Been wondering about the best places to go running in Abu Dhabi? It’s one of our favourite things to do in the capital and now the weather is cooling it’s time for many people to get back outside and start running al fresco once more.
You can have all the equipment you want, but it means nothing without somewhere to get out and stretch your legs.
And when the scenery is as good as it is in Abu Dhabi, it’s a shame to spend all your time on a treadmill.
Here are some of our favourite running routes in Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi Corniche
Abu Dhabi’s stunning beachfront has a long, flat surface that provides a great running track while the Arabian Gulf and Abu Dhabi skyline offer views no treadmill could ever compete with. From Lake Park along to The St. Regis Abu Dhabi is around 5km so newbies have something to aim for and the more experienced can extend the route easily.
Al Hudayriat Island
Cross what was previously known as the ‘bridge to nowhere’ and see the island’s range of sporting and leisure amenities for yourself. There are dedicated running tracks, as well as five football pitches, four basketball courts, four volleyball courts and four beach football pitches, if you ever get bored of running.
Al Raha Beach
Swap the hustle and bustle of the city for a scenic run along this canal-side route. You can enjoy a respectable 6km workout from Waitrose in Al Zeina to the Al Raha Beach Hotel, with the iconic Aldar headquarters providing the perfect backdrop.
Al Wathba Cycle Track
Despite its moniker, you can create your own desert run here, too. There are circuits for 8km, 16km, 20km, 22km and 30km, so you can stretch your legs for as long as they will carry you. The great thing about this location is that you get all the beauty and sense of place of running through the dunes (as either side of the track is sand), plus the flat, safe and well-maintained surface of a road.
Eastern Mangroves
This place is surely one of Abu Dhabi’s finest treasures. It combines the peace and serenity of a nature reserve with the connectivity and amenities of a big city. And it’s a great place to limber up and explore on foot, too. The waterside path is perfect for an early morning jog or a sunset stroll, and if you’re lucky, you might just spot a wild flamingo or two. You don’t get that in the gym.
Zayed Sports City
This is where people of all ages and abilities gather for sports from football to ice skating and lots in between. Despite not having an actual running track, there are pavements, the streets are well lit and there’s not a lot of traffic in the area, meaning you can zoom about easily and safely.
