10 Best Activities to Do in Abu Dhabi
Where to Go in Abu Dhabi to Play Sports and Games?
The best activities to do in Abu Dhabi include heart-racing adventure sports in the towering dunes and exploring marine life along the beautiful coastlines. Thrill-seekers can test their nerves by dune bashing, speeding around a go-kart circuit, and horse riding alongside stunning wildlife.
Locals love to enjoy the region’s beauty and they head outdoors in the evening when the temperatures are more pleasant. You’ll see them strolling through tranquil nature spots, admiring the flora and fauna, or dining al fresco on a waterfront whilst taking in a dazzling sunset. Whether you’re looking to kayak at night, cycle along the coast, or go scuba diving, you’ll find it in this vibrant region. Discover Abu Dhabi’s most fun activities in this guide.
1. Kayaking through mangrove forests
A gentle paddle in an extraordinary setting
Good for: Couples, Nightlife, Photo
Kayaking through mangrove forests is one of the best ways to discover Abu Dhabi’s spectacular nature and wildlife. Take a guided tour and enjoy the tranquility of the Mangrove National Park whilst learning about the unique ecosystem. Paddle through narrow canals taking in the breathtaking scenery, and look for fish, crabs, and small stingrays in the water below you.
The sunset and nighttime kayak tours are incredibly popular with couples seeking a romantic date night on the serene waterways. But if you’re an early riser, don’t hesitate to try the breakfast tours. Choose from a single-seater or double-seater kayak and listen to the birds singing as you watch the sun rise over the beautiful mangroves. It’s an unforgettable experience.
Kayaking through mangrove forests
2. Sandboarding
For sports enthusiasts
Good for: Adventure, Photo
Sandboarding is popular with both locals and visitors looking for a thrilling adventure in the desert. Climb impressive desert dunes with powdery, ochre, and red sand, and get your heart racing as you wind your way down the steep slopes on a sandboard. The Liwa Oasis is a fantastic choice with dunes almost 1000 ft. (300 meters) high, but there are lots of gentler slopes for beginners too.
When choosing a tour for your sandboarding excursion, be sure to select the hotel pick-up and drop-off option. Many of the dune areas, including the Liwa Oasis, are more than an hour’s drive from Abu Dhabi, so it’s best to enjoy the journey in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with a local guide.
Sandboarding
3. Snorkeling and diving
Underwater discoveries
Good for: Families, Adventure
Snorkeling and diving are wonderful ways to explore Abu Dhabi’s stunning coastlines. Corniche Beach is a lovely choice for families with younger children. You can swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters set against a backdrop of soft, white sand and an impressive city skyline.
You’ll find a good mix of deepwater and reef dives around this archipelago. Explore the incredible marine life, including barracudas, sea urchins, and spotted eagle rays, in the year-round warm waters. Beginners can take lessons and experienced divers will love the variety of underwater scenery. For a unique diving event, head to Yas Waterworld on Yas Island and try its amazing pearl-diving experience.
Snorkeling and diving
4. Dune bashing on a desert safari
A rollercoaster on sand
Good for: Couples, Adventure, Nightlife
Dune bashing on a desert safari is sure to give adventure seekers an adrenaline rush. Tear across soft sands and thunder down towering dunes at high speeds as you experience heart-pumping thrills from a 4x4 vehicle. You’ll get spectacular views across a carpet of ochre-colored sand as you enjoy this sensational ride.
Choose an early morning safari if you prefer to avoid the daytime heat in the desert. Or try an overnight safari to go dune bashing, followed by an evening under the stars with delicious local cuisine, live music, and belly dancing. Be sure to wear closed shoes and have warmer clothes with you for the evening, when it’s much cooler in the desert.
Dune bashing on a desert safari
5. Wildlife watching at Al Wathba Wetland Reserve
An escape to nature
Good for: Budget, Photo
Wildlife watching at Al Wathba Wetland Reserve is a wonderful getaway from the bustle of the city. Two different trails will lead you through marshes and dunes, and across sand flats, alongside vast expanses of water. You’ll hear the noisy honking and grunting of the beautiful flamingos before you see them, and you’ll be mesmerized watching them wade through the water.
It’s a great spot for bird watching, so look out for eagles, stilts, and plovers as you stroll along the trails. Al Wathba is around 40 minutes from Abu Dhabi and there’s plenty of parking. Admission is free but bring lots of water and some snacks or a picnic.
