Abu Dhabi has loads of great destinations to explore just a short hop, skip and jump away.
Did someone say road trip?
Here are eight great day trip ideas to enjoy from the UAE capital.
Al Ain Oasis and cultural sites
The Garden City is so close to Abu Dhabi yet many residents never make the trip down to Al Ain and it’s their loss because there’s lots to see and do. In fact it’s nearly impossible to see everything in one day, so you’ll have to come back or make a weekend of it.
You can explore the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site that id Al Ain Oasis, get cultural with Al Ain Palace Museum, Al Jahili Fort and Al Qattara Arts Centre.
Plus they’re all free of charge, too, which is ideal.
If it’s nature you’re after there’s Green Mubazzarah Park and hot springs too. So you’re spoiled for choice really.
Better still, Al Ain is about a 70 minute drive from Abu Dhabi, so it doesn’t take long to get there.
Al Dhafra Beach
Al Dhafra takes up two thirds of the desert in Abu Dhabi, which means hundreds of kilometres worth of spectacular beaches to set up camp or relax for the day away from the city.
This vast stretch of the capital’s coast is “where the desert meets the sea”. Head towards the Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort west on the E11, there’ll be signs along the road to help you get there, and you’ll find your way there.
Sleeping under the stars listening to the the waves lap against the shore? Yes please. Be sure to check the tide forecast by visiting www.tide-forecast.com before you pitch your tent, though.
Free. Open daily 24/7. Between Shuweihat Power Complex and Al Hamra Airport, Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi.
Al Wathba Cycle Track
If you love to cycle, Al Wathba cycling track is one of the top places to go.
You can choose from 8km up to 30km loops, and with it being open 24 hours a day you can arrive whenever you like and hit the track.
Don’t worry if you haven’t got a bike, either and you can hire one from FLS Bikes from Sunday to Thursday between 4pm and 10pm and on Friday and Saturday from 6.30am to 10pm.
A standard aluminium or hybrid bike costs Dhs30 per hour and it’s Dhs60 for carbon bikes.
Plus kids’ bikes are available to hire for Dhs30 and bike trollies can also be rented for Dhs30 per hour, so the whole family can come along.
Helmets are included and there are washrooms, changing facilities and lockers are the base.
Just remember to take plenty of water, sunscreen and if you’re planning on doing the full 30km maybe some seat padding wouldn’t be a bad idea, either.
Bike hire from Dhs30. FLS Bikes open Sun-Thu 4pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 6.30am-10pm. Al Wathba Cycle Track open 24 hours, www.flsbikes.com.
Jebel Hafeet Desert Park
At the foot of Abu Dhabi’s highest peak, Jebel Hafeet, you can explore the world heritage park at the recently opened Desert Park.
The public attraction allows you the chance to explore historic remains from the Neolithic period and 5,000-year-old Bronze Age tombs.
A host of archaeological attractions scattered across the park give you the chance to understand life in the region thousands of years ago.
Away from the historic attractions you can also set up camp and stay for the night, as well as being able to book guided hiking, cycling and off-road driving tours.
For those who don’t want to pitch their own tent, a Bedouin-style glamping site is open.
Plus there’s the amazing sight of Abu Dhabi’s highest peak which is just as impressive and enjoyable as the rest.
Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain, www.jebelhafitdesertpark.ae.
Jubail Mangrove Park
Ok, this one isn’t exactly a long drive away, in fact, depending on where you live in the city it can be a little as a ten minute drive, but still, it’s a stunning location and we couldn’t overlook it on our list.
Jubail National Park has quickly become one of the most popular attractions in the emirate
Located on Jubail Island, between Saadiyat Island and Yas Island.
There are three pathways to walk, the longest covers a distance of 2km and the shortest is 1km.
The paths allow you to take a stroll through the mangroves, explore the natural landscape and go wildlife spotting.
A floating platform with netting is also on site where you can take a look at the marine life underwater.
In addition rangers are on site around the park to answer questions you have about the local environment and wildlife.
An information centre and viewing platform (for those perfect pictures) is also at the site.
It’s free of charge but the number of visitors are limited if the walkway exceeds capacity. So it’s best, as always, to plan ahead before visiting.
There is also a strict no-food policy at the attraction meaning that litter and packaging taken on to the site will be minimalised to help preserve the natural environment.
For more information check out our video guide on YouTube.
Liwa Desert
A day trip can easily turn into a weekend trip if you plan on camping under the stars.
But before your head into the dunes without much of a plan, there’s a lot you should bear in mind before taking on a camping trip for the first time.
Once you are prepared and are setting off, there are few better places to explore in this beautiful emirate than the Liwa Desert.
Dunes as far as the eye can see, stunning scenery and peaceful seclusion await but please be responsible and leave nature as your found it, don’t endanger your lives or get stuck in the middle of nowhere – trust us, you’ll feel pretty foolish.
Moreeb Dune
There’s a lot more to see in the desert than massive dunes and a whole lot of sand as far as the eye can see, but, when it comes to epic dunes, there’s one you really need to see.
The Moreeb Dune, also known as the terrifying mountain (we know, epic) is the dune to end all dunes.
With a 300 metre height and a dramatic 50 degree slipface it’s epic in size and scale.
Believe it or not every year people line up to drive up the slop at breakneck speeds at the Liwa International Festival and it really is a sight to see.
The good news is, if you want to check it out, a road winds its way out to it through dramatic desert, which means you don’t even need a 4×4 to experience this majestic, sprawling stretch of sand.
Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival
Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival in Abu Dhabi is taking palce until Febuary 20, 2021 in Al Wathba.
Named in honour of the UAE’s founding father, the annual festival celebrates the UAE’s culture, traditions and heritage.
Visitors can experience Emirati culture through art, crafts, food and performances throughout the festival.
Performances, workshops, events and markets will also be held for visitors, as well falconry displays, camel races and fireworks.
In addition, the grand pavilions offer live displays of Emirati traditions and showcase landmarks, taking visitors on a voyage back in time to the history of the UAE.
Making it easier to visit, The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) of the Department of Municipalities and Transport in Abu Dhabi has announced new bus services that will run daily from Abu Dhabi Bus Station to the site, stopping at Bain Al Jessrain Co-operative Society Supermarket and Bani Yas Bus Station on the way.
Buses depart Abu Dhabi Bus Station hourly from 3pm to 7pm every day. Return services run from 5pm to 11pm, every hour.
All visitors are reminded to be aware of safety measures in place to ensure the safety of all guests, exhibitors and performers. Wearing a mask is essential and maintaining social distancing is required at all times.
Dhs5 per person. Daily, 4pm onwards. Nov 20-Feb 20. Al Wathba, www.zayedfestival.ae.
