Exploring Abu Dhabi – Discover an emirate in the UAE

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Abu Dhabi, where the desert meets the sea and the sky knows no limits. From towering skyscrapers to pristine beaches, Abu Dhabi offers a captivating blend of modernity and tradition, inviting travellers to explore its diverse landscapes and rich heritage.

Marvel at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Step into architectural splendour at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a breathtaking masterpiece of Islamic design. Admire the intricate details of its domes, minarets, and stunning marble courtyards, and immerse yourself in the serene ambience of this sacred sanctuary.

Explore the Corniche

Take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Corniche, Abu Dhabi’s scenic waterfront promenade. With its pristine beaches, lush parks, and stunning skyline views, the Corniche offers the perfect backdrop for a relaxing day by the sea or a refreshing sunset walk.

Venture into the Desert

Experience the thrill of desert adventures with a desert safari excursion. Embark on a dune-bashing escapade across the golden sands, enjoy camel rides, and witness mesmerising desert sunsets that paint the sky in hues of orange and gold.

Image via Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi

Ascend the Etihad Towers

Reach for the sky and ascend the iconic Etihad Towers, where panoramic vistas of Abu Dhabi’s skyline await. Marvel at the city’s architectural wonders from the observation deck, and capture unforgettable moments against the backdrop of the Arabian Gulf. After a day of exploring, unwind and pamper yourself in the lap of luxury at one of the 5-star hotels in Abu Dhabi the likes of Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi.

Embark On Abu Dhabi’s Top 5 Desert Adventures — Dive into exhilarating experiences!

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is famous for its fascinating skyscrapers, luxurious resorts, and vibrant culture. However, beyond the city’s glamour lies the mesmerising beauty of the desert, offering a plethora of exhilarating activities for adventurous souls. Here are five must-try desert adventures in Abu Dhabi:

1. Dune Bashing

Hold on tight as you become part of a heart-pounding journey through the desert sands with dune bashing. Strap into a rugged off-road vehicle and conquer the towering sand dunes of Abu Dhabi in an adrenaline-fueled escapade. Feel the rush of excitement as you navigate steep slopes and cascading sands.

Image via Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

2. Saluki Show

Delve into the rich heritage of the Emirates with a captivating Saluki Show, hosted by Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. Witness the majestic falcons in flight as they demonstrate the ancient art of falconry, a cherished tradition of Bedouin culture.

3. Camel Trekking

Embark on a timeless adventure with camel trekking through the rolling dunes of Abu Dhabi. Traverse the golden sands aboard these gentle giants, following in the footsteps of ancient Bedouin nomads. Led by expert guides, journey into the heart of the desert as you experience one of the best desert adventures.

4. Sandboarding

Experience the thrill of sandboarding amidst the towering dunes of Abu Dhabi. Strap on your board and glide down the pristine slopes of the desert, feeling the rush of adrenaline as you carve through the soft sands. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro, Abu Dhabi offers sandboarding experiences suitable for all skill levels.

5. Guided Desert Walk

Immerse yourself in the splendour of the desert landscape with a guided desert walk. Embark on a journey of discovery as you learn about the local flora, fauna, and cultural heritage from knowledgeable guides. Choose from a variety of trails tailored to your interests and fitness levels, and enjoy a memorable family-friendly excursion.

Experience Thrilling Desert Safaris in Abu Dhabi – Enthralling Escapades in a Sea of Sand!

Embark on a journey through the mesmerising dunes of Abu Dhabi, where the vast expanse of the desert offers exciting adventures and discoveries. From heart-pounding activities to magical evenings under the starlit sky, desert safaris promise an unforgettable experience.

Ideal Desert Locations
Discover the allure of the Empty Quarter or Rub al Khali, the world’s largest uninterrupted sand desert, for a truly immersive experience. Alternatively, explore the Al Khatim Desert or Al Khaznah Desert, each offering a distinctive backdrop for your desert safari. You can look to head off on such excursions while staying in the heart of the city at properties like Oaks Liwa Executive Suites Abu Dhabi which make an ideal base.

