Tag: Abu Dhabi

Mountain Biking At Sir Bani Yas Island

Sir Bani Yas Island is the largest island belonging to the United Arab Emirates. It is found off the coast of Abu Dhabi, the country’s capital. The natural island is home one of the biggest and greenest wildlife reserves in the region. The reserve, which was established in 1971, is home to a large number of birds and animals. The island has established a name for itself as an adventure destination and visitors can take part in a variety of adventure sports here. Those visiting the UAE capital should definitely try to head to this enchanting destination.

Sir Bani Yas Island measures nearly eighteen kilometres from its northernmost point to its southernmost point and about nine kilometres from the easternmost point to its westernmost point, so even though it is fairly large, it can be easily explored on bicycle. Mountain biking is a terrific way of exploring some of the less accessible parts of the island and get a good cardio workout at the same time. The activity is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Carriages are usually provided for riders who bring along children younger than five.

A variety of routes are available and one can also choose a route depending on fitness levels. An average ride can last about one to two hours. Those planning on going mountain biking should remember to wear comfortable shoes and to take along a hat and water bottle. Many bike routes go through highly scenic areas so one should to bring a camera along as well. Those who find cycling too much of a challenge can try hiking instead. There are some very good walking trails that are fun to explore. Visitors may also come across a variety of birds and animals on leisurely walk.

There are several resorts Abu Dhabi that offer facilities for these adventure activities. Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villas is one such place. Not only do they offer exceptional Abu Dhabi villas but they also have facilities for mountain biking, kayaking, archery, snorkelling, and dune bashing. The resort also has an excellent spa where guests can unwind after a tiring day of activity.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Explore Bani Yas By Horseback

Sir Bani Yas Island is an island found roughly ten kilometres off the coast of Jebel Dhanna in Abu Dhabi. The island measures about five miles from west to east and about eleven miles from south to north, and is easily the biggest natural island in the country. The large island is home to many interesting attractions and is a delightful place to visit when holidaying in the United Arab Emirates. Although not very large in area, the island features some diverse landscapes that can be fun to explore by horseback.

Those who want to take a horseback tour of the gorgeous island should try Sir Bani Yas Stables. It is the go to place for horses, ponies and experienced riding instructors. The ponies are available for little children and there is a large paddock where kids can get pony rides. Horses are for adults with some riding experience. Those who do not know how to ride a horse need not fret as they also conduct classes here.

Since the island is home to a massive wildlife reserve (which was established in 1971) that spans nearly ninety square kilometres, one is bound to spot many birds, plants and animals during the ride. The island’s ever changing terrain will ensure that equestrians will have an interesting and memorable ride. The activity is perfect for adventure lovers and couples are sure to enjoy taking a sunset horse ride.

As a Middle Eastern country with ample resources the United Arab Emirates has excellent infrastructure and nowhere is the infrastructure better than in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. The largest of the seven emirates that make up the country, it offers tourists plenty of things to do. The emirate has plenty of upscale shopping malls, top notch restaurants and a range of accommodation options.

Tourists planning on vacationing here and are looking for villas in Abu Dhabi, can try the Anantara Al Yamm. The fine spa resort Abu Dhabi is situated on Sir Bani Yas Island and is a tranquil oasis amidst the wildlife reserve. Offering guests an authentic Arab experience, it is the ideal place to stay.

Yas Marina Circuit Abu Dhabi

The Yas Marina Circuit is located on Yas Marina Island, which is also home to Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld. The track, which is used for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, was a design of the renowned racecourse architect, Herman Tilke. It is Middle East’s second Formula One race track after the one in Bahrain. With a total length of almost six kilometres, the racecourse has the capacity to seat about fifty thousand people. Construction on the course began in 2007 and took only about two years to complete, with the track opening in October 2009.

Since it was opened the track has hosted multiple international events including the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the FIA Formula One, V8 Supercars and GT1 World. The track, which bears a resemblance to the F1 track in Monaco, has a distinct Arabian flavour. There are a total of twenty one turns and each one is unique, making for highly thrilling races. There are five grandstands from which audiences can view all the action. The grandstands are designed to enhance the viewing experience. The track is only about thirty minutes from Abu Dhabi City and tourists visiting the UAE capital should definitely try to visit this place even if there are no races scheduled.

