Abu Dhabi | The Adventure Travel Site

Camel Trekking in Abu Dhabi

Image Credit: Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

The camels are seen free roaming while driving around one of Middle East’s popular cities among tourists. Camels trekking is often regarded as a must do to enjoy the complete experience of Abu Dhabi desert holidays. Camel treks are offered by private tour operators as well as hotels in Abu Dhabi. One such hotel is Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara which offers two daily camel treks one at sunrise and one at sunset.

Camels are gentle animals and the treks are often done in small groups. There is a handler for the camels and a guide who would take part in the tour. The sitting and standing motion of the camels requires one to hold on tight to them as they can be quite quick.

The journey on these gentle giants through the sand dunes can be truly mesmerising and will help one understand why they are referred to as “ships of the desert”. The back and forth movement, as well as the side by side sway, all depict the movement of a ship. It is not only a great opportunity to take in the beauty of the sand dunes but also to learn quite a bit about these magnificent animals. Camels are animals that can go about a month without water! They can often store up to 120 Litres of water. However a misconception among many is that they store water in their humps, but this is not true. The humps store fats if they don’t eat over a period of time their humps start to reduce and this is because they use up the fats.

However, the guests on the treks will be provided with adequate water and refreshments at the summit of a dune where they can enjoy the sunset and snap away!

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.

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Best Adventure Activities to Try in Abu Dhabi

The Legendary Arabian Oryx, sir bani yas island — The Legendary Arabian Oryx | Courtesy: Desert Island Resorts & Spa by Anantara

A visit to this glistening Middle Eastern city is not just about being pampered in the lap of luxury at one of the Abu Dhabi resorts. It is also about getting your heart racing, your adrenaline pumping, and enjoying an array of adventure activities that are not possible anywhere else.

You could start off your list with a visit to the Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club. This is a property of the Royal Yacht Association and has a beach that is one hundred metres long to call its own, in addition to yachts and boats that you can rent to explore the sea. You could revisit the grandeur of Old Arabia, with a visit to the Arabian Nights Village. There is no guarantee that what you think are myths, are actually myths. You could visit the homeland of popular Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara, Sir Bani Yas Island which is a manmade wildlife park that has over 10,000 animals roaming free among its luscious foliage. If seeing a leopard during your safari doesn’t set your heart racing, seeing it chase down an oryx might. You can have your mind reset itself by watching Camel Races. Not only can you place your trust in the animal you think is most likely to win, but the speed with which these usually lethargic animals race is sure to give you a whole new perspective on Arab as a whole. Visit the Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi for an adrenaline pumping motor drive or a goose bump inducing roller coaster ride. Try flyboarding in the sea to see if you are more dolphin or bird. There is so much to do in Abu Dhabi that moves above and beyond the traditional vacation. It is definitely worth taking a risk.

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world.

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Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey

When it concerns the United Arab Emirates, the metropolitan madness of Dubai takes centre stage, and is immediately recognised as being the major city within this Arab nation. The capital city, Abu Dhabi has retained a lot of the traditional roots of the Middle-East. The capital city contains many attractions that will enable you to discover the UAE’s amazing past. One such attraction is the Pearl Diving Adventure that is sure to be mentioned by any of the 5 star hotels, Abu Dhabi has to offer such as Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara.

The United Arab Emirates has a rich history of Pearl Diving, especially in regions such as Ras Al Khaimah, which was interestingly the original site of Abu Dhabi, before the population migrated to where Abu Dhabi is now.

When embarking on the Pearl Diving adventure, the travellers board a traditional boat known as a Jalboot, which is a very sleek vessel that is known to be one of the swiftest of her kind due to her sleekness and a particularly sharp front end.

Along the way you will pass many mangrove forests, which is an incredibly rich ecosystem that plays refuge to a variety of wild-life such as herons, egrets and flamingos.

During the journey, you will gain an extensive knowledge of pearl diving, through expert lectures and a practical demonstration. You will also learn survival techniques that were used by crews to live at sea for months on end. Towards the end, a session on the art of opening oysters will be conducted, and travellers will be given a pearl to keep as a souvenir of their adventure.

The next time you’re in the United Arab Emirates, think about embarking on an adventure like no other.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

A Night-out in the Desert

An ocean of sand and an expansive sky stretch above and before you in Abu Dhabi’s Rub al Khali or ‘The Empty Quarter’. The proportions of this desert are simply astounding and provide innumerable opportunities to have fun. You wouldn’t be in a conundrum when choosing between a day or night safari in the desert. Night-time in the desert will activate your imagination and allow for relaxation and adventure. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is perfectly located and is a Liwa Desert resort that will give you multiple opportunities to traverse the desert. A night-out in this desert is beyond unforgettable.

