Many of us living in the UAE - myself included - are guilty of having only really explored the fabulous malls throughout the city, leaving the greater outdoors uncharted.
The guilt eventually caught up with me, andI decided to take a tour of the places off the beaten track. It turns out that Abu Dhabi caters to a wide variety of interests. I have short-listed a handful of recommended places to include on your itinerary to make the most of your next visit the emirate.
Tel Moreeb
Located south of the Liwa Oasis, Tel Moreeb (translated this means ‘scary mountain') is home to some of the biggest sand dunes in the world. With some having an incline of almost 50°, these dunes are magnets for desert-driving enthusiasts.
Every February Tel Moreeb hosts the Al Gharbia International Festival for motorsports where enthusiasts can scale the dunes to their hearts' content. Tel Moreeb also showcases shooting, falconry, camel and horse racing, as well as motorbike championships.
How to get there: The distance from Abu Dhabi to Moreeb Dune is about 250km. Take the Zayed city route (western region, 160km from Abu Dhabi) or from the Liwa area drive towards the south where you'll takea signposted paved desert road.
Manarat Al Saadiyat
Manarat Al Saadiyat (translated this means ‘a place that provides enlightenment') is a visitor centre representing the vision of Saadiyat Island. This exciting artistic venue is a dedicated space for touring cultural and art exhibitions from all over the world, and has been designed to meet international specifications.
The centre will eventually include four major galleries, a central events space, a sales centre, a 250-seat theatre and a restaurant. Currently, two galleries are open to the public.
The state-of-the-art Saadiyat Island exhibition entitled ‘The Saadiyat Story' is on permanent display and provides visitors with an interactive narrative on the history and cultural vision behind the island. Additionally, Arts Abu Dhabi Gallery is a permanent space for a series of exhibitions and educational programmes organised by the Tourism Development and Investment Company.
How to get there: From Mina Port, take the Shaikh Khalifa Bridge to Highway E12 and then follow the signs to Manarat Al Saadiyat.
Mirfa Public Beach
Al Mirfa is a picturesque harbour town about 120km outside the city of Abu Dhabi. It boasts a breathtakingly beautiful coastline and is host to the annual Al Gharbia Watersports Festival, which is focused on encouraging people to visit this pristine, somewhat undiscovered area.
The festival is a nine-day extravaganza and is the first all-water sports event in the country.
Except during the time of the festival, Mirfa Beach is rarely crowded. There is a small town nearby where you can buy supplies for a night of camping or a day of enjoying the turquoise waters.
It is perhaps one of the region's best-kept secrets.
How to get there: From Abu Dhabi International Airport take the Mussafah exit and then the Tarif/Sila exit. Follow the signs for Mirfa.
Sir Bani Yas Island
Sir Bani Yas is the UAE's largest natural island. The bare mountains of this scenic island rise to a height of 148m. With its natural beauty and an abundance of wildlife, this island served as a former royal nature reserve. It houses the Arabian Wildlife Park with free-roaming animals including a 400-strong herd of Arabian oryx. Here you can experience some of Arabia's most cherished natural treasures. Why not embark on a wildlife drive?
Thirty six archaeological sites have been discovered on Sir Bani Yas Island, offering insight into the island's history. One of the oldest sites has what remains of a pre-Islamic monastery which dates back to 600AD. This site has been carefully excavated by an expert team of archaeologists and is now open for public viewing.
How to get there: Take the E11 towards Ruwais. About 10km before reaching Ruwais town, take the Jebel Dhanna turn-off and follow the signs to the Sir Bani Yas jetty. Only guests with a booking at the Desert Islands Resort are able to access the island.
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
The club is designed by golfing legend Gary Player, which should give you a good idea as to its magnificence.
The 18-hole ‘ocean' masterpiece reinforces the emirate's fast-rising status as an international first-rate golfing destination.
The club is managed by Troon Golf, a premier luxury golf course management company whichoversees courses, clubs and resorts around the world.
The championship course is to date one of the most challenging in the golfing world. The course itself has been designed to attract golfing enthusiasts worldwide with some of the most spectacular green designs.
How to get there: Take the Saadiyat freeway exit (next to Abu Dhabi International Airport) and follow the signs to the club.
The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital
The first public falcon hospital in the UAE, the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital is a multi-specialty care unit for the national bird.
The hospital's guided Falcon World Tour includes (among many more facilities) a visit to the unique falconry museum, an examination of falcon registration and their unique passports as well as a visit to the examination room where falcons undergo treatments such as feather repair or ‘pedicures.'
How to get there: The hospital is close to the Abu Dhabi International Airport. Take the Sweihan Road for 3km and you will see the signpost after the Sweihan Bridge.
