As many of the city’s residents are gearing up to run, swim and cycle their way to triathlete status, we’re taking a more leisurely approach to exercise with a spot of strolling. And there is no better way to get to know a place than on foot. From wandering around the mangroves to trekking through the desert and taking a hike through a Unesco World Heritage Site, these seven amazing walks will show you just how beautiful and culturally diverse Abu Dhabi is. So, get your boots on and prepare to discover.
Al Ain
Distance: 3km
Best for: History and nature lovers
Al Ain isn’t called The Garden City for nothing. And you’ll see why it was given its moniker on this pleasant walk.
Starting at Al Jahili Fort, located inside a lush park, you’ll first get a taste of the city’s history. The fort was built in 1891 and is one of the country’s best preserved. Entry is free, and you can wander around the grounds and rooms, getting a sense of how life used to be in the UAE before the discovery of oil. There’s also a permanent exhibition to British explorer Wilfred Thesiger, who crossed the Empty Quarter from Salalah in Oman to Abu Dhabi with Bedouins during the 1940s.
From Al Jahili Fort, walk down 143rd Street and you’ll reach Al Ain Palace Museum. This is the former home of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Father of the Nation. Again, entry is free (you definitely won’t spend much money on this walk) and you can explore the spacious, traditional rooms and rest in the shade of the trees in the courtyard.
Next door to the museum is Al Ain Oasis, the biggest of its kind in the city. This Unesco World Heritage Site covers nearly 3,000 acres and contains around 147,000 date palms. There are plenty of paths criss-crosssing the site, where you can see examples of the traditional falaj irrigation system, which keeps the oasis so green. There are also shops and restaurants on site if you fancy buying lunch or a souvenir.
When you eventually emerge from the oasis, you’ll be at the entrance of Al Ain National Museum. It’s housed in Sultan Bin Zayed Fort complex and displays artefacts showcasing archaeology and ethnography. There are also exhibits of diplomatic gifts received by the UAE.
This walk is a great way to get a sense of what Al Ain is all about. And there’s much more to explore if you still have time, including Al Ain Zoo, Jebel Hafeet and Hili Archaeological Park.
Al Maryah Island and Al Zahiyah
Distance: 4.5km
Best for: High-end dining and city views
Starting off from the Al Zahiyah side of Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street, you can make this walk into a scenic and fulfilling loop. Take the bridge next to Le Méridien Abu Dhabi and enjoy looking out over the water as you cross onto Al Maryah Island.
The first major point of interest will be the Four Seasons Abu Dhabi, home to the excellent steakhouse Butcher & Still. And you can enjoy the fine cuts of meat and huge desserts without any pangs of guilt, because you’ll be walking all of that off.
Next up is a bit of retail therapy at The Galleria, a high-end mall with glitzy shops and even a posh food court that hosts Biyrani Pot, an Indian restaurant that serves food you’d expect to find in a top hotel.Attached to The Galleria are some even more impressive culinary options. One of which is our 2016 Restaurant of the Year, Zuma. It needs little introduction, but you can be sure of an unforgettable Japanese meal here.
Next door is the Rosewood Abu Dhabi, a cool hotel with plenty of bars and restaurants. If you’re looking for somewhere to unwind for a while, there’s grape bar La Cava, cigar lounge Hidden Bar and rooftop escape Glo.
It’s time to leave Al Maryah now, crossing over the bridge from Al Falah Street, which provides more sweeping views of the city, which looks especially pretty at night when the lights reflect in the water.
And if you’ve still got the energy, you’ll pass the Beach Rotana (home to German bar Brauhaus and the Tiki-inspired Trader Vic’s) and Abu Dhabi Mall for another round of shopping.
Corniche
Distance: 6km
Best for: Ocean views
A classic Abu Dhabi walk. This one will take you along the Corniche, from Heritage Park near the Fish Market, all the way to the causeway leading to Marina Mall. As you stroll along this seafront path, you’ll pass stretches of sand on which you can while away a couple of hours to break up the walk. You’re also going to find lots of green spaces in the shade of trees, perfect for a picnic or just a rest.
In Khubeirah, on the western side of the Corniche, there are even more attractions to divert your attention. Right on the sand is Nation Riviera Beach Club, if you want to sunbathe in luxurious fashion. You’ll also find two of the city’s most stylish venues here: Asia de Cuba, for Chino-Latin cuisine and inventive mixed beverages, and Catch for an excellent selection of seafood and top-notch live DJ sets.
Across the road from here is The St. Regis Abu Dhabi and a few minutes further along is the Hilton Abu Dhabi. And, if your legs aren’t too tired, and you don’t feel like you need a place to rest your head for the night, you can keep going until you reach Emirates Palace or even Marina Mall.
Eastern Mangroves
Distance: 3.5km
Best for: Greenery and jogging
Unlike some of the city’s other walks, this one is very simple. If you’re looking to unwind completely, head here.
The waterside path looks out over the Eastern Mangroves. Everyday you’ll see joggers, walkers and cyclists along here, especially when it’s approaching sunset. You’ll even spot a few people fishing for their dinner from time to time.
But it’s not all about being active. This route also takes in Eastern Mangroves Park, where families gather for picnics or just to rest amid the greenery. And with the weather cool, this is one of the best outdoor spots in the city.
Set along Al Salam Street, it’s easy to get here, and there’s plenty of parking. All you need to worry about is looking out across the mangroves and relaxing. If you’re lucky, you’ll also spot wildlife darting in and out of the greenery. Make sure you have the camera at the ready.
Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street
Distance: 4km
Best for: Shopping, dining and downtown life
Okay, so this one isn’t going to be all that scenic. But this walk through the heart of the city will take in plenty of interesting sights. Starting from Al Zahiyah near Le Méridien Abu Dhabi, you’ll go past a whole host of discount stores, casual eateries and bakeries where you can grab a real bargain. One place worth stopping off at is Café 302 in Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana, on the corner of Fatima Bint Mubarak Street. This is a relaxing spot for healthy salads, hearty burgers and indulgent desserts. It’s definitely a welcome break from the hustle and bustle out on the street.
Keep walking from the café and you’ll be at the Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi within a couple of minutes. You can make a pit-stop here for a quick beverage at Heroes or grab some gorgeous pan-Asian cuisine at Cho Gao.
Shopping is also possible along Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street, whether you’re looking for bargains or something a bit more upmarket. Hamdan Centre is one of the city’s oldest shopping centres, and is a great place to pick up leather goods or touristy knick-knacks. And then there’s the World Trade Centre Mall; an altogether fancier option, featuring international and local brands. This is also home to The Hub, a licensed cluster of venues that hosts Indian fusion restaurant Tamba and BU!, our Best Newcomer from the 2016 Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Awards.
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara
Distance: Varies
Best for: Wildlife and desert life
Make like Lawrence of Arabia at this stunning five-star resort, as its activity team hosts guided desert walks, offering an excellent opportunity to learn about the history of the local area and also do a spot of wildlife spotting while you’re at it. And there’s no need to panic about fitness levels, either, as they have a range of trails to choose from. For great weather and picture-perfect views, the best time to book is during sunset or sunrise. Alternatively, you could stroll through the dunes under the sparkling night sky during evening or full-moon walks. This is a must-try, and a particularly fun day out for families.
Sunrise/sunset: Dhs130++ (adults), Dhs85++ (children aged eight to 11). Night/full moon: Dhs190++ (adults), Dhs130++ (children). Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, Empty Quarter (02 886 2088).
Yas Marina Circuit
Distance: 5.5km
Best for: Exercise and family walks
How many chances will you get to walk around a Formula 1 circuit? Well, in Abu Dhabi you get the chance every week (not during the Grand Prix, of course – that would just be dangerous).
Every Tuesday night the track is opened up to cyclists, joggers and walkers for TrainYas by Daman’s Activelife. And don’t worry if you’re not an elite athlete; this event welcomes everyone, regardless of your physical fitness.
It starts at 6pm and runs until 10pm, making it perfect for a sunset stroll with the family, especially if you’re fans of motor sport. With the circuit lit up, you’ll see all the iconic grandstands and corners that are known around the world thanks to the annual F1 race. You might be travelling under the Yas Viceroy hotel that straddles the track at a much slower place than Lewis Hamilton, but it’s a great opportunity to appreciate the circuit.
It’s completely free to take part, you just need to register online. See you at the start line, people…
Free. Every Tue 6pm-10pm. Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, www.yasmarinacircuit.com (800 927).
Reach your peak: Jebel Hafeet
Jebel Hafeet is one of the most popular landmarks in The Garden City. It is the second highest peak in the UAE, rising 1,240m and formed from craggy limestone. Most of its visitors take the drive up to its peak, although some fitness fans choose to cycle or even run up the 11km of winding road to reach the summit. Once you’re at the top, you’ll be breathless either way thanks to the stunning views of Al Ain city and Oman over the border. At the peak you’ll find a small café that sells refreshments and light snacks to help you refuel before your descent. The area is also home to the Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet Hotel, an upmarket four-star venue 3km from the mountain itself. The silence and views go hand in hand, making this a peaceful stay for any family or couple. Archaeologists are also drawn to Jebel Hafeet and over the years they have discovered more than 500 burial tombs in its foothills, some of which date back 5,000 years or more, while the unearthing of fossils keeps adding to the area’s intrigue.
Three to try
Top walks if you’ve wandered up to Dubai
Al Fahidi to Al Shindagha
Start point: Al Mussallah Road, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
End point: Heritage Village, Al Shindagha
Description: Take a step back in time to explore an intriguing pocket of Old Dubai. The 2km walk takes roughly an hour and will take you through narrow streets crammed with independent outlets bursting with personality. You will visit the beautiful fort that houses the Dubai Museum before you reach the striking Heritage Village in Al Shindagha, overlooking Dubai Creek. The area is also home to a host of museums and a bookshop.
Essential stop: Sherlock Holmes English Pub (04 351 9111). Good-value deals and plenty of atmosphere mean it’s no mystery why this pub in the Arabian Courtyard Hotel is a fine place to refuel.
District One Cycling & Running Track, Nad Al Sheba
Start point: The Meydan Hotel
End point: The Meydan Hotel
Description: This 8.4km-long cycle path is popular with skateboarders, rollerbladers and cyclists, and offers screensaver-esque views of the Downtown skyline. Open 24 hours, the track is lit at night by solar-powered lights, and it curves around The Meydan Hotel. It’s great if you want to work on your sprints, and resistance training. If travelling by public transport, do this walk in the day, as it can be difficult to get taxis once the sun goes down.
Essential stop: Tennis 360 (04 381 3504). Book in for a one-on-one tennis lesson. You may bump into Novak Djokovic, as this is his practice court of choice when he’s in town.
Jumeirah Corniche 
Start point: Kite Beach
End point: Jumeirah Public Beach
Description: One of the most iconic and relaxing spots in Dubai, the running track on this strip of coastline stretches right from the nose of the Burj Al Arab to Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa – 14km in total. If you’re short of time, we recommend walking from Kite Beach towards Jumeirah Public Beach. It might not be that lengthy of a stroll but every sight is worthy of an Instagram post, with the shoreline and the keen paddleboarders and kite-fliers to your right. And if you’re feeling peckish, there are several food stops along the way.
Essential stop: There are plenty of public changing rooms along the Corniche, so carry your bathers and take a dip in the water after your walk.
