The cultural capital of the United Arab Emirates will have interaction probably the most stressed minds with its iconic galleries and museums, together with the Louvre and, from 2025, the Guggenheim. Structure followers can wander streets of opulent, statement-making Islamic buildings, together with the nation’s largest mosque, whereas these searching for journey will discover thrills in abundance on the world’s largest man-made browsing wave, plus a whole theme park constructed for pace junkies.
When it’s time to take the tempo of metropolis life down a notch or two, a day journey from Abu Dhabi presents respite from growth and quick tempo. Past town limits lie countless empty desert dunes and unlikely discoveries, from unique wildlife to hovering cliffs of sand.
Learn on for 5 of the best day trips from Abu Dhabi inside just a few hours of town limits.
1. Discover the huge empty desert of Rub Al Khali
Journey time: 2 hours 40 minutes by automotive
The world’s largest sand desert, at 1000km (620 miles) lengthy and 500km (310 miles) huge, crosses into 4 Arabian nations – Oman, Yemen, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Often called the Empty Quarter by locals, the huge and mesmerizing house sits a straightforward drive southeast of Abu Dhabi. Right here, guests will discover silence and the huge open fantastic thing about miles upon miles of harsh terrain, the place solely the hardiest of animals survive. Preserve eyes open for free-roaming camels wandering the waves of sand and spot 4WD lovers getting their kicks by bunny-hopping golden mounds. Excursions lead teams to Tel Moreeb, a hovering sand wall that rises 300m (984ft) excessive, with a 50-degree incline.
Tips on how to get to Rub Al Khali from Abu Dhabi:
Take the E11 highway out of Abu Dhabi, and enter the Liwa Desert on the E45. Many desire to e-book an organized tour (strive Arabian Excursions) for leisure, a touristy dinner in an enormous camp and a go to to Tel Moreeb. Skilled four-wheel drivers may lease a automobile, let some air out of their tires and zoom off-road.
2. Watch a camel race in Al Wathba
Journey time: 30 minutes by automotive
Dwelling to the Al Wathba Camel Race Monitor, this Abu Dhabi suburb is likely one of the most esteemed locations to see the Gulf’s prized animals galloping at speeds of as much as 65km/h (40mph). Race season runs between October and April. Usually round 100 camels race per day, charging 6.5–9.6km (4–6 miles) with electrical robotic jockeys. The ambiance can be electrical with prize purses totaling tens of millions of dirham. Close by, the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve is a haven of biodiversity – some 4000 flamingos feed in its pure and synthetic lakes throughout autumn and spring. Two strolling trails (1.5km/0.9 miles and 3km/4.eight miles lengthy) permit guests to seek for as much as 250 species of birds.
Tips on how to get to Al Wathba from Abu Dhabi:
Take the E22 Abu Dhabi–Al Ain highway to Al Wathba Camel Race Monitor, and join with the E30 Abu Dhabi–Al Ain Truck Street, then observe indicators for the reserve.
3. Go on a wildlife safari at Sir Bani Yas Island
Journey time: Three hours by automotive and ferry
One of many eight Al Dhafra desert islands is house to empty seashores and the Arabian Wildlife Park, overlaying greater than half the island. Dwelling to 11,000 free-roaming animals, together with endangered species, the conservation website permits friends staying within the luxurious lodging on the island to seek for Arabian oryx and gazelles, plus species not so acquainted to this a part of the world – giraffes, hyenas and cheetahs – on a sandy 4WD safari.
Tips on how to get to Sir Bani Yas Island from Abu Dhabi:
Take the E11 freeway to Jebel Dhana Jetty by way of Exit 113 for Sir Bani Yas Island. The Anantara resort supplies complimentary 20-minute water taxis, or arrive on the island by way of a chartered boat or aircraft.
4. Climb the UAE’s second-highest mountain in Al Ain
Journey time: 2 hours by automotive
Stretching to the border of Oman, the 1240m (4068ft) limestone slopes of Jebel Hafeet loom over the border metropolis of Al Ain subsequent to Oman on the jap aspect of the Tawam oasis. Hairpin turns lead up an exhilarating 12km (7.5-mile) highway to the summit, with staggering metropolis views. Don’t go away with out visiting the “backyard metropolis” of Al Ain, which bought its nickname because of the flora, palm groves and pure springs within the space. Wander the luxurious, sprawling Inexperienced Mubazzarah park under the mountain or go to the Al Ain Oasis – with 150,000 date palms and fruit timber, plus babbling springs. Want to chill down? Al Ain Journey, round 160km (100 miles) from the ocean, presents the prospect to journey waves within the UAE’s first synthetic surf park, and there is kayaking, swimming and rafting services too.
Tips on how to get to Al Ain from Abu Dhabi:
Comply with the E22 for 175km (109 miles) east of the capital to Al Ain, earlier than briefly becoming a member of the E40 and climbing scenic and winding Jebel Hafeet Mountain Street to the highest of the height.
5. Flip up the tempo in hedonistic Dubai
Journey time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Land of the world’s most sizable issues – the tallest constructing, the largest mall, the biggest man-made islands and so forth – Dubai is the place to take town expertise to the acute. Often called a playground for the nouveau super-rich, right here you may store for each designer beneath the solar, purchase gold and diamonds as large as fruit within the souqs, and celebration all day with lovely folks on the numerous seaside bars and golf equipment.
Tips on how to get to Dubai from Abu Dhabi:
Comply with the E10 and E11 138km (86 miles) all the best way to Dubai by automotive, taxi or bus (solely Dhs25/US$6.50 operating from Abu Dhabi airport to central Dubai). If taking a private automotive and clubbing – driver service Protected Driver UAE or Zofeur will ship you and your automotive again to Abu Dhabi.