Ain Safari, click here.
Become an Adventurist At Al Wathba Fossil Dunes
One of the most unique destinations in the UAE, Al Wathba Fossil Dunes Protected Area is seven kilometres of, you guessed it, fossilised sand dunes — making it an ideal place to snap the perfect Insta photo, get lost in the hiking trails (which are well lit at night) and explore a piece of nature frozen in time. Feeling famished while on your adventure? The dunes boast both food trucks, benches and places to rest — so you can regain your energy in between your prehistoric exploration.
For more information on Al Wathba Fossil Dunes, click here.
Relax on The Beach at Nurai Island
Spend an afternoon unwinding pool or beachside at Nurai Island. A short 15-minute boat ride from the shores of Abu Dhabi, this pristine oasis is the ideal retreat for those looking to reconnect with themselves in a tranquil setting.
For more information on Nurai Island, click here.
What else is there to do in Abu Dhabi?
Alongside year-round experiences, Abu Dhabi is also a global hub for events with an action-packed calendar that has something for everyone to enjoy. Recently hosting the first-ever NBA games in the region, as well as sold-out UFC and WBA boxing title fights, Abu Dhabi also enchanted families and younger visitors with the Middle East debut of the internationally renowned broadway show, Disney’s The Lion King musical, as well as the captivating Disney on Ice.
Looking ahead, music lovers have so much to get excited about, with performances by Andrea Bocelli, Post Malone, Imagine Dragons, Blackpink, Sting, and John Legend, with Kendrick Lamar and Swedish House Mafia headlining concerts at the Department of Culture and Tourism 3 Press Release Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – the dramatic climax of the global F1 season.
Visit Abu Dhabi has unveiled its latest campaign: Experience Abu Dhabi. Find Your Pace. The campaign shares a variety of experiences that inspire, excite and restore, welcoming the world to come and enjoy memorable moments that matter – in their own way, and at their own pace. Start planning your trip now at visitabudhabi.ae
Images supplied. Lead image: Sir Baniyas Island