Best Times for a Safari
You can go on morning safaris to witness the desert come alive with soft hues after dawn. Alternatively, choose an evening safari, where the setting sun paints the dunes in warm, golden tones; it’s a truly spellbinding sight that will remain with you even once back at one of the city’s serviced apartments. Abu Dhabi tour operators even offer overnight desert safaris, allowing you to camp beneath the stars and wake up to the serene beauty of the desert at dawn.

Desert Activities
Enjoy the adrenaline rush of dune bashing, as you are taken on an exhilarating ride over the undulating dunes in a 4×4 vehicle. For a more traditional experience, engage in camel trekking at sunrise or sunset, connecting with the desert at a leisurely pace. Thrill seekers can opt for quad biking and sandboarding too, adding an extra layer of excitement to their desert adventure. Some safaris additionally include visits to a camel farm, a delight for kids and adults alike.

Enchanting Dinners
As the day concludes, some desert safaris will include an Arabian BBQ in a Bedouin-style camp. Immerse yourself in the local culture with henna painting, shisha, and mesmerising Tanoura dance performances. As you savour the dishes on offer, you can also be entertained by the rhythmic beats and twirls of belly dancing under the starlit sky, transporting you to the magical realm of The Arabian Nights.

Standard Desert Safari in Dubai – What to expect

Dubai is a city known for its modern skyscrapers, luxury shopping, and vibrant nightlife, but it also offers a unique and thrilling desert experience. A desert safari in Dubai is a must-do activity for visitors looking to explore the pristine sands and the traditional Bedouin way of life. Here are some things you can expect on a desert safari in Dubai:

Adventure and Thrills

Desert safaris are all about excitement and are highly recommended by hotels in UAE. You’ll board a 4×4 vehicle that will take you on a thrilling ride over the sand dunes. The skilled drivers will navigate the dunes, providing an adrenaline rush as you tackle steep slopes and drops.

Image via pexels

Breathtaking Views

The desert landscape is stunning, and you’ll have the opportunity to witness the mesmerizing beauty of the sand dunes at different times of the day. The changing hues of the desert during sunrise and sunset are particularly captivating.

Cultural Experiences

Many desert safaris in Dubai offer insights into the traditional Emirati culture. You can expect to visit a desert camp where you’ll be welcomed with Arabic coffee and dates. You’ll also have the chance to experience henna painting, dress in traditional attire, and watch live entertainment, including belly dancing and Tanoura shows

Camel Riding

A desert safari wouldn’t be complete without a camel ride. You’ll have the chance to hop on a camel and experience the traditional mode of desert transportation. If you are unsure about how to go about your safari, properties by Avani Hotels & Resorts will be able to help when you inquire.

Morocco with Kids

Are you dreaming of an exotic family adventure that combines culture, history, and stunning landscapes? Look no further than the scarlet haze of Morocco. Here is a list of essential tips and family-friendly activities to make your Moroccan trip unforgettable.

Explore the Imperial Cities

Start your journey in the captivating cities of Marrakech, Fes, and Rabat. These cities are a treasury of history and culture, with bustling souks, stunning palaces, and vibrant street performances that will captivate both parents and children. You can also find the best places to stay in Marrakech, including properties such as Riad Elegancia, which are perfect for the family.

Sahara Desert Adventure

A desert excursion is a must for families. Set off on a camel trek into the Sahara and spend the night under the starry desert skies in a traditional Bedouin camp. It’s an unforgettable experience that will leave kids and adults alike in awe.

Embrace Moroccan Cuisine

Moroccan cuisine is a delight for the senses. Encourage your kids to try authentic dishes like tagine and couscous. Don’t forget to indulge in treats like Moroccan pastries and the iconic mint tea. Exploring local flavours is a fantastic way to immerse the family in Moroccan culture.

Souk Shopping Fun

Souk Shopping
Souk Shopping – Image via Flickr

Moroccan souks are a vibrant, colourful, and bustling shopping experience. Encourage your kids to engage in the art of bargaining for souvenirs. Teach them to appreciate handmade crafts, from leather goods to intricate ceramics.