Location: Jarn Yafour, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Open: Tuesday–Saturday from 8 am to 5 pm (closed on Sundays and Mondays)
Phone: +971 (0)2 693 4444
Wildlife watching at Al Wathba Wetland Reserve
6. Horseback riding on an island wildlife park
A unique experience of the surrounds
Good for: Luxury, Couples, Adventure
Horseback riding on an island wildlife park is one of the most memorable activities you can do in Abu Dhabi. Sir Bani Yas Island is a popular choice with its magnificent stables and immense wildlife park that covers a vast part of the island. Trot along sandy trails as you take in the amazing flora and fauna around you, then canter through the park alongside herds of Arabian oryx, giraffes, gazelles, and cheetahs.
Sunset rides on majestic Arabian horses are highly recommended as the landscape is breathtaking and you’ll get clearer views of the animals at dusk. You’ll need to have previous horse-riding experience to ride through the wildlife park, so plan on a refresher lesson first, if necessary.
Horseback riding on an island wildlife park
7. Wandering ancient walkways in Al Ain Oasis
A stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site
Good for: Budget, Families, Photo
Wandering ancient walkways in Al Ain Oasis is a lovely way to reconnect with nature. This haven of peace, in the heart of the city of Al Ain, is only a 90-minute drive from Abu Dhabi. Stroll through 1,200 hectares of lush greenery and soak up the tranquility, whilst admiring the falaj, a centuries-old irrigation system. You’ll walk along cool, shaded pathways surrounded by over 140,000 date palm trees and beautiful vegetation.
Admission and parking are both free, so why not head here for a picnic and a relaxing day outdoors? You’ll also find a cafe onsite for light refreshments too. Rent 2-seater bikes for family fun and soak up this historic paradise.
Location: Al Tuhaf St, Central District, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Open: Daily from 9 am to 5.30 pm
Phone: +971 (0)3 711 8251
Wandering ancient walkways in Al Ain Oasis
8. Cycling around Abu Dhabi
Two-wheel sightseeing fun
Good for: Photo, Families
Cycling around Abu Dhabi is one of the best ways to see this vibrant city. Locals love to cycle along the Corniche Bike Track, stretching over 5 miles (8 km). You’ll get wonderful views of the imposing city skyline on one side, and white sands and emerald water on the other side. Enjoy a gentle sea breeze as you head along the coastline.
An excellent option is to use the city’s bike-sharing scheme. Download the Careem Bike app and pick up a green cycle from any of the numerous bike stations dotted across the city. When you’ve finished, simply return the bike to any station you like. You’ll find short-term rental passes on the app that are great for visitors.
Cycling around Abu Dhabi
9. Taking a stroll around Yas Bay Waterfront
Lively nightlife in the bay
Good for: Couples, Food, Nightlife
Taking a stroll around Yas Bay Waterfront is an excellent choice for a romantic date night. Head to the southern tip of Yas Island to explore a vibrant waterfront scene that comes alive as the sun goes down. The sunset views over the water are spectacular. You’ll see locals and visitors snapping Instagram-worthy pictures of the hazy orange glow across the glistening creek, against a majestic skyline backdrop.
Look out for the incredible artwork and sculptures lining the promenade, including the futuristic astronaut monument. Stroll past 20 bars and restaurants lining the waterfront and inhale the delicious culinary aromas from the terraces. Foodies will love the high-end international cuisine, and you can dine al fresco whilst enjoying the sunset.
Taking a stroll around Yas Bay Waterfront
10. Go-karting at Al Ain Raceway
Speedy fun for all the family
Good for: Families, Nightlife, Adventure
Go-karting at Al Ain Raceway is exciting fun for kids of all ages. You’ll love whizzing around the twists and turns of the 1-mile (1-km) outdoor track. The Cadet and Junior karts are great for younger racers. The venue is modern and uses state-of-the-art technology to give accurate lap times, so you can have a friendly competition to see who’s the fastest in the family.
Al Ain Raceway is on the outskirts of the city, so it’s best to drive there. You don’t need to reserve but it’s highly recommended, as it’s a popular venue with locals and the capacity is limited. Be sure to wear closed shoes or trainers, as sandals and open-toed shoes aren’t allowed.
Location: Khatm Al Shiklah, Al Nabghah, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Open: Tuesday–Thursday from 4 pm to 10 pm, Friday–Saturday from 4 pm to 11 pm (closed on Sundays and Mondays)
Phone: +971 (0)3 768 6662
Go-karting at Al Ain Raceway
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.