The Zayed Centre
For a fascinating sneak peek into the life of the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan - the father of the nation - visit the Zayed Centre in Abu Dhabi's Al Bateen district.
The museum, housed in an Emirati heritage village, pays homage to the man who shaped the emirates.
A photo gallery of Shaikh Zayed and visiting regional and international royals and dignitaries line the walls, which is also full of his personal memorabilia such as his favourite hunting rifles. Taking centre stage are the late President's cherished vehicles - which he often drove through the city without the protection of a bodyguard - as well as the gifts he received from all over the world.
The Zayed Centre is open from Sundays to Thursdays.
You will need to book at least one week in advance.
How to get there: After passing the Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank in the Buteen area, turn right. The centre is about 300m down that road and is situated on the left-hand side.
Al Ain camel and livestock souq
This is the last souq of its kind in the UAE and provides an excellent opportunity to see camels up close. You can also watch the traders discussing the price and merits of their animals. There are some excellent photo opportunities, but be careful where you point your lens - always ask permission first.
Feel free to walk around on your own. In the livestock section, watch traders arrive in pick-ups laden with goats and sheep, ready to do some hard-bargaining. Remember to be dressed appropriately at all times.
How to get there: The camel market is located on the Al Mezyad Road.
Hili Fun City
This flagship entertainment destination has been a firm family favourite since opening its doors in 1985 when it became the Gulf's first theme park. Recently renovated, the expansive park now boasts 28 attractions for all ages, including an amphitheatre which can seat 1,400 people, as well as several picnic and play areas, to name but a few. An annual festival celebrating the region's culture and tradition is held here.
How to get there: Hili Fun City is located to the north-east of the city centre.
Al Ain Oasis
Located in the centre of the garden city, the Al Ain Oasis is rich in leafy palms and cool, shady walkways. It has eight separate entrances.
Many of the farms here have working examples of aflaj, the traditional irrigation system which has been used for centuries to tap into underground wells.
The oasis contains over 147,000 date trees with about 100 different varieties amongst them.
The date orchards form a patchwork of individually owned plots dividedby a maze of pathways.
A walk along the marked route through the lanes of the oasis leads the sightseer to a number of points of interest, including several large storage drums for dates, grain and water. Visitors can also view the remains of an old fort as well as the Al Nasseri Mosque, which has been renovated in keeping with the architecture of its time.
You can also walk along the Wadi Sarooj, which provides water for hardy roots extending some 20m beneath the ground's surface.
How to get there: The oasis is located between the main souq area downtown and Al Ain Street.
Cruising the sea
Yaser Al Hamiri, a 40-year-old Emirati, is driven to share his passion and knowledge of Abu Dhabi's scenic coastline and waters with others, which is why he has set up his own sea tour business.
"Sea Cruiser was launched early this year to give people a chance to experience Abu Dhabi's incredible beaches, warm waters and rich marine life at an affordable price," explains Al Hamiri.
Al Hamiri is studying towards a diploma in travel and tourism management at the Abu Dhabi Vocational Education and Training Institute and is in his final year.
With encouragement from one of his teachers as well as financial backing from the Khalifa Fund to Support and Develop Small & Medium Enterprises, Al Hamiri was able to realise a dream.
"Three guiding forces have helped me set up my business" says Al Hamiri. "Ms Paula, the Khalifa Fund and the Abu Dhabi Municipality. Before I started Sea Cruiser, I had my own small boats which I would take out to go fishing. Friends were constantly asking me to take them out with me and show them around the small islands that hug the coastline. I couldn't keep up with the demand, so it was logical for me to take the next step and start up a dedicated business with larger boats."
With a background as a licensed Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) guide for the city's Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Al Hamiri is knowledgable on the business of tourism.
Sea Cruiser boat tours are now sailing daily from Abu Dhabi's fish market pier. "We have many families asking us to take them out for the day, and we moor the boat on a small island just off Saadiyat Island, which has the cleanest sand and clearest water for swimming and snorkelling - and they absolutely love it!" he says.
Al Hamiri suggests a few points of interests to explore in the city. "Lulu Island and Bahraini Island are a perfect escape from the fast pace of the city. Spending a day at either offers a great opportunity to connect with nature. Both islands have fantastic fishing spots and swimming areas and you can pack a picnic basket or barbecue and enjoy an al fresco late afternoon lunch (weather permitting!).
"In the western region of Abu Dhabi lies the Liwa Oasis. It is a belt of some 50 villages and farms, with the Muzayri at its centre. It holds tremendous significance for our people, as the oasis is the birthplace of the ruling families of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. It offers a refreshing change for travellers with its freshwater pools and date plantations."
Yaser Al Hamiri can be contacted on info@seacruiser.com
