Tag: Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Archery

Abu Dhabi is a splendid emirate that forms part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and it is home to a fascinating array of activities for the cultural and curious tourist. If you wanted to try your hand at archery, there are a range of clubs as well as a spa resort Abu Dhabi features that offer visitors the chance to channel their inner archer. The Anantara Al Yamm which provides its guests with premium accommodation at its beautiful villas in Abu Dhabi also offers lessons and equipment for visitors to try out this long-cherished Arabic tradition. For those serious archers dedicated to the sport, the Abu Dhabi Archers Group provides a community of support for archers looking to get into the field, or serious shooters. Top archers can take part in the Top Archers Competition, which targets top archery dogs to crown champions on the range. The group does not have official status yet; however, it does provide the opportunity to gather and practice at the Al Forsan Archery range, which offers ten lanes and the best equipment to try one’s luck at a distance of 5 to 60 metres, depending on preference and ability. The range also offers Re-curve and Compound bows if archers do not have their own. The range provides arm guards, releases and tabs too, so head on down for a practice round or two!

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and intends to visit them all someday.

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Kicking up a Dust

Although Abu Dhabi at first glance seems all desert there are amazing natural destinations in the emirate that extend all the way to the Empty Quarter in the south and the mountains of Oman in the east where pristine waterfalls, cliffs lined with fossils and freshwater lakes are part of the environment.

Adventure travel in Abu Dhabi is all about getting to know the landscape and stretching the mind and in many cases the body to embrace exciting experiences. Late evening dune bashing trips or desert safaris to the Liwa desert is one of the best ways to experience the desert landscape in Abu Dhabi. Traveling in a convoy of 4x4s, travelers are offered a roller coaster ride over sand dunes and are taken to vantage points to see gorgeous desert sunsets. The trip include a visit to a camel farm, camel rides, dinner in a Bedouin style desert camp where guests get to sit around a campfire, smoke an aromatic shisha, partake of a traditional Middle Eastern meal and with no light pollution to detract from the experience, enjoy a sky thick with stars. Overnight camping experience in the desert can be added to dune bashing.

Wadi bashing, driving a 4×4 along rocky and dry river beds is another aspect of adventure travel in Abu Dhabi. This is one of the best ways to see naturally beautiful parts of a wadi such as waterfalls, animals in the wild and mountain pools among others. Another option would be to join one of the many 4×4 clubs and after a little training go dune and wadi bashing with family and friends. The massive dunes in the Empty Quarter offer awesome driving challenges and learning to navigate the dunes is one of the best adventure experiences around. Sand skiing on the 984 foot high sand slopes is another way to enjoy the desert landscape.

Camel racing is a popular local activity and adventure travelers can catch some of the action on race days in Shweihan and Liwa and see racing practices and camel paddocks at Al Wathba.

Traveling 140 km out of town to Al Ain is a must to enjoy the greenest parts of Abu Dhabi, the site of many oases, parks, tree lined avenues, museums, forts and an archaeological park. From here travelers can access Jebel Hafeet the highest point in the area and known for the mineral springs at its base and fantastic views of the sunset from the top. Wadi Adventure in Ain Al Fayda nearby has the regions first artificial white water rafting, surfing and kayaking facility. The 3.3 meter manmade surf wave here is the world’s most impressive. Its 1.7 km kayaking channel is the world’s longest.

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara a calm and peaceful oasis is undoubtedly a lovely place to experience the desert landscape at its best. As one of exceptional luxury hotels Abu Dhabi, guests are offered a selection of spacious, well designed contemporary rooms, suites and villas added to which are services and facilities that complement the very special quality of the setting. Enjoy well selected traditional Middle Eastern, Oriental and International menus, relaxing and rejuvenating spa treatments and a host of desert based activities that will make a stay at one of prominent Abu Dhabi hotels a real pleasure.

Al Wathba Camel Race Track

An oasis in the desert, Abu Dhabi defies all expectations. It is the largest of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. It is the ideal destination for tourists who want to learn more about the Middle East but want to do so in a somewhat liberal setting. The emirate has plenty of cultural and historical attractions. It also has a fair share of shopping malls and contemporary attractions, such as the Ferrari Theme Park. However, for tourists intent on learning more about the local culture and traditions the Al Wathba Camel Race Track is a great place to start.