Photography Safari

There’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that the country of Kenya is beautiful. Filled as it is with natural wonders, flora or fauna, it’s plain to see that it’s blessed with bounties of many different kinds. It’s things like this that lead the stray wildlife photographer, or nature enthusiast, to chase after these simple pleasures of life and capture them on analogue or digital film, immortalizing them as part of the planet’s history at a given point in time. Well-known for nature experiences and safaris, what better place to chase after nature than the very country of Kenya?

Amboseli National Park

As many might agree, there is something especially calming and special about seeing one of the Earth’s most majestic creatures, the elephant, in its natural herd, roaming around the brown-green plains that it loves. At Amboseli Park, that’s exactly what you get and more – on clear days, you’ll also have the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro providing an especially impressive backdrop to these lovely animals.

Nairobi National Park

The only park in the world situated within a national city, this option provides any avid photographers with some things to think about! If you’re interested in taking a few shots of Nairobi and its natural environs, consider the convenience of such a short drive in comparison to many other camping safaris in Kenya, and the great numbers of 400+ bird species to capture here!

Maasai Mara National Reserve

The most popular wildlife reserve in Kenya, consider touring this place with reputed tour companies like SkySafari if you’re contemplating a visit! It’s home to one of the most awe-inspiring spectacles, the Great Wildebeest Migration, and is one of the great Wonders of the World. It’s a great place to visit at all times of the year and provides a unique landscape that we have become so familiar with thanks to popular culture.

Samburu National Reserve

Samburu National Reserve
Samburu National Reserve – Image via Flickr

Our final choice on the list – the Samburu Reserve. Situated in Northern Kenya, it is home to the “Special Five” – the Somali Ostrich, Gerenuk Antelope, Grevy’s Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, and Beisa Oryx – excellent species to capture on your camera. It’s also home to other less unique species, although no less enjoyable to capture, such as leopards, cheetahs and other big cats that make their home here.

Trekking adventures in East Africa

Allowing for effortless weaving between gorgeously diverse ecosystems, from whimsical yellowwood forests and snow-capped meadows to dizzying gorges shadowed by breathtaking peaks, there’s no place like East Africa for the beauty-loving adventurer.

Take on Mount Kenya

From sighting tree-climbing lions in colonial-inspired national parks, snorkelling in with multi-coloured reef fish off Lamu island, racing 4WDs down ragged volcanic craters to scaling alpine vistas, immersing in equatorial wildflower meadows, and watching the mighty tide of migrating wildebeest, the African wilderness brims with exhilarating experiences. While climbing gigantic, glacier-topped Mt. Kilimanjaro isn’t for everyone, the gentler routes and breathtaking medley of terrains of Mount Kenya make it a must-have on your itinerary.

Dive into Ngorongoro Crater

Whether it’s thrillingly intimate wildlife encounters, decadent tropical beach antics, or eye-opening heritage escapades, East Africa warmly presents a rich mosaic of meaningful moments. An essential bucket-list safari destination, this staggering national park, with its beautiful crater lake, misty blue heights, and yellow-flowering forests, is home to a wonderous number of intriguing animals, from Africa’s majestic ‘Big Five’ to gazelles, wildebeest, zebras, and black rhinos.

Explore Volcanoes National Park

From adrenaline-high night safaris amid mysterious swamps to navigating bizarrely beautiful volcanic topography like the Danakil Depression, East Africa has many extraordinary excursions to compete for your attention. However, gliding through the rainforest and spending some one-on-one time with enormously endearing gorillas should be high on your list! For an all-inclusive African Safari proffering outstanding amenities, venture no further than SkySafari.

Hike Simien Mountains

Simien Mountains
Simien Mountains – Hulivili, Semien Mountains 13, CC BY 2.0

If you’re looking for a UNESCO-listed heritage sanctuary complete with cinematic scenes ranging from blooming tropical gardens and rustic rural enclaves to ragged peaks, undulating pastures, and rare fauna, set your sights on the Simien Mountains National Park.