Choose to explore the desert in a Hummer. It will be both a smooth and bumpy ride on the seemingly insurmountable sand dunes.

Evening approaches, and your constant companion, the gleaming disk of gold would quietly retire. Watching its quiet retreat is a treat to the eyes and soul. It’s a perfect sunset. As you prepare to gobble a hearty meal, you will be taken aback by the lithe bodies and glittering outfits of the belly dancers. Experiment with hookah shisha pipes while also listening to soothing music.

Later on in the evening, dinner is served. It is certainly a lavish spread with succulent meats grilled to perfection, salads and rice. Happily stuffed, you can now retire onto your humble mattress. From within your tent a sparkling sky is revealed. Identify the constellations, name the planets and drop off to a comfortable sleep while counting the stars.
Once again, the golden disk peeps through the sand dunes and you will witness a breathtaking sunrise. This is the beauty of a night-out in the desert of Abu Dhabi, where you can enjoy the beauties of dawn and dusk.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Cruising and Fishing in Abu Dhabi

Generally, a holiday in the Middle East entails camel rides, traversing through deserts over sand dunes, some shopping for electronics and recreation at theme parks. However, that may have been in the past; now with the advent of 5-star hotels Abu Dhabi, a plethora of opportunities are available for those who reside at Eastern Mangroves Hotel and Spa by Anantara or any other luxurious accommodation. The capital city of the highly acclaimed United Arab Emirates is cosmopolitan, commercialized and advanced, yet it is also steeped in its own culture, thus offering a wide mix of options to tourists.

For instance, if you are more of a night creature, you can engage in the boat riding adventure under the star spangled sky in a traditional dhow where you will be served a lavish meal while you enjoy the Abu Dhabi skyline from the lulling waves or the expanse of water of the Gulf Sea. The quest in search of pearls is a great learning experience in addition to being a relaxing voyage over the waves for over one and a half hours. There is a competent guide who unravels the stories of the past with respect to pearl discovery and everyone is shown how a pearl is extracted from a natural oyster. There are special tours for fishing which usually commence in the wee hours of the day and such a tour typically requires four hours. There are mariners who will provide their expertise, equipment, boat and even the fishing bait should you make a hurried decision to go fishing.

One can choose between dhows, speed boats, and yachts depending on the type of journey and the occasion. The organizers of the sea riding facilities have a diverse range of services on offer including deep sea fishing, BBQs, swimming, snorkeling and even hosting birthday parties or wedding receptions on board. They also arrange team building activities followed by a camping trip for corporate entities.

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world.Google+

Mangrove Kayaking

A mention of the Middle East brings to mind images of rolling sand dunes and endless desert. The cities are built up with gleaming steel and glass but only a short distance away from Abu Dhabi’s city center is Sir Bani Yas Island. A stark contrast to what you would expect, the island is occupied by the tranquil Arabian Wildlife Park. It is also home to several historical sites, world class purpose-built stables and Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort.

Among the many Sir Bani Yas Island activities are spa retreats, nature watching safaris and adventure activities that are available on the island. It has been named a ‘World’s Leading Tourism Destination’. A favourite activity on the island is mangrove kayaking. You will be guided through the impressive mangroves of Abu Dhabi by an expert who will also teach you about the role these unique plants play in the coastal system. The low tides are better for spotting birds, crabs and fish that call the area home but the high tide allows deeper exploration of the mangroves.

Kayaking through the mangroves is not a dangerous activity, it is easy to learn and one that is available all year round in Abu Dhabi. The experienced guides are on hand to help and instruct; they are also trained in emergency response and equipped with first aid kits. You will be provided with a sturdily build kayak of a reputed brand and a life jacket. Guests can expect to get wet, therefore clothes suitable for watersports are recommended along with sensible footwear. In sunny weather it is best to bring a hat and plenty of waterproof sunscreen. A towel and change of clothes may come in handy after your excursion. There are several great photo opportunities to be had on the water for those who have access to water resistant equipment.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Welcome to Dune Bashing in Abu Dhabi

A holiday to the world famous capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi, isn’t complete until you hop in to a 4-wheel drive and steer your way through the enormous dunes that make up the desert expanse. With an abundance of high dunes and sand valleys, dune bashing is one of the Emirate’s most popular sporting activities.

For those who aren’t in the know, dune bashing is the practice of off-roading on large sand dunes. An experienced driver will drive a four-wheel vehicle straight up and over the dunes, sometimes letting the wheels leave the ground. Vehicles driven on dunes may come equipped with a roll cage in case of an overturn so don’t worry if you see one, it’s just for safety purposes. Adrenaline junkies are definitely going to enjoy the fast-paced action of these much-loved Abu Dhabi Excursions.

