If you’re anything like us then the festive season means eating a little more than usual and enjoying all Christmas chocolates.
If you want to keep active to burn off the extra calories, or just want to enjoy the great outdoors in the cooler weather, than going for a walk can be a top idea.
Want to get your comfy shoes on head out and enjoy a long stroll?
Here are the best places in Abu Dhabi where you can stretch your legs this festive season.
Corniche Parks
Across the road from the seaside paths you’ll find a long network of parks stretching all along the Corniche. Each one is different with a range of playparks for kids, fountains and even a maze. Take a stroll and see what’s on offer wile admiring the views or you can even hire an e-scooter to help you on your way or stop off at the number of coffee shops and restaurants for a refreshment and an energy boost.
The Corniche, Abu Dhabi.
Eastern Mangroves Promenade
Abu Dhabi’s Eastern Mangroves are a beautiful sight and even if you’re not getting in a kayak you can enjoy the views from terra firma. Head to the promenade and you can stroll along the waterfront and can even stop for a coffee or a bite at the on-site venues including BOA steakhouse, Carluccio’s and more. New paths are also being made for cycling and waking so you’ll soon be able to walk even further towards the city.
Eastern Mangroves Promenade, Salam Street.
Hudayriat Island
Hudayriat Island is a great leisure destination for those looking to play sports, cycle, run or enjoy watersports. With a beach and lots of paths it’s also a great place to enjoy a stroll too. An expansion has also recently opened with a new heritage walk and more places to walk and take in the sights.
Hudayriat Island, Abu Dhabi.
Jubail Mangrove Walk
Jubail Mangrove Walk is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. 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.
Dhs15 (Adults) Dhs10 (children). Daily 8am-6pm. Booking essential. Jubail Island park.jubailisland.ae.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
While there’s loads to see inside the museum there are also lots of places to walk around the Cultural District too. There are long stretches of path around the Cultural District and The Dock all with great views of the iconic museum to enjoy or to take a snap of for your Instagram page.
Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island.
The Corniche
With an 8km stretch of paths by the beach The Corniche is one of the most inviting places to walk. Walking by the water you can gaze out to sea and the Arabian Gulf or take a look in the other direction and enjoy the sights of the Abu Dhabi skyline. Start from the East side of the Corniche and you can walk all the way round to the marina for a long walk with fantastic views. Bike hire and e-scooter hire is available too and there are a bunch of cafes and restaurants on the way if you want to stop off.
The Corniche, Abu Dhabi.
Umm Al Emarat Park
As one of the largest parks in the city, this green space is home to a host of attractions for families. You can see an animal barn, amphitheatre, botanical garden, children’s garden and many other features inside the green space. Plus there are lots of winding paths for walking and a few restaurants on hand, including SALT, where you can stop off for a drink or a bite to eat.
Dhs10. Open daily 8am-midnight. Umm Al Emarat Park, 15th Street, Mushrif Area (02 666 9559).
Yas Marina Circuit
Every Sunday and Tuesday evening you can walk around the loop for free with TrainYAS. You can walk, run or cycle the 5.55km track that’s home to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Registration is essential before visiting so if you’re planning on attending you have to visit Yas Marina Circuit’s website, enter in your details and collect your card before being permitted entry to the track. Those who already have a membership card can attend.
Free. Sun & Tue 6pm-10pm. Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, www.yasmarinacircuit.com (02 659 9800).