At one time camels were highly valued for their usefulness. They were an important means of transport and provided sustenance in the form of milk and flesh, and while they are no longer relied upon in the same fashion, they are still prized animals beloved by the locals. The tradition of camel racing is quite old but has been kept alive through the ages and those who want to catch all the action can head over to the Al Wathba Camel Race Track.

The race track is open on Thursdays and Fridays and is located around forty five kilometres from the city. The races start early in the morning and those who want to witness the best camel racing should try to get to the track by at least 8 am. While the camels are the main attraction, first time visitors are probably apt to be more fascinated by the fact that robots are used instead of jockeys! The races are quite exciting with many people attending them each week, and tourists should try not to miss out on this interesting blend of modern technology and age-old tradition.

The local infrastructure is quite impressive and tourists looking for good Abu Dhabi hotels will have plenty of options. Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi is a great place to consider when holidaying here. This Abu Dhabi city hotel is situated in one of the most scenic parts of the city. Guests of the hotel will be treated to stunning views of the Arabian Gulf and the Capital Gardens.

Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.

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Outdoor adventures in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is home to a plethora of fun activities for members of the whole family. One of the best locales from which to experience this vibrant emirate is one of many villas in Abu Dhabi that cater to comfort and convenience. Of the many options for a spa resort Abu Dhabi offers, an excellent choice are the Anantara Sir Bani Yas Al Yamm Villas which provide a home away from home in the midst of a scenic island set in the shimmering azure waters of the Arabian Gulf.

Outdoor adventures are found aplenty in Abu Dhabi…the only problem is choosing which one to plunge into headfirst! How about a 4×4 adventure across the Arabian sands from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, for an afternoon and evening desert safari? Catch a splendid desert sunset and enjoy a tasty barbeque dinner around a campfire under the stars. On the way, why not get a beautifully intricate henna tattoo, go on an exciting camel ride and taste the sand firsthand with a thrilling sandboarding experience? And safariers will not want to miss the mesmerizing movements of a belly dance for a truly immersive Arabian Nights encounter. Or for nature enthusiasts, how about an adrenaline-bursting camel right? Except the summer and early autumn months, any other time of year is the perfect time to go “camel back”. Or rip out that rugged 4×4 for an amazing thrill ride of “wadi-bashing”. A wadi is a desert fixture that has been scooped out by flood waters, and its sloping sides provide the perfect course for 4-wheel drives from October through April. Dune-bashing is another exciting off-road experience, which will be an electric experience on Abu Dhabi’s slopes expansive and steep slopes. Or, for those wanting a wet n’ wild experience, kayaking in the mangroves is a fantastic way to go, as the natural swamplands provide the perfect setting for this water sport. The desert is home to many unique adventures so take your pick and just do it!

Nature and Wildlife Drives in Abu Dhabi

For many Abu Dhabi would only bring to mind deserts and cities, but there is definitely more to this Middle Eastern land than just that. Among the numerous things that one can do in this diverse land, there are Nature and Wildlife Drives in Abu Dhabi.

There are countless organizations that offer amazing drives across the deserts and other arid lands. There are especially designed 4wheel drives which will take visitors across various landscapes and closer to nature and wildlife. It is sure to be the adventure of a lifetime in this part of the world. Though many might not be aware, deserts are teeming with wildlife of its own. What is more, amongst the least expected animals who can be found freely roaming around the region, there are also amazing geological formations, and remnants of archeological sites of a time gone by.

Usually these tours take about two hours and the best time to go it either early in the morning or in the evening. So it is an ideal way for a family or a group of tourists to explore this region. There are generally jeeps which can accommodate about seven people, making it an ideal option for a small group or even a family, for bigger crowds countless operators have their own buses. Amongst the most popular regions to go on a tour of this nature are Arabian Wildlife Park and also beyond the Sir Bani Yas Island.

Make sure that you wear light and comfortable clothing that are close to nature and avoid bright colours. Don’t forget to take your camera and video as there might be unexpected findings in the barren land. Mostly there will be both indigenous and also other flora and fauna. So for those travelers who are keen to see more than the cities and the shopping malls this is definitely one way to explore the Middle East.

