EXPLORE THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Mountain biking
Did you know you can bike around the world’s largest salt dome mountains right here in Abu Dhabi? Created up to ten million years ago on Sir Bani Yas Island by salt water evaporation, these vertical cylinders of salt are more than six kilometres deep and three kilometres wide and are a perfect spot for a bit of mountain biking. Plus you may even see a few gazelles (they’re attracted to the mineral-rich salt) on your ride.
Anantara Sir Bani Yas Resorts, Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Dhs125 easy route, Dhs165 advanced route. Tel: (02) 8015266. Taxi: Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Resort. sirbani-yas-island.anantara.com
Desert camping
If you haven’t yet ventured into the desert after dark it is high time you did. Whether you pitch a tent yourself or head out with a desert safari tour, camping in the dunes is a great way to get in touch with nature. If you’re after the safari route, Arabian Nights Village offers plush accommodations, cultural activities as well as quad biking, camel riding and dune bashing.
Pick up at Khalifa Park, Salam Street, Abu Dhabi, from Dhs1,150 for overnight packages. Tel: (02) 6769990. arabiannightsvillage.com
caving and rock climbing
While this activity will see you step inside a megamall, hear us out. Adventure HQ at Yas Mall has a pretty cool indoor caving complex that’s basically the next best thing to travelling outside of the emirate to go explore local mountain caves. Made by moulding reinforced plastic off limestone cliffs in Bulgaria, there are 48 metres of tunnels for you to get lost in. If you still want more check out the climbing wall that will keep both beginners and pros busy.
Yas Mall, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thur and Fri 10am to midnight, caving Dhs65 for 30 minutes, climbing Dhs65 for 30 minutes. Tel: (02) 5650996. Taxi: Yas Mall. yasmall.ae
go glamping
Luxury resort Qasr Al Sarab will be hosting a full-moon camping trip/party this month that will see guests pitch tents in the Liwa desert and enjoy a barbecue dinner. Guests must bring their own camping gear and be over the age of 21. february 10
Qasr Al Sarab, Liwa, Abu Dhabi, 8pm, Dhs350 to Dhs1,999. Tel: (02) 8862088. Taxi: Qasr Al Sarab. qasralsarab.anantara.com
Dune bashing
While you can leave it to the pros, hitting the dunes is a lot more thrilling (and nerve racking) if you’re behind the wheel. Desert Road Tourism offers a desert driving course that will keep you on the right track (and hopefully out of the sand) to teach you the basics of driving on sandy terrain via theory and practical sessions. Keep in mind you’ll have to have off-road insurance before you can begin.
Various locations including Sweihan desert, Abu Dhabi, from Dhs2,500. Tel: (04) 2959429. Taxi: Sweihan desert. arabiantours.com
animal safari in al ain
The Garden City is home to the world’s largest man-made safari park. Opened in April of last year, the park is attached to Al Ain Zoo and measures an impressive 217 hectares and has over 250 animals including giraffes, lions, zebras, springbok and more. The zoo offers hour-long tours daily in both SUVs and traditional safari trucks, with prices starting at Dhs200 and up. alainzoo.ae