Visitors to the Yas Marina Circuit should also try to stop by the Ferrari World Theme Park located nearby. The park is the largest indoor theme park on the planet and contains over twenty rides, including the Formula Rossa, the fastest roller coaster in operation. In addition to rides, the park also provides fascinating insights into the world of racing and is sure to resonate with racing enthusiasts from around the world.

Travellers planning a tour of the attractions in the Middle East should consider getting accommodation with hotel chains like the Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Middle East. They contain a series of Middle East hotels including Oman, Kuwait, Qatar and UAE hotels. Getting accommodation with a hotel chain ensures that one gets the same standard of service no matter where one visits and it minimises the hassles of booking multiple hotels.

 

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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Arabian Wildlife Park

As a result of years of conservation and re-vegetation work carried out in Abu Dhabi, the Arabian Wildlife Park was formed and unveiled to the public. Covering almost half of the beautiful island of Sir Bani Yas, this park extends over 4200 hectares. Home to several free roaming animals, this scenic wonder is surrounded by a fence that extends up to 2 kms. The premise is an ongoing effort to show the world of the pride this beautiful island takes in sustaining its numerous species of wildlife.

The park houses many endangered species such as the Sand Gazelle and the Arabian Oryx. Ferocious predators such as the Cheetah and Hyena can also be spotted at the park. Most of the animals are brought up in captivity. As a result of months of training by experienced wildlife and conservation staff they have been taught to hunt and fend for themselves. The animals are then released to the park to roam free. Most of the animals found here are native to the Arabian Peninsula.

The operation plays a major role in research and conservation of the rich wildlife of the country. There are many adventurous activities lined up for the visitors and there is so much to explore at this premise. These would be Nature and wildlife drive on four wheel vehicles, mountain biking and guided walks are favourites among the visitors. There are also several custom made outdoor dining experiences to choose from.

If you are on the lookout for Resorts Abu Dhabi to reside in while you discover this amazing city at your own pace, there are several places that offer reasonable accommodation. However if you are looking for luxury accommodation within your own Abu Dhabi Villas , look no further than the Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villas. This beautiful hotel, boasts of spectacular views of the island from its well-appointed rooms. For a journey that guarantees pure excitement, fun and exhilarating adventure, visit this amazing park at leisure and stay at a luxury resort that believes in pampering their guests with world class cuisine and impeccable service standards.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Abu Dhabi Archery

Abu Dhabi is a splendid emirate that forms part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and it is home to a fascinating array of activities for the cultural and curious tourist. If you wanted to try your hand at archery, there are a range of clubs as well as a spa resort Abu Dhabi features that offer visitors the chance to channel their inner archer. The Anantara Al Yamm which provides its guests with premium accommodation at its beautiful villas in Abu Dhabi also offers lessons and equipment for visitors to try out this long-cherished Arabic tradition. For those serious archers dedicated to the sport, the Abu Dhabi Archers Group provides a community of support for archers looking to get into the field, or serious shooters. Top archers can take part in the Top Archers Competition, which targets top archery dogs to crown champions on the range. The group does not have official status yet; however, it does provide the opportunity to gather and practice at the Al Forsan Archery range, which offers ten lanes and the best equipment to try one’s luck at a distance of 5 to 60 metres, depending on preference and ability. The range also offers Re-curve and Compound bows if archers do not have their own. The range provides arm guards, releases and tabs too, so head on down for a practice round or two!

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and intends to visit them all someday.

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Kicking up a Dust

Although Abu Dhabi at first glance seems all desert there are amazing natural destinations in the emirate that extend all the way to the Empty Quarter in the south and the mountains of Oman in the east where pristine waterfalls, cliffs lined with fossils and freshwater lakes are part of the environment.

Adventure travel in Abu Dhabi is all about getting to know the landscape and stretching the mind and in many cases the body to embrace exciting experiences. Late evening dune bashing trips or desert safaris to the Liwa desert is one of the best ways to experience the desert landscape in Abu Dhabi. Traveling in a convoy of 4x4s, travelers are offered a roller coaster ride over sand dunes and are taken to vantage points to see gorgeous desert sunsets. The trip include a visit to a camel farm, camel rides, dinner in a Bedouin style desert camp where guests get to sit around a campfire, smoke an aromatic shisha, partake of a traditional Middle Eastern meal and with no light pollution to detract from the experience, enjoy a sky thick with stars. Overnight camping experience in the desert can be added to dune bashing.