If one wishes to have a luxurious holiday at one of the Villas in Abu Dhabi, and get pampered at a Spa Resort Abu Dhabi, while enjoying the scenes, sights and sounds of this exotic land, there is Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi which is in close proximity to all these attractions and more.

Setting up Camp in the Sand

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is one the most developed and populated cities in the Middle East. Considered to be hub of political, economic and cultural life of the UAE, this bustling city has many unique attractions for its visitors. Abu Dhabi’s top attractions include religious and cultural landmarks, parks and gardens, and several leisure and desert attractions.

Abu Dhabi has created a wide range of tourist attractions on the dessert to bolster its tourism industry, and one such attraction is desert camping. While conventional camping is done in forests or places with some greenery, desert camping gives you a whole new camping experience. Up to 60% of the land of Abu Dhabi is desert land and therefore there are multiple places where one can have a desert camping experience.

Since the deserts begin to cool down towards the evening, desert camping begins towards the evening. You can cruise to your choice of location in an exciting 4×4 ride through the sand and over dunes to start your desert experience with a bit of a boost. The first highlight of camping in the desert is being able to watch the sunset. It often said that at sunset the magic of deserts come alive, which is true as the glorious undisturbed sight of the sun setting is indeed something magical. At night one can get a campfire set up and spend the hours of the night with a few cold drinks which watching the magnificent stars over the Arabian skies. Some of the best desert camping spots are the Liwa Desert; with its glorious of view of just miles of sand and sky, and the Shwaib Desert; known for its dramatic views of mountain ranges, dunes, and wadis. Therefore, for a unique camping experience, set up camp at an Abu Dhabi desert.

Conveniently located in a prime spot at the centre of Abu Dhabi is the Grand Millennium Al Wahda, a 5 star Abu Dhabi hotel. Belonging to the reputed Millennium group of hotels, this hotel offers tranquil accommodation in a range of luxury and plush rooms, suites and apartments which are designed to sooth and relax. The hotel also offers a range of dining, wellness, recreational ad business amenities, making it a highly recommendable hotel Abu Dhabi UAE.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Sand Boarding in Abu Dhabi

The Rolling Golden Dunes of Abu Dhabi is more symbolic to the nation than anything else. The Sand Dunes of Abu Dhabi are in fact the largest in the world and tower hundreds of meters above the surrounding plains. Just the mere sight of these dunes is absolutely inviting. It looks soft and velvety and almost anything you indulge in on these gorgeous slopes is fascinating all the same. An activity on the dunes that will leave you craving for more is Sand boarding. Sand boarding is actually like Skiing, the only difference being the obvious one; instead of the white snow you get the golden sands. Every one visiting Abu Dhabi must indulge in sailing through these spectacular dunes. The feeling without doubt is completely exhilarating.

The Sand boarders paradise in Abu Dhabi is the Liwas Oasis found on the edge of the Rub Al Khali also known as the empty quarter. The Dunes here are gastronomic in size and some even go as high as 300 meters. It is paradise for the professional for you can sashay down the slope in whatever style you desire. The process of sand boarding involves sliding down or across a dune with both feet strapped on to a board. The daring ones opt to try this sport with no bindings to the board; this is a far more dangerous method though. Although Abu Dhabi seems like the perfect place for professional sand boarders, the novice lot has an array of their very own dunes as well. In other parts of the city you can find smaller dunes with less steeped slopes that work out perfectly for the beginner. Regardless of your expertise, you can certainly be sure of having the time of your life sand boarding across the Abu Dhabi Sand Dunes.

After an adventurous day out sand boarding, your body would crave for a nice, comfortable Hotel in Abu Dhabi to come home to. The Kingsgate Hotel Abu Dhabi is a popular choice that is known for its unmatched comforts. Once you stay here, it is luxury all the way making it that hotel Abu Dhabi has, that will keep you coming back for more.

Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.

