GO WILD IN THE CAPITAL
How to get up close and personal with animals all over the emirate.
Where to get up close and personal
with the capital’s furry
residents
Watch camels race
Popular with both Emiratis and expats, these races feature speedy camels with tiny robot jockeys strapped to their backs. Races start around 7am and are free to watch. October to April
Camel Race Track, Al Wathba. Abu Dhabi, free. Tel. (02) 5839200. Taxi: Wathba Camel Track. visitabudhabi.ae
Cheer on horses
Witness firsthand the elegance and majesty of Arabian horses participating in the sport of kings. Entry is free with races usually starting around 5pm during the season.
October to March
Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, free. Tel. (02) 4455500. Taxi: Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club. adec-web.com
Stroke a saluki
One of the oldest domesticated dog breeds, salukis have a long association with hunting in the Gulf. Visitors to this facility can learn more about the dogs’ traditions and maybe meet one in the kennels.
The Saluki Centre, behind Falcon Hospital, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Thur 9am to 2pm. Tel: (02) 5755330. Taxi: Saluki Centre, near Abu Dhabi International Airport. arabiansaluki.com
Safari on an island wildlife park
Sir Bani Yas is an island wildlife park established in 1971 that is home to animals ranging from hyenas to hyraxes (a furry rodent-like relative of the elephant). Its large enclosures can be toured in 4x4s, on horseback or even on foot.
Desert Islands Resort, Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Tel. (02) 8015400. sirbaniyasisland.com
ride a horse
The Dhabian Equestrian Club offers a variety of horsey happenings from classes for absolute beginners to bespoke beach gallops and desert treks for more experienced riders. All visits must be booked in advance.
Dhabian Equestrian Club, Farm No 645, Rahba, Abu Dhabi. Tel. (050) 1347141. Taxi: Dhabian Equestrian Club, Rahba, Western Region. dhabianequi.com
red foxes on reem
You don’t have to go out of the city to see some real UAE wildlife – Reem Island boasts its own Arabian red fox population. The cautious creatures are also known to nest in the nearby mangroves, and are best viewed from a distance, but spotting them can be a very rewarding experience – plenty of early morning joggers and cyclists have seen them scarpering around.