Thought this city wasn’t pedestrian friendly? We’re pleased to say you thought wrong. We’ve hit the capital’s pavements hard, and discovered scenic strolls, intriguing backstreets and lush green parks. For those of you who want a good hard hike we’ve also ventured further afield to bring you the best places to trek in the wilderness just a few hours outside the city.
So what are you waiting for? Pull on those walking boots and hit the road
Inner City Walks Salam Street
Distance: 4km there and back
Start point: Any one of the car parks
dotted along Salam Street, between 19th and 25th streets.
The walk: Walking alongside a motorway might not seem like the most tranquil idea, but when the noise of traffic on one side is contrasted by the serene mangrove swamps on the other, it’s still a trek worth undertaking. We’d advise starting your walk at around 19th Street or one of the numerous car parks along the road. Then just take a gentle amble along the walkway which sits alongside the main road. A good time to go is early morning, when you might be able to spot some of the exotic wildlife that lives in the mangrove swamps. Another bonus is that the walk’s totally flat so pretty much anyone of any fitness level can have a crack at it.
When to go: Any time of the day or evening is fine, although during rush hour the overpowering noise and fumes from motor vehicles might be a bit too much.
Highpoint: The dolphin fountains at the park, located at the 19th Street junction. The steady hum of traffic doesn’t stop plenty of families from stopping here at the weekends to enjoy a picnic. So why not pack a blanket and a few snacks in a rucksack and join them in the shadow of the marine-themed figurines?
Lowpoint: Once you reach 25th Street, you’ll come across the shell of a new hotel being built overlooking Salam Street. One day it might be a stunning, five-star stopover. But right now it’s a bit of a building site.
Tourist Club Area Backstreets
Distance: There are endless possibilities on this walk, so you can make it as long or as short as you like. You probably won’t need to walk more than 2km, though.
The walk: This walk is all about exploring the smaller lanes downtown, and getting lost in the maze of tiny Indian restaurants, shops selling dusty electronics and videos (yes, videos, remember them?), tailors and cafés. You can follow whatever route takes your fancy, but a good place to begin is at the corner of Hamdan Street and 10th Street in the Tourist Club Area. Walk west along Hamdan Street, strolling past all the shops, and before you reach Najda Street take the plunge and turn left into the depths of the capital’s backstreets. It’s a little bit shabby and every aspect of this part of town seems to be about 20 years behind the rest of the city, but that’s definitely part of its charm.
When to go: Around dusk when the weather is cooler you’ll find these streets buzzing with activity, so take the chance to stroll past the shisha spots, poke your nose in any interesting-looking shops and stop for shawarma or Indian street food snacks if you get peckish. Make sure you avoid the kids playing cricket in the Hamdan Street underpasses, though.
Highpoint: Reward yourself with a strong Turkish coffee on the outdoor patio at Automatic Restaurant, a perfect spot for people-watching and soaking up the buzzing atmosphere.
Lowpoint: Go at the weekend and you’ll spend most of your time squeezing through rows of badly parked cars.
Corniche
Distance: Around 5km from Sheraton Abu Dhabi to Hilton Abu Dhabi
The walk: Sometimes you just want to pull on your favourite pair of hiking boots and set out on a good long trek, scrambling over rocks and rough terrain and pushing your body to the limits while getting a hefty dose of nature – and there are plenty of options out there for the hardcore among you. Fortunately, for those of you who believe that to be absolute madness, there’s always the Corniche.
If you want to feel the ocean breeze in your hair, but don’t want to stray too far from civilisation, then this is the walk for you. City dwellers can start at any point they please, and get some exercise as they admire the views. With Abu Dhabi’s jagged cityscape on one side and the breathtaking Gulf on the other, plus numerous small parks along the way, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, and the well-maintained pavement and dedicated paths for cyclists mean it’s even suitable for those with young children or pushchairs. When you’ve spent enough time drinking in the scenery, you can browse one of the many beach stands selling toys and sunglasses, or even head into the capital to do some shopping. There are also plenty of the usual snack stops selling drinks and ice cream to refresh you on the way. Or, should you feel the need for something more robust, try one of the restaurants at the Hilton or Sheraton for a proper meal and a glass of something a littel more cooling.
