• Dec 23, 2020

Interesting Places To Visit In Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is not just the capital of the United Arab Emirates, but is also home to some of the most beautiful destinations you can drive to. If you are looking to explore our fair capital or planning a road trip within Abu Dhabi itself, here are some of the places that need to be on your list.

1.    Moreeb Dune– Abu Dhabi
Situated in Abu Dhabi’s majestic Al Dhafra region, Tel Moreeb is considered by many to be the world's tallest sand dune, at over 300 metres high, with its 50-degree incline making it a prime destination for motorsports enthusiasts. Every February, the region's most powerful four-wheel drives, quad bikes and dirt bikes compete in the Moreeb Hill Climb event, which is part of the Liwa International Festival. It's well worth the trip to Al Dhafra to check this out, especially if you’re looking for an authentic Abu Dhabi experience. The large flat area at the dune’s base is dedicated to competitors and spectators.

Dubai to Moreeb Dune:- click here to see on map

2.    Wadi Water Park - Abu Dhabi
Nestled close to Green Mubazzarah, at the foot of Jebel Hafeet, Wadi Adventure Al Ain is the only adventure park in the UAE where you can go surfing, rafting, wakeboarding and kayaking in a safe and controlled environment. With state-of-the-art wave pool technology, Wadi Adventure surfing is something you have to try. Wadi Adventure wave pool is the largest in the world, so it’s safe to say, you won’t be disappointed. With the longest white water channel at your disposal, it’s a shame if you don’t try Wadi Adventure kayaking. The entire white water channel can keep your adrenaline pumping at all times. Wadi Adventure Al Ain will be complete without a mention of the man-made white water rafting cascades. Rafting is a must-try activity at Wadi Adventure. Wakeboarding is another exciting activity that people thoroughly enjoy in Wadi Adventure. This latest addition to water adventure activities offers you skiing, knee boarding, and wakeboarding in a controlled environment. Wadi Adventure’s cable wake park is over 600 metres and boasts a running cable more than 300 metres long. The activity is open for all ages and suffices for a fun experience for most. 

Dubai to Wadi Water Park:- click here to see on map

3.    Al Wathba Wetland Reserve- Abu Dhabi
Located around 50 km away from mainland Abu Dhabi, Al Wathba Wetland area is divided into sabkhas (salt flats), fossilised sands and dunes. It is internationally recognised as one of the 2,000 remaining wetlands in the world. This mix of natural and man-made island bodies provides a safe haven for dozens of birds. The diversity in species here is astonishing. There are more than 260 bird species, 320 invertebrates, 16 reptiles, 35 kinds of plants and 10 mammals found here. The most significant population among these birds are the flamingos. It is estimated that over 5,000 flamingos have made this place their home. Plus their population grows every year. 

Dubai to Al Wathba Wetland Reserve:- click here to see on map

4.    Jubail Mangrove Park- Abu Dhabi
The Mangroves cover around 15 sq.km of the country’s coastline and act as a “green lung”, or an area of natural parkland in an urban setting that replenishes the oxygen in the air. The park aims to instil appreciation for the significance of mangrove ecosystems and habitats among the masses, helping people understand why their conservation is important for the protection of biodiversity of the Abu Dhabi Coastline. While there are several things to do at Jubail Mangrove Park for visitors, its highlight feature is the boardwalk – the Jubail Mangrove Walk Abu Dhabi that meanders through the dense mangrove vegetation. The project covers over one million square feet of area. Thousands of tourists also opt for mangrove kayaking to get a chance to spot some flora and fauna native to the region

Dubai to Jubail Mangrove Park:- click here to see on map

5.    Al Wathba Fossil Dunes - Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s Fossil Dunes are completely natural and the formations are made by wind-swept sand that when permeated with calcium carbonate start to harden and form distinct, varied and abstract structures. Each Fossil Dune keeps changing over time (decades) and no two formations are ever the same. Just like sand dunes, fossil dunes are also formed by the flow of sand-laden-winds over a long span of time. And thus the structure of these fossil dunes keep changing over time (decades). It is here that you will get a chance to view nature – the artist at work. The location is a great spot for a picnic during the early morning hours and the evening is great for camping.

Dubai to Al Wathba Fossil Dunes:- click here to see on map

6.    Sir Bani Yas Island - Abu Dhabi
Sir Bani Yas Island is the largest island off the coast of Abu Dhabi and was the former private island of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE. Thanks to decades of conservation work, it is now home to thousands of large free-roaming animals and several million trees and plants. A bird sanctuary as well as a wildlife reserve, Sir Bani Yas, is a great place to experience nature through activities such as adventure safaris, kayaking, mountain biking, archery, hiking and snorkelling. Taking up about half of Sir Bani Yas, the Arabian wildlife Park houses some 13,000 animals indigenous to the Arabian Peninsula including the endangered Arabian Oryx, Sand Gazelle and Mountain Gazelle as well as free-roaming predators and scavengers such as the Sudan cheetah and striped hyena. Being an island there is no roadway map that leads to this location, hence map hasn’t been attached. 

7.    Al Ain Zoo - Abu Dhabi
Established in 1968 by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan due to his keenness to preserve wildlife in UAE,  the Al Ain Zoo is a must visit. Covering an area of 400-hectares and home to over 200 species of wildlife, there are plenty of activities at Al Ain Zoo. From mammals to reptiles and birds of every kind, there are over 4000 animals in Al Ain Zoo who call it home. The Children’s zoo has petting zones and bird feeding stations where kids get to interact with the animals. They can also hop onto a horse, a camel, or a pony for a ride. The Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Center is one of the main attractions in Al Ain Zoo. It is an educational facility that offers loads of interactive exhibits, multimedia and visual materials which displays the past, present and future of the UAE. It has five interactive galleries which include the Sheikh Zayed Tribute Hall, Abu Dhabi Desert over Time, Abu Dhabi’s Living World, People of the Desert and Looking to the Future. 

Dubai to Al Ain Zoo:- click here to see on map