Wadi bashing, driving a 4×4 along rocky and dry river beds is another aspect of adventure travel in Abu Dhabi. This is one of the best ways to see naturally beautiful parts of a wadi such as waterfalls, animals in the wild and mountain pools among others. Another option would be to join one of the many 4×4 clubs and after a little training go dune and wadi bashing with family and friends. The massive dunes in the Empty Quarter offer awesome driving challenges and learning to navigate the dunes is one of the best adventure experiences around. Sand skiing on the 984 foot high sand slopes is another way to enjoy the desert landscape.

Camel racing is a popular local activity and adventure travelers can catch some of the action on race days in Shweihan and Liwa and see racing practices and camel paddocks at Al Wathba.

Traveling 140 km out of town to Al Ain is a must to enjoy the greenest parts of Abu Dhabi, the site of many oases, parks, tree lined avenues, museums, forts and an archaeological park. From here travelers can access Jebel Hafeet the highest point in the area and known for the mineral springs at its base and fantastic views of the sunset from the top. Wadi Adventure in Ain Al Fayda nearby has the regions first artificial white water rafting, surfing and kayaking facility. The 3.3 meter manmade surf wave here is the world’s most impressive. Its 1.7 km kayaking channel is the world’s longest.

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara a calm and peaceful oasis is undoubtedly a lovely place to experience the desert landscape at its best. As one of exceptional luxury hotels Abu Dhabi, guests are offered a selection of spacious, well designed contemporary rooms, suites and villas added to which are services and facilities that complement the very special quality of the setting. Enjoy well selected traditional Middle Eastern, Oriental and International menus, relaxing and rejuvenating spa treatments and a host of desert based activities that will make a stay at one of prominent Abu Dhabi hotels a real pleasure.

Al Wathba Camel Race Track

An oasis in the desert, Abu Dhabi defies all expectations. It is the largest of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. It is the ideal destination for tourists who want to learn more about the Middle East but want to do so in a somewhat liberal setting. The emirate has plenty of cultural and historical attractions. It also has a fair share of shopping malls and contemporary attractions, such as the Ferrari Theme Park. However, for tourists intent on learning more about the local culture and traditions the Al Wathba Camel Race Track is a great place to start.

At one time camels were highly valued for their usefulness. They were an important means of transport and provided sustenance in the form of milk and flesh, and while they are no longer relied upon in the same fashion, they are still prized animals beloved by the locals. The tradition of camel racing is quite old but has been kept alive through the ages and those who want to catch all the action can head over to the Al Wathba Camel Race Track.

The race track is open on Thursdays and Fridays and is located around forty five kilometres from the city. The races start early in the morning and those who want to witness the best camel racing should try to get to the track by at least 8 am. While the camels are the main attraction, first time visitors are probably apt to be more fascinated by the fact that robots are used instead of jockeys! The races are quite exciting with many people attending them each week, and tourists should try not to miss out on this interesting blend of modern technology and age-old tradition.

The local infrastructure is quite impressive and tourists looking for good Abu Dhabi hotels will have plenty of options. Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi is a great place to consider when holidaying here. This Abu Dhabi city hotel is situated in one of the most scenic parts of the city. Guests of the hotel will be treated to stunning views of the Arabian Gulf and the Capital Gardens.

Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.

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Outdoor adventures in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is home to a plethora of fun activities for members of the whole family. One of the best locales from which to experience this vibrant emirate is one of many villas in Abu Dhabi that cater to comfort and convenience. Of the many options for a spa resort Abu Dhabi offers, an excellent choice are the Anantara Sir Bani Yas Al Yamm Villas which provide a home away from home in the midst of a scenic island set in the shimmering azure waters of the Arabian Gulf.