When to go: Late afternoon, so you can watch the sunset.
Highpoint: Undoubtedly the beach, where you can admire the breathtaking views, stroll along the golden sands or see city folk getting away from it all with a spot of capoeira or beach yoga, or even some jet skiing.
Lowpoint: The public toilets. Impossibly disgusting – and that’s really enough detail for anyone.
Khalifa Park
Distance: You can make the course as long or as short as you like, but 3km ought to take in everything you’d care to look at.
The walk: With its mounds of lush, green lawn, Khalifa Park is one of few spots in the city where you can forget you’re living in the middle of a desert. In fact, there’s a good chance you’ll forget about civilisation altogether – the park’s remote location means you’ll usually have the place to yourself, even on a milder afternoon. It’s Dhs1 to get in, visit the small security booth to pick up your ticket near the main entrance gate by the Park Rotana hotel. Head up Grand Avenue (the path which splits the park down the middle) before veering right into the Islamic garden to admire some bright flower beds and a neat spot of topiary. Step back out into the circular courtyard and pull a U-turn. This side of the park offers the better scenery, featuring a hedged-off area of fountains and the Grand Mosque looming in the distance, so if you packed your camera, now’s the time to get snapping.
When to go: You’ll hardly be fighting off the crowds even at the weekend, but to guarantee your own private chunk of serenity, take a Thursday off work and start a long weekend with a leisurely picnic.
Highlight: Parking yourself on a bench at the halfway point, flipping open your current read and listening to the dragonflies whistle past your ears.
Lowlight: Whenever you visit, you’ll likely find that some areas of the park are under refurbishment, so prepare for some views to be less picturesque.
Saadiyat to Yas Island
Distance: At 18km, this is, quite literally, no walk in the park. Dust off your sturdiest shoes – you’ll be needing them.
The walk: While thousands of people zip along the Khalifa highway every day, very few ever bother to take a look at what’s outside their window. And though a stroll along the side of a 10-lane highway may not sound like everyone’s idea of a fun time, there are plenty of sights out there worth getting blisters for. Start from Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, and look for a safe pedestrian path along the side of the road. The bridges from Saadiyat to Bisrat Fahd Island and back on to Yas Island are the main points of interest, with lush mangroves dotted on either side. Once on Yas Island, follow signs for Yas Links Golf Club – we’d recommend filling up at Hickory’s – its hearty grub is just the ticket for hungry hikers.
When to go: It may sound a tad on the suicidal side, but head out just before sunset and you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the city’s skyline silhouetted against a glowing orange sky. Of course, low light drastically increases your chances of ending up as road kill, so be sure to take a fluorescent jacket and wear it.
Highlight: Spotting the gentle twinkling of The Yas Hotel on the horizon and realising that a well-deserved sit-down and a glass of something frosty are at most only an hour away.
Lowlight: With little more than sand on either side, the 3km stretch just before Yas Island isn’t much to shout about.
Further afield…
Should you need to totally escape the concrete jungle, venture outside the city and stretch your hamstrings on one of these UAE walking routes.
Jebel Hafeet
Distance: 18km to the top and back.
How to get there: Take the E22 road to Al Ain and follow the brown tourist signs.
The walk: If you’ve ever visited Al Ain, you’ll know that only a blind man would fail to spot the giant mountain that looms over the city. A common misconception is that Jebel Hafeet is the largest mountain in the UAE. It isn’t, it’s actually only the third, but as it’s a free-standing peak it’s probably the most impressive. Most people choose to ascend the mount via the pathway that winds its way up to the top. There is also a pavement running alongside the road which it is possible to walk up, but be wary of taking this route – some drivers treat this road like a racetrack. So if you are determined to go that way, we’d advise wearing some high visibility clothing for your amble.
Another word of warning, this isn’t a walk for the less-fit among us. It’s a steep climb to ascend from sea level to the 1,240m peak. However, should you need a snack to sustain you on the way up, there’s a café about halfway to the summit, where you can stop for a refreshing cool drink and a sandwich, while the Grand Mercure Hotel is a few kilometres beyond this, should you need something stronger to keep the spirits up.
