We’ll all be enjoying great company and food this festive season and it is tempting to make a nice home for ourselves on the couch.
But if you’re not the type to sit around or want to burn off those extra calories there are loads of ways to keep fit and active in Abu Dhabi.
Here are six great ways to keep active in Abu Dhabi over the festive season.
Al Wathba Cycle Track
If you love to cycle, Al Wathba cycling track is one of the top places to go.
You can choose from 8km up to 30km loops, and with it being open 24 hours a day you can arrive whenever you like and hit the track.
Don’t worry if you haven’t got a bike, either and you can hire one from FLS Bikes from Sunday to Thursday between 4pm and 10pm and on Friday and Saturday from 6.30am to 10pm.
A standard aluminium or hybrid bike costs Dhs30 per hour and it’s Dhs60 for carbon bikes.
Plus kids’ bikes are available to hire for Dhs30 and bike trollies can also be rented for Dhs30 per hour, so the whole family can come along.
Helmets are included and there are washrooms, changing facilities and lockers are the base.
Just remember to take plenty of water, sunscreen and if you’re planning on doing the full 30km maybe some seat padding wouldn’t be a bad idea, either.
Bike hire from Dhs30. FLS Bikes open Sun-Thu 4pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 6.30am-10pm. Al Wathba Cycle Track open 24 hours, www.flsbikes.com.
CLYMB Abu Dhabi
CLYMB Abu Dhabi is home to the world’s biggest indoor skydiving flight chamber and the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall.
Children from as young as three can try the flight chamber, that measures a massive 10m by 26m.
Don’t worry, an expert flight instructor will be on hand to make sure that you enjoy the ride and remain safe throughout.
More of a climber? A range of climbing experiences are on offer to cater to people of all abilities and if you’re up for it you can take on the SUMMYT, a 43m climbing wall that is the largest in the world.
Skydiving experiences start from Dhs215 per person and climbing experiences start from Dhs95 per person and tickets are now on sale at www.clymbabudhabi.com.
From Dhs95 (climbing), From Dhs 215 (skydiving). Sun-Thu noon-9pm, Fri and Sat noon-11pm. Yas Mall, Yas Island www.clymbabudhabi.com
Jebel Hafeet Desert Park
At the foot of Abu Dhabi’s highest peak, Jebel Hafeet, you can explore the world heritage park at the recently opened Desert Park.
The public attraction allows you the chance to explore historic remains from the Neolithic period and 5,000-year-old Bronze Age tombs.
A host of archaeological attractions scattered across the park give you the chance to understand life in the region thousands of years ago.
Plus you can go hiking, biking or even off roading to get your adrenaline pumping.
You can also set up camp and stay for the night and for those who don’t want to pitch their own tent, a Bedouin-style glamping site is open.
Plus there’s the amazing sight of Abu Dhabi’s highest peak which is just as impressive and enjoyable as the rest.
You could walk, run, jog or cycle up to the top too (if you have the energy).
Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain, www.jebelhafitdesertpark.ae.
Jubail Mangrove Park
Jubail National Park has quickly become one of the most popular attractions in the emirate and it’s a great place to stretch your legs or even go for a run.
There are three pathways to walk (or jog), 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.
For adults the admission is Dhs15, Dhs10 for children under the age of 18 and free for children under seven.
The number of visitors are limited if the walkway exceeds capacity, so it’s best, as always, to plan ahead before visiting.
There is also a strict no-food policy at the attraction meaning that litter and packaging taken on to the site will be minimalised to help preserve the natural environment.
For more information check out our video guide on YouTube.
Kayak around Abu Dhabi
Kayaking is a lot of fun and it’s a great workout too.
If you like burning off some energy, getting out and experiencing a different side of the UAE then getting in a kayak can be a great way to pass some time.
Whether you’re a newcomer or experienced with a paddle, there are loads of amazing places where you can get a life jacket on and use some elbow grease.
Ready? Got waterproofs on? Let’s go…
To see the best places to go kayaking in Abu Dhabi click here.
OCR Park
Abu Dhabi is home to the UAE’s largest permanent obstacle course.
Found at Al Hudayriat Island, OCR Park is a 95,000 sq m site packed with obstacles to test endurance fitness, adaptability and creativity.
Open to people of all ages, you’ll find a 3km track for adults and a 1.5km track for children.
There are also classes for people of determination, with specialist staff on site to assist.
The adults track features eight obstacles and eight fitness stations while the children’s course has six obstacles over different terrain.
In addition, the obstacles can change size, complexity and difficulty to suit experience, skill and fitness levels of participants.
Along the way you’ll have to climb, perform jumps and rope swings, go on long-distance endurance and more.
Tickets start from Dhs100 for a weekday pass and Dhs150 for a weekend pass.
From Dhs100. Open daily 6am-9pm. Al Hudayriat Island, www.ocrpark.com.
