Tag: Abu Dhabi

Dune Driving: A Roller Coaster-like Adventure

Fondly known as the ‘Manhattan of the Middle East’, Abu Dhabi is among the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates located in the Middle Eastern. An oasis for wildlife until the region developed rapidly following the discovery of oil nearly 60 years ago; there is never a dull moment for a person seeking the thrill of adventure. Abu Dhabi would certainly provide you with a multitude of activities to keep you entertained and your adrenaline rushing with their marvellous scuba diving and boating experiences.
Once in this city, it is essential that you experience it to the fullest and that means trying your hand at one of the most popular yet hair-raising sports in the city, Wadi Bashing. This sport, also known as dune driving, attracts a number of tourists seeking a thrilling adventure out in the desert as they mount a four wheeler and attempt to conquer the dry sand dunes of the Abu Dhabi desert.

This adrenaline pumping experience is second to no other as a driver must drive along the uneven terrain of sand dunes and riverbeds, while keeping their balance without falling off the vehicle. The abundance of an uneven terrain makes it an exhilarating ride as one race towards a dune, is suspended in mid air and experiences a few precious moments of sheer exhilaration before touching down on solid ground.

Wadi Bashing is also an excellent method of experiencing the natural delights of Abu Dhabi which are untouched by civilization. If you’re lucky, you may be able to spot the famous gazelle from which the city derived its name, strikingly picturesque waterfalls and waterways as well as native tribes.

Travellers and tourists wishing to experience this hair-raising adventure should surely opt to reside in a comfortable and peaceful hotel in Abu Dhabi to round up a truly fruitful holiday. Accommodation Abu Dhabi is varied and one can surely find a fit for every budget. However, if you seek luxury and contemporary comforts, the Eastern Mangroves, Abu Dhabi will delight you with its calming waterfront view giving you the impression of being in a secluded haven even though you are in close proximity to the city.

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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Bedouin Village in Abu Dhabi

The eternal sand dunes, the scorching sun, a few meagre tents swaying to the breeze and a lone camel rider crossing the great desert in the evening light are no longer the pictures that come into one’s mind as you reflect on the Middle Eastern nations. With the revolutionary discovery of oil, the black gold that has seeped into these nations has transformed them into becoming some of the most powerful and beautiful cities in the world; and Abu Dhabi is no exception. Long gone are the simple days of the camel farmer trekking the expansive desert in search of water; the busy days of sky scrapers, state of the art shopping malls, business hubs and a never ending hum of activity are here to stay.

But not all of that ancient past is lost. The simple lives of their ancestors is the foundation of this new society in Abu Dhabi and it can be seen in the lives of the people, as well as in a small village behind the Abu Dhabi International Exhibition Centre on Mussafah Road. Built in such a way as to depict a traditional Bedouin Village this museum holds original as well as recreated artefacts relating to the pre-oil era of Abu Dhabi. Also called the ‘Heritage Village’, it is a symbol of cultural and historical importance and is ideal for those looking for an insight on the history of the region.

It is made up of elaborate replicas of buildings from the past. Mud-brick houses, mud house of the Sheik, wind towers as well as a replica of the ancient irrigation system used can be seen. Coins, garments, Holy Qurans, jewellery, weaponry and diving equipment of the past days are put on display for the public. Entrance is free and the Bedouin Village is an ideal location to experience the region’s rich history.

In the more modern day city is the Eastern Mangroves, Abu Dhabi, a plush and comfortable hotel in Abu Dhabi. This superior accommodation Abu Dhabi has t o offer lets you enjoy the very best of contemporary comforts in a truly luxurious setting.

Desert safaris in Abu Dhabi: Discover the adventures among the sand dunes

A dessert safari is indeed a must item of one’s trip to this region where one of the world’s most famous dessert offers its limitless possibilities to the adventure seeking traveller. There are so many agencies offering flexible and cost effective ways of doing a safari as to fit your budget as well as your preferences and peculiarities. There are so many ways to drive into the wildness of sand at Abu Dhabi. While a 4wheel vehicle allows you to experience the thrill of driving around aimlessly and furiously without worrying about any dangerous encounters, the camel ride holds up a tough competition as another unique experience and as the most authentic and ancient way of riding in the dessert.

There are many different kinds of Safaris including morning rides for those who fear the darkness and evening safaris and overnight safaris for those who love it. The overnight safari indeed feels like a romantic escapade as you set up camp under the moonlight, surrounded by nothingness or rather the vastness of the empty dessert. Experience a sumptuous buffet dinner with exotic Abu Dhabi dishes and complemented well by BBQ as well as Shishahh tobacco and sweet desserts. An amazing dinner like that can only be distracted by the performance of a group of belly dancers who offer this alluring item that is well known in Abu Dhabi. While the night is a time for solitude, delicious food and performances, the afternoons are for adventures. Sand bashing and sand skiing offer an exciting prospect while dune bashing can be pretty addictive as you take on what seems like roller coaster ride over the dessert.

Take refuge in an Abu Dhabi resort and rejuvenate yourself after your adventures in the outdoors. Indeed there are places like Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara which enjoys an excellent location and offers an oasis of Middle Eastern delights from many luxurious conveniences to mouth watering delicacies, fulfilling the five star class quality in every turn of its snug interiors and every morsel of its food. From among the many Abu Dhabi beach hotels, this one stands apart with an excellent reputation that just keeps growing over the years.

 

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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Top 10 Highlights in Highflying Holiday Mecca Abu Dhabi

Often described as one of the Middle East’s most intriguing holiday venues Abu Dhabi packs in a punch when it comes to engaging attractions to suit every type of traveller. Abound in natural beauty and contemporary to the core this shining city complete with a cosmopolitan populace is indeed one of the region’s must-visit destinations for tourists in search something more than a shopping spree in plush malls. Although it is impossible to discover all that Abu Dhabi offers in a mere ten attractions the following points of interest constitute the best the city has to offer for visitors dropping in for too short a stay.

For culture buffs there’s no finer highlight than the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque which is a national landmark of monumental proportions. Glittering above the city with its pure white and gold minarets this historic mosque sprawled across an expansive area was the brainchild of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the U.A.E’s first head of state. Architecture enthusiasts will enjoy a trip to the Emirates Palace, one of the country’s premier hospitality and corporate function venues which closely resembles an ancient palatial complex. The royal palace of Qaser al-Hosn is the former residence of the Al Nahayan monarchy and includes an impressive ancient fortress built as far back as 1761. Calligraphy, carved entrances and a series of breathtaking royal chambers also adorn the venue which is famed for its reliefs and mashrabiya windows.

Sports fans on the other hand must head down to Ferrari World on Yas Island. As the first theme park of its kind the breathtaking leisure hub is a fitting tribute to the innovative vehicle manufacturer and its multifaceted achievements over the years. The Yas Marina Circuit is another highlight as the stunning Formula One track has hosted five world title championships and is the city’s premier locale for go-carting, drag racing and other F1 experiences one can only enjoy at this unique venue.

The country’s past and traditional culture are explored at the equally mesmerizing Abu Dhabi Heritage Village where the Bedouin lifestyle is explored with conventional tents, cooking utensils as well as art and crafts items in the form of pottery, metal ware and weaved products manufactured the traditional way.
Art fanatics must spend a day at the Manarat Al Saadiyat where contemporary art and globally renowned cultural showcases take centre stage every year. A state-of-the-art artistic space its chief highlight is the Saadiyat Story which is also a permanent display at the locale. The Emirates National Auto Museum in contrast houses the impressive vehicle compilation of H.H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan which ranges from classic Mercedes Benzes to camper vans.

The Abu Dhabi