When you get to the top, you’ll find a huge car park, which is surrounded by a high fence that actually prevents you from reaching the summit of the mount. This spot gets mighty busy as the day progresses, but, if you’re here early in the morning, you’re in for some stunning views over the city of Al Ain and the surrounding sandy expanse.
When to go: Trying this draining walk during the day could possibly mean a trip to the emergency room with a severe case of heat exhaustion. While at night, the cars that speed up and down the road are likely to take you out. Our advice is to start your climb just before sunrise. Then you should arrive at the top just as the sun is rising in the sky, where your exertions will be met by the stunning sight of the sweeping panoramas just as light begins to stream in.
Highpoint: Most definitely the view from the top.
Lowlight: The fact you’re not allowed on to the actual peak of the mount can be a bit anticlimactic after all that effort made to walk up there.
Wadi Walking
Distance: About 6km. But with all the scrambling over rocks, it seems longer.
How to get there: Head to Dubai then get on the Emirates Road and keep straight following signs to Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Once you’re through Fujairah and heading towards Dibba, after about 5km you’ll see a left hand turn, which is signposted Wadi Wurrayah. Keep on this winding road for about 10km and you’ll eventually come to the wadi.
The walk: Let’s face it, with living in Abu Dhabi, your opportunities for a stroll through the countryside are few and far between. With that in mind, your best bet for a chance to connect with nature is to leave the city behind and head out towards the Oman border, where you’ll find numerous wadis – or rocky ravines – which are perfect for a ramble away from the headaches of modern life. One of the most popular for walking is Wadi Wurrayah in the mountains of Dibba. Unfortunately, the mouth of the wadi has become a bit of a rubbish tip and is littered with food cartons and the area is scrawled with graffiti. But once you’ve passed this spot and moved into the depths of the valley, you can escape the signs of disregard. Scrambling up the riverbed, you’ll be surrounded by the cavernous walls, with the sounds of running water trickling all around you. It’s tough going for anyone who’s had one too many Friday brunches recently, but should you need cooling off there are plenty of sheltered, icy pools to jump into. We wouldn’t recommend trying this walk alone, as it gets tough going at times, so best to hire a guide. Local company Absolute Adventure (www.adventure.ae, 04 345 9900) organises regular trips into the depths of the wadi.
When to go: As the wadis are prone to flash flooding, going during the UAE’s rainy season (January and February) is not advisable, while in the blazing heat of summer, even with the cooling pools, you’re unlikely to enjoy the experience. Any other time of year is just perfect for a memorable ramble that will leave you with the inner peace that only walking in the countryside can achieve.
Highpoint: When you finally make some distance between you and the noisy picnickers in their 4x4s and reach the heart of the wadi.
Lowpoint: Unless you like the sight of graffiti scrawled on a rock face, then the fact that people choose to deface a natural beauty spot can be a bit upsetting. Thankfully, the government is in the process of making it a WWF-monitored and protected area, which might stamp out this kind of behaviour for good.
Hatta Pools
Distance: 2km-3km
How to get there: From the Dubai-Hatta highway, take Mahdah 64 and turn left on to a gravel track at the Sumaini signpost. Follow the track and you’ll reach the mountains.
The walk: This escape is popular with city-weary Abu Dhabians – it’s just over three hours’ drive from the capital before you reach mountain air, rock pools and plenty of opportunities for climbing and hiking. Tour companies such as Arabian Adventures (04 303 4888) offer day trips, taking groups through Wadi Sumeina, stopping for a dip at the rock pools of Wadi Shuwayyon and tackling the rougher ground of Wadi Ray. The Wadi Khamees track winds around Hatta town, so you can catch a glimpse of small rock pools and a traditional falaj irrigation system. Or you can drive to the site yourself and take your pick of the many well-trodden paths.
When to go: Lots of people stay overnight in Hatta Fort Hotel (www.jebelali-international.com, 04 809 9333), or camp in the area, which is ideal if you want to catch Hatta at its best time – the very early morning when it’s cool, misty and fresh. This is a popular retreat in the summer months as its cooler here than in the urban areas of the UAE.
Highpoint: While you’re in the area, stop into the Heritage Village, which is one of the oldest settlements in the UAE. There are restored buildings to explore, includinga weaponry tower and a replica of the Governor’s majlis, along with a few informative and interesting exhibitions.
