You may be surprised to discover that Abu Dhabi is an emirate of diverse landscapes, contrary to the popular misconception that it is only surrounded by desert.
Start your morning viewing the verdant greenery of the mangrove near the city, spend the afternoon meandering through the Al Ain Oasis, shaded by date palm trees, and complete your adventure in the ragged, muted yet exquisite terrain of the Jebel Hafit desert park.
You will also find hardy flora and fauna in Abu Dhabi that have adapted to survive and thrive in the local climate.
This article will briefly explain the popular experiences in Abu Dhabi.
1. Desert Safari
Abu Dhabi has a lot of experiences you may want to enjoy, but your trip here is incomplete without the most adventurous desert safari in Abu Dhabi. The Desert Safari Abu Dhabi is a fun ride through the desert that immerses you in the customs and culture of the Emirates.
Many travelers visit Abu Dhabi just for this experience. Dune Bashing, a beguiling adventure for sports lovers, is an unprecedented attraction of the desert safari.
The Desert Safari is terrific but quite impressive. Vehicles pass through the massive dunes, and this encounter is nothing less than erratic.
After participating in dune bashing, ride to the Bedouin campsite in the middle of the desert for some more adventure. Arrangements are done to ensure that you have the endurance needed for the spirit of adventure.
Sand skiing is also an adventurous activity in your Desert safari. Sand Skiing, just like ice skiing, can be a dangerous activity and is practiced with the help of a professional expert. You can also enjoy camel riding while still on your desert safari. Enjoy the amazing views of the sun sets.
Tourists are often fascinated by the delicious flavor and presentation of BBQ dinners and other Arabian cuisines. Other amusing desert events include henna painting and viewing falcons. The beautiful desert sky with star freckles will give you one of your life’s happiest memories.
2. Jubail Mangrove Park
The serene Jubail Mangrove Park is a haven for avian and marine species native to Abu Dhabi. Get away from the city fuss by driving just 30 minutes from the city to this amazing park. Drive through the sprawling boardwalks that meander through mangroves and catch a glimpse of the park’s inhabitants, such as turtles, herons, and gazelles.
Jubail Islands’ landscape is striking, especially in the park, where the lush Abu Dhabi mangrove woods divide the sea from the beach. Birdwatchers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts will feel quite at home on this island.
This unique family-friendly park’s objective is to raise awareness of appreciation and understanding of the significant ecological role of the city mangrove habitats. The mangrove habitats support biodiversity and safeguard the Abu Dhabi coastline.
They also work to prevent climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses by trapping them in their flooded soils for millennia. Jubail Mangrove Park is the first self-contained educational, natural, and recreational destination in the emirate.
3. Mangrove National Park
The Mangrove National Park is a serene place, worlds away from the skyscrapers and the bustling city nightlife of Abu Dhabi. The park is a reserve of beauty and biodiversity, and visiting it will leave you with a sense of being renewed.
A stroll in this park is a great idea if you are trying to teach your kids about the environment. The park is protected by the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD), and it makes up almost 75 percent of the whole mangrove forest area in the United Arab Emirates. This biodiversity hotspot is home to salt marshes, mudflats, and algal communities.
The park is an ideal place for visiting either alone, with friends, or even with family. You will walk away satisfied after viewing the water channel, the dense trees, and the wildlife and generally enjoy the beauty of nature.
Just like the Jubail Mangrove Park, families, photographers, birdwatchers, and outdoor lovers can explore the park by kayak or on foot.
If you visit Abu Dhabi during summer, you can enjoy the views of the mangroves from far at either of the lounges at the nearby Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel. This might not be the best outdoor experience, but sometimes lunch with a view can be just as enjoyable.
4. Al Ain Oasis
Al Ain Oasis is the UAE’s first UNESCO World Heritage site. The oasis is home to over 147,000 date palm trees that green the desert and provide a respite for those looking for cooler temperatures.
The date palm trees have a long-standing significance in the UAE and the surrounding area as they are able to withstand harsh conditions. The tree provides its popular fruit and fronds as material for traditional dwellings and various household goods.
The tree’s significance in the region was further cemented in 2019 when the date palm and its associated customs were added to the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The Bedouins who lived in the Al Ain Oasis decided to install a falaj system to channel water into the desert for irrigation and nourishing the grasslands. The two central falaj systems are the Al Aini and Dawood.
While walking around the oasis, you will see these 3,000-year-old complex dug-up channels that are connected to bring water from the mountains and distant places. The best part about the oasis is that the plantation is fresh and thriving even today as a result of these systems.
5. Jebel Hafit Desert Park
Jebel Hafit Desert Park in Al Ain, which is Abu Dhabi’s lush garden city, is a 1.5 hours destination from Abu Dhabi city Centre. The park offers you a one-of-a-kind experience and is home to a rich history and incredible landscapes.
The park is located on a nine-kilometer stretch at the base of the bumpy Jebel Hafit mountain, which is Abu Dhabi’s tallest peak.
Visitors can explore the family-friendly park’s magnificent nature on a hike, dune buggy, mountain bike, horse, or camel and uncover fascinating archaeological and historical remains that tell enthralling stories of this special area’s ancient habitation.
Archaeological remains in the park include remnants of the Neolithic period from 8,000 years ago and the 5,000-year-old Jebel Hafit Tombs. The Jebel Hafit Tombs were dug out in 1959 at the petition of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE.