It’s almost 67,500 sq km and makes up close to 90 per cent of the entire land mass of the UAE – but how much of Abu Dhabi have you actually seen? We’d bet very little, relatively speaking. So now the weather’s cool, why not take the chance to drive out and explore the rest of the emirate.
Wind down those windows, take a camera and get ready to see some new and wonderful parts of Abu Dhabi.
Liwa
Best for: Desert adventurers
Drive time from Abu Dhabi: Approx two hours
Why visit: When you pictured living in the Middle East, you probably imagined it would look something like Liwa does – the scenery is pure film set Arabia. Sand dunes stretch out as far as the eye can see, and there are plenty of opportunities for taking part in everything from traditional activities like camel trekking and visiting date festivals to more modern pursuits such as dune bashing and drag racing. Don’t miss the Tel Moreeb International Festival which is taking place in the first week of January 2012. The famous Moreeb Dune stands at 300m, making it the tallest dune in the UAE (hence the name, which means ‘Scary Hill’) and the perfect site for the remote control cars show, falcon, camel and horse racing and, of course, motorbike and car racing across the sands. www.algharbiafestivals.ae.
Stay overnight: Liwa has two notable and rather pricey hotel resorts, the Tilal Liwa (above, 02 894 6111) and Qasr Al Sarab (02 886 2088), both of which offer breathtaking views and top-notch facilities. For a more affordable stay, try Liwa Hotel (02 882 2000), sister property to Mirfa hotel.
Mirfa
Best for: Watersports fans
Drive time from Abu Dhabi: Approx one hour 30 minutes
Why visit: This coastal town might be just a short drive away but it still feels very remote, with a long, rough coastline that’s a welcome change from the more inner-city feel of Abu Dhabi’s other beaches. It’s a great place to visit if you want to spend some time walking, sitting on the beach and just generally getting away from it all, but there’s one other big draw for Mirfa, and that’s its potential for watersports. The winds here are perfect for kite surfing, while Mirfa’s natural port makes it a great area to take a boat or jet skis out on the water. In fact, each spring Mirfa is home to the Al Gharbia Watersports festival, a massive ten-day event that draws adrenaline junkies from all over the Gulf to compete in everything from dragon boating to dhow racing.
Stay overnight: There’s just one hotel in Mirfa, so it’s a good job it’s a nice place to stay. A rather retro, art deco building, Mirfa Hotel (02 883 3030) is located on its own private island and overlooks the public beach (part of this is soon to be reserved for hotel guests only). Despite the remoteness, there’s enough to keep you busy here for a short stay, with swimming pools, a bar and a buffet restaurant that more than does the job. The hotel has its own facilities if you’re a tennis or watersports fan, and can provide equipment for kayaking, sailing and more. Ask about Western Marine Watersports Club’s prices at reception. Mangroves, gardens and sea surround the hotel.
Al Ain
Best for: Family outings
Drive time from Abu Dhabi: Approx one hour 30 minutes
Why visit: Al Ain is of great historic importance to Abu Dhabi, as it’s the birthplace of Abu Dhabi’s ruling Al Nahyan family. Known as The Garden City, it is much greener and more lush than downtown Abu Dhabi, and is noticeably cooler too, which is why many in-the-know Emiratis keep second homes there to escape to during the intense summer heat. But there are plenty of reasons to visit Al Ain aside from the comfortable climate – while the city may be small and sleepy, there is plenty to do, particularly if you’re travelling as a family. In July 2011, six of Al Ain’s oases, including Bida bint Saud, Hafeet and Hili, were classified as Unesco World Heritage Sites because there are still remains of tombs and buildings that date back to the bronze age. Hili has one of the oldest examples of the early falaj irrigation system, which shows the transition of cultures in the region from hunting and gathering to settlements. Another interesting historic site is Al Jahili Fort, which dates back to 1891.
For young naturists, Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort (03 782 8188) is a must-visit, with both exotic and local animals for kids to pet and gape at. The zoo is home to giraffes, zebras, rhinoceroses and the rare white lions of Sambona, while elsewhere kids get the chance to see regional wildlife such as the Arabian Oryx and gazelle. Just a quick drive from there is Hili Fun City (03 784 5542), a 22 hectare theme park chock-full of rides and attractions for all ages. If your kids are feeling brave, you can take them on Twister Mountain, Hili Swinger or the Circus Train, then pay a visit to the 3D cinema for a chance to catch your breath. Any trip to Al Ain should finish with a drive to the top of Jebel Hafeet, a huge looming mountain that dominates Al Ain’s skyline. From the peak you get great views out over the whole city and beyond into the arid desert.
Stay overnight: A number of Abu Dhabi’s familiar hotel chains have locations in Al Ain and offer reasonable rates. If you want to stay on Jebel Hafeet mountain itself, your only option is Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet (03 783 8888), which has spectacular views but not a whole lot else to recommend it. Otherwise Hilton Al Ain (03 786 6666) is a nice upmarket option, with a scenic golf course on site, or book a room at Al Ain Rotana (03 754 1111) for the convenience of being based downtown.