Lowpoint: Since so many people come here for a weekend picnic, the area around the Hatta pools is often littered with leftover rubbish, which does tend to spoil the
surroundings.
Moreeb Dune
Distance: A flexible route, but if you make it more than 1km, you’re braver explorers than us.
How to get there: Head out of town westwards on the E11. Take the exit for Madinat Zayed, head another 150km or so down the road and you’ll get to Liwa Oasis. The massive dune isn’t hard to spot.
The walk: Wrap a towel around your head and prepare to sweat. Prepare to sweat a lot. This one is a trek of truly epic proportions, starring you, 65 billion tons of hot sand and very little else. And, just to make things even trickier, there’s a mountain in your path. Well, technically it’s a dune. Moreeb dune, believed to be the tallest in the country and nicknamed, with terrifying simplicity, ‘scary mountain’. Pull up at the small car park at the base, take a deep breath and get climbing. It’s a punishing ordeal but the reward of spectacular views over the foreboding vastness of the Empty Quarter is thoroughly worth it. From here, head right, along the crest of the dune, which carries on for about 1.6km.
When to go: Venture out in the middle of the day and, quite frankly, we’d be surprised if you ever came back. A cool winter’s evening not only ups your chances of survival significantly, but also affords the opportunity for both sunset photography and a spot of dreamy stargazing, which, as you make your way back down and collapse onto your back next to your car is pretty much all you’ll want to do.
Highpoint: Reaching the top of Moreeb, just as the sun starts to dip behind the horizon. A scene so beautiful you’ll almost forget about the excruciating, burning pain in your calves. Almost.
Lowpoint: The next morning. Unless you go pounding up huge lumps of sand on a regular basis, you’ll pretty much feel like you’ve been run over. You can look forward to tipping sand out of your shoes for weeks on end, too.
Something a little different…
Yas Marina Circuit
Distance: 5.55km
Start point: Yas Racing School
The walk: From 6pm to 9pm, every Tuesday, under powerful flood lights, you can walk – or even cycle or run – around the now infamous Yas Marina Circuit. With the 2012 Formula One season now under way, this is a golden opportunity to experience the track from a similar perspective that the drivers see it from. Stand on the starting grid and imagine millions of eyes upon you the world over as you rev your engine, waiting anxiously for all five lights to flash on, then suddenly speed out on the track as the deafening roar of high performance racing engines overwhelms you.
When to go: Pretty much as soon as possible, before the evenings get too hot
Highpoint: The ultimate leisurely walk for any motorsports enthusiast or petrolhead. It’s even a nice, level tarmac surface to pedal a few laps around and you can hire bicycles when you get there.
Lowpoint: If you’re not a motorsports enthusiast or petrolhead and the thought of cars going round and round the same circuit for 50 odd laps sends you into a bit of a coma, then you probably won’t appreciate having to walk around the racing circuit.
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
Distance: 8km
Start point: The first tee, just down and to the left from the clubhouse
The walk: Contrary to popular belief, the expression ‘golf is a good walk spoiled’ is generally first attributed to author Harry Leon Wilson in 1904, and not Mark Twain. And definitely not Winston Churchill. However, we feel that the two can be combined equally to provide a pleasant stroll and a little swing action at the same time and arguably the most scenic golf course in Abu Dhabi is Saadiyat Beach Golf Club.
When to go: Ideally right now, if time and money are no object.
Highpoint: Playing the 5th and 6th holes and being able to see and hear the waves crashing onto the nearby beach.
Lowpoint: The price. Let’s face facts, most of us have to work, so chances are the only time we can possibly squeeze in 18 holes is at the weekend. For non-residents that will cost a whopping Dhs825 and Dhs575 for residents to tee off any time before 2pm. After this time, it’s considered ‘twilight’ and you have to really put your skates on to cram in 18 holes before it gets dark; consequently, it gets a little bit cheaper at Dhs395. If you fancy taking a day off to enjoy the scenery and opt instead to visit between Sunday and Wednesday, a round of golf will cost Dhs600 for non-residents, Dhs400 for residents and Dhs295 for the twilight session.