Outdoor adventures are found aplenty in Abu Dhabi…the only problem is choosing which one to plunge into headfirst! How about a 4×4 adventure across the Arabian sands from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, for an afternoon and evening desert safari? Catch a splendid desert sunset and enjoy a tasty barbeque dinner around a campfire under the stars. On the way, why not get a beautifully intricate henna tattoo, go on an exciting camel ride and taste the sand firsthand with a thrilling sandboarding experience? And safariers will not want to miss the mesmerizing movements of a belly dance for a truly immersive Arabian Nights encounter. Or for nature enthusiasts, how about an adrenaline-bursting camel right? Except the summer and early autumn months, any other time of year is the perfect time to go “camel back”. Or rip out that rugged 4×4 for an amazing thrill ride of “wadi-bashing”. A wadi is a desert fixture that has been scooped out by flood waters, and its sloping sides provide the perfect course for 4-wheel drives from October through April. Dune-bashing is another exciting off-road experience, which will be an electric experience on Abu Dhabi’s slopes expansive and steep slopes. Or, for those wanting a wet n’ wild experience, kayaking in the mangroves is a fantastic way to go, as the natural swamplands provide the perfect setting for this water sport. The desert is home to many unique adventures so take your pick and just do it!

Nature and Wildlife Drives in Abu Dhabi

For many Abu Dhabi would only bring to mind deserts and cities, but there is definitely more to this Middle Eastern land than just that. Among the numerous things that one can do in this diverse land, there are Nature and Wildlife Drives in Abu Dhabi.

There are countless organizations that offer amazing drives across the deserts and other arid lands. There are especially designed 4wheel drives which will take visitors across various landscapes and closer to nature and wildlife. It is sure to be the adventure of a lifetime in this part of the world. Though many might not be aware, deserts are teeming with wildlife of its own. What is more, amongst the least expected animals who can be found freely roaming around the region, there are also amazing geological formations, and remnants of archeological sites of a time gone by.

Usually these tours take about two hours and the best time to go it either early in the morning or in the evening. So it is an ideal way for a family or a group of tourists to explore this region. There are generally jeeps which can accommodate about seven people, making it an ideal option for a small group or even a family, for bigger crowds countless operators have their own buses. Amongst the most popular regions to go on a tour of this nature are Arabian Wildlife Park and also beyond the Sir Bani Yas Island.

Make sure that you wear light and comfortable clothing that are close to nature and avoid bright colours. Don’t forget to take your camera and video as there might be unexpected findings in the barren land. Mostly there will be both indigenous and also other flora and fauna. So for those travelers who are keen to see more than the cities and the shopping malls this is definitely one way to explore the Middle East.

If one wishes to have a luxurious holiday at one of the Villas in Abu Dhabi, and get pampered at a Spa Resort Abu Dhabi, while enjoying the scenes, sights and sounds of this exotic land, there is Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi which is in close proximity to all these attractions and more.

Setting up Camp in the Sand

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is one the most developed and populated cities in the Middle East. Considered to be hub of political, economic and cultural life of the UAE, this bustling city has many unique attractions for its visitors. Abu Dhabi’s top attractions include religious and cultural landmarks, parks and gardens, and several leisure and desert attractions.

Abu Dhabi has created a wide range of tourist attractions on the dessert to bolster its tourism industry, and one such attraction is desert camping. While conventional camping is done in forests or places with some greenery, desert camping gives you a whole new camping experience. Up to 60% of the land of Abu Dhabi is desert land and therefore there are multiple places where one can have a desert camping experience.

Since the deserts begin to cool down towards the evening, desert camping begins towards the evening. You can cruise to your choice of location in an exciting 4×4 ride through the sand and over dunes to start your desert experience with a bit of a boost. The first highlight of camping in the desert is being able to watch the sunset. It often said that at sunset the magic of deserts come alive, which is true as the glorious undisturbed sight of the sun setting is indeed something magical. At night one can get a campfire set up and spend the hours of the night with a few cold drinks which watching the magnificent stars over the Arabian skies. Some of the best desert camping spots are the Liwa Desert; with its glorious of view of just miles of sand and sky, and the Shwaib Desert; known for its dramatic views of mountain ranges, dunes, and wadis. Therefore, for a unique camping experience, set up camp at an Abu Dhabi desert.

Conveniently located in a prime spot at the centre of Abu Dhabi is the Grand Millennium Al Wahda, a 5 star Abu Dhabi hotel. Belonging to the reputed Millennium group of hotels, this hotel offers tranquil accommodation in a range of luxury and plush rooms, suites and apartments which are designed to sooth and relax. The hotel also offers a range of dining, wellness, recreational ad business amenities, making it a highly recommendable hotel Abu Dhabi UAE.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+