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Yas Island Bike Tours

Home to stunning natural beauty, Yas Island in the UAE offers a truly exiting excursion that can be best experienced while using some good old fashioned pedal power! The island can be found within easy reach of Abu Dhabi and those in search of a well placed hotel in Abu Dhabi can consider Kingsgate Hotel Abu Dhabi. This hotel Abu Dhabi is ideally located in the financial district making it well suited for those looking to mix business with pleasure.

Plan a visit to Yas Island and make sure to hire a bike or even sign up for bike tours which give you a relaxing opportunity to explore this enchanting isle. The island has well laidout cycle paths that feature maps and directions so you can easily navigate around the many sights of interest here. Apart from the breathtaking vistas that will unfold around you, one can also head to such sites as the Yas Links golf course, Yas Marina and the world famous Yas Marina Circuit which plays host to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. For a truly unique perspective of Yas Island, cycle at night when the landscape is transformed into quite a glittering site.

Wildlife in Abu Dhabi

Among the myriad of wonders that Abu Dhabi holds dear, wild life is not forgotten. Although hot and raw with rolling golden dunes to adorn, many a creatures have found a safe haven here; creatures that are unique to Arabia; that withstand the etching heat of the sun and the dry and barren conditions yet stand strong creating generations to follow. The Wild life in Abu Dhabi is exotic and one of a kind and for your best encounter with these Arabian treasures visit the Arabian Wild life Park at Sir Bani Yas Island.

10,000 free animals roam this gastronomic park located in one of the most exquisite desert island this nation boasts of. The Sir Bani Yas Island is the largest of the 8 islands found in the Desert Islands. It is the first island to welcome tourists and is ever so famous for its rich cultural heritage, the exquisite landscapes and the wealth of land and marine species that make their homes here. It is like everything a nature lover would want in a nut shell. In one island you can enjoy the double dose of some luxury pampering and species that will awe. In Sir Bani Yas Island you can find several tours that will take you into the heart of this fruitful land. You can drive through the rich and wholesome parks or just find a beautiful location and just bask in the sheer beauty of this island; it is relaxing and intriguing, either way. The Wild Life Park is one of the most famous natural reserves in the whole of Arabia. It is an opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the most exotic Arabian species. These include the Arabian Oryx, Giraffes, Gazelles, Hyenas and Cheetahs. Some of these creatures, you would see nowhere else in the world and the vast empty spaces makes animal encounters a sure opportunity.

For an exquisite taste of the Abu Dhabi Hotels stay at the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara . These luxury hotels Abu Dhabi has gives you an interesting touch of the authentic Arabian desserts.

Embark on Nature and Wildlife Walks in Abu Dhabi and Reconnect with Nature

The mere thought of Abu Dhabi brings to mind towering skyscrapers and a rapid degree of development that has made this Emirate one that is frequently visited by businessmen and tourists. For those in Abu Dhabi on business, with a hectic itinerary in hand, some well needed relaxation and rejuvenation can be achieved by to Sir Bani Yas island, located southwest of the emirate.

This natural island whilst being the largest island of the United Arab Emirates, it is also home to the region’s largest wildlife reserve established by Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who was also the founder of the UAE. Due to decades of concentrated efforts and investments, the Sir Bani Yas Island now boasts of its very own bird sanctuary in addition to an amazing display of wildlife and natural endowment.

This island, a natural miracle, is also a haven for archaeologists who are discovering evidence of the human civilisation through settlements preserved throughout the island thereby indicating its historic importance as well. However, Sir Bani Yas Island’s true crowning glory is evidenced in its rich and diverse display of the animal kingdom making it the best location in the region for intriguing nature and wildlife walks.

While most tours of the island can be arranged via most villas in Abu Dhabi, be mindful in selecting an experienced and seasoned guide who would be able to provide you with comprehensive explanations of the flora and fauna of the region. So when leaving your Spa Resort Abu Dhabi, ensure that you put on your hiking shoes, wear your hats and grab your sunglasses and cameras for the photo opportunities on this island are truly endless. Such a walk through Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi would provide you with opportunities to witness panoramic natural sceneries as well as diverse wildlife ranging from Beisa Oryx, Red Deer, Giraffes, Urial sheep, Axis deer and more as they congregate in flocks all around the isle. To gain the most out of the experience, opt for a sunny day when the weather conditions are favourable for a fun outing and don’t forget your sunscreen!