Dhow Cruise in Doha

Considered a rite of passage for first-timers, embarking on a dhow cruise around Doha can be an unforgettable experience. Here’s what tourists can expect to experience on this excursion.

dhow cruise
Dhow cruise | Image by Rowen Smith on Unsplash

Timing the Tour

Depending on the duration of your stay in Doha, it is possible to schedule a dhow cruise for the daytime or in the early afternoon or evening. The advantages of signing up for a daytime tour are that you will be able to gaze upon the city’s biggest landmarks in the light of day and be able to distinguish the many iconic structures lining the shoreline. The night-time or evening tour is suitable for the romantically inclined as the veil of night lets one admire the city when it is lit up to the nines.

Duration and Tickets

Dhow cruises are at least 4 hours long and can be considered the perfect way to explore Doha for those who are travelling to the city on business or only visiting for the weekend. As various resorts and private tour operators organise dhow cruises, it is best to book your tour tickets online. Those based at Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels By Tivoli and other reputable hotels in Doha can also purchase tickets through their accommodation provider.

Cancellation Policy

If you cannot take part in the dhow cruise for any reason or due to unforeseen circumstances, you can ask for a full refund if you inform the tour operator 48 hours before the tour departure time.

Meals on Board and Other Activities

Dhow cruises in Doha also include a BBQ or buffet meal while also offering travellers the chance to go snorkelling and swimming during the excursion.

Best Adventure Sports in Qatar – For that much needed adrenaline pump

Doha is an interesting place to visit offering stunning attractions that will make all leisure travellers from around the world to stay in this wonderful city. Here are a few exciting sports to try out.

Image via Al Najada Doha Hotel by Tivoli

Desert Safari

You’ll miss a major part of your Qatar trip if you don’t go on a desert safari tour. The best time to enjoy the thrills and spills of a desert safari is in the evening since during the daytime it’s quite difficult with the scorching heat. Feel thrilling moments of a dune bashing session as you go by a 4×4 land cruiser. You’ll say ‘Do more!’

A game of golf

You might have known Qatar for its epitome of modern living and vibrant culture but now it comes as an appealing destination for the most discerning of golfers. Want to discover its incredible golf courses? Savour your stay with a host of social events, numerous leisure activities and dining options. If you are in search of one of the many best hotels in Doha close to the famous Doha Golf Club, try out an option such as Al Najada Doha Hotel by Tivoli which is located 25 minutes away from the club.

Watersports

You’ll find no better place to try out some coastal adventures other than Oman’s huge coastline. There are many environmentally friendly beaches where one can try out diving, jet skiing, snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddle boating and sailing.

Beach fun

If you are not fond of any of these water sports activities, you can simply choose a deserted beach like Bimmah Beach to have a fantastic camping adventure. Have you ever heard of ‘Norway of Arabia’? Excited to know and explore it during your holiday? It is worth a visit!

Doha Quest

Doha Quest is the newest addition to the list of theme parks in Qatar. The high-tech indoor amusement park includes roller coasters, interactive games, and brightly lit kids’ rides.

Doha skyline from the Marriott Hotel, Qatar
Doha skyline from the Marriott Hotel, Qatar | Image by David McKelvey via flickr

Details

Located in Doha Oasis, Doha Quest is the recent most attraction added to the list of attractions in Doha. It is a location that has attractions for everyone, so no one has to stay behind in any hotels in Doha while the others go have fun. Quest is open from Monday to Saturday from 2 in the afternoon to 10 in the night, but it is closed on Sundays.

Highlights

Opened only in 2021, Doha Quest has already made history as it is home to the tallest indoor roller coaster known as EpiQ Coaster and the world’s highest drop water ride, which is known as Magma Blast.

Family attractions

Another speciality about Doha Quest is that it is separated into three different times, the past, the present and the future. The rides and the attractions are dedicated to each of the three themes giving them a story and a unique experience.

Adventures

Not located too far from Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels By Tivoli and the city centre, Doha Quest has something for everybody varying from rides, games, food and shopping.