Due to the intense heat of the desert, dune bashing usually takes place in the early hours of the morning or late afternoon, to ensure the sand is hard enough to drive on. If you’re staying at a resort that is closely situated near the desert, like the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara for example, check if the resort can organise the dune-bashing excursion for you. It’ll be an easier, more reliable option that’ll take you straight from the comfort of your room to the dunes, minus the long drives out into the desert.

Alternatively, there are several licensed operators offering dune bashing packages that either come at a set rate or can be either tailor made to suit your needs, at a higher price of course. Most will combine dune bashing with a desert safari so once you’re done racing through over the dunes; you can sit back, relax and take in the stark beauty of the dunes and the indigenous plants that inhabit the desert.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+

Camel Riding

What is an Arabian escape without a camel back ride? The camels of Arabia are considered as an important icon of these nations. The UAE which is a hot spot for tourists are not short them! The capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi hosts thousands of tourists each year. Camels which have been a major part of the Arabian civilisation have now become part of recreational activities for tourists. Most resorts and private operators offer camel back rides. One of the renowned resorts that organise camel rides as a part of their Abu Dhabi Resort Tour is the renowned Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara.

The best time to embark on this journey would be the early hours of the day or close to sunset. Camelback rides are regarded as one of the best ways to explore the vast majority of the deserts of Abu Dhabi. The camels are often referred to as the ships of the desert, one will agree with the term once they hop on a camel back. It’s not made in reference to the speed of the motion but how the passengers sway back and forth and sideways while on a camel back. Most tourists who jump on a camel often think the lump on the camel back is the water stored, however, it is the mechanism of storing fat.

The rides can be exhausting due to the heat, hence, most stop for refreshments at camps that depict the ancient Emirati life. These rides are also an excellent way to experience the old and modern architecture of the Middle East. The packages can range from a few hours to an entire day. So if you plan on visiting Abu Dhabi make sure to include a camel back ride in your agenda.

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.

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THE EMPTY QUARTER

Middle East is one of the favourites among tourists from both ends of the world, it’s location as well as the various activities and attractions have managed to amuse tourists. The UAE is one of the far more advanced countries in the region and more popular among the tourists. Abu Dhabi has been a top pick for tourists in the recent times. There are plenty of things for tourists to do while here. What is a Middle Eastern adventure without camel rides and a luxury desert resort? Abu Dhabi has got it all!

Regarded as the world’s largest uninterrupted sand masses, Rub Al Khali translates to “quarter of emptiness ” has some of the largest sand dunes and large desert masses. Many tourists who come to Abu Dhabi make it a point to visit the Empty Quarter to get the ultimate desert experience. If you wish to spend more than a day taking in all the beauty of the desert then there are various accommodation providers in close proximity. A highly recommended option among the many available is Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara.

The Empty Quarter rose to its fame in the 1940s’ and 50s’ due to British explorer Wilfred Thesiger. The Qasr Al Sarab or Mirage Palace is straight out of a fairy tale! However for thousands of years this area was resisted by settlements due to the scorching heat and dry climate. However the fringes of the empty quarter were home to nomadic settlements.Located in the middle of the desert the palace is a must visit. To explore the endless dunes there are various safaris offered by the resorts in around the desert as well as private operators. Explore on a camel back or in a Jeep at dawn or dusk.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Self-Guided Walk in Abu Dhabi

A booming tourist destination in the Middle East is Abu Dhabi. Competing with its fellow Emirates, it still has managed to be in the forefront in terms of tourism. One of the best ways to explore and make the most of a city is to stroll around it; one’s self is the best tour guide. When considering Abu Dhabi as your next holiday destination, one of the key questions that pop up in one’s mind is accommodation during the stay. Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara is an excellent choice to stay while here as this beach resort Abu Dhabi is located on the famous Sir Bani Yas Island the hotel is nothing but a symbol of luxury, offering many indoor as well outdoor activities to complete the exotic vacation.
A self-guided walk in Abu Dhabi should be able to cover most of the important landmarks in the city. One of the places to make a stop would be the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, an iconic landmark that has 82 impressive white domes.

Bainunah Roundabout Fountain is one of the other pit-stops worth making, located on the Bainunah Roundabout by the Zalamat Garden the fountain is considered both breathtaking and miraculous and perfectly complements the surrounding.

Abu Dhabi Corniche is yet another exciting place to explore on a walking tour. The 6-kilometer-long road is a not to miss when visiting Abu Dhabi. This is considered to be the border of the city and has many gardens along the way.
There are many other interesting landmarks and attractions in this beautiful Middle Eastern City for you to explore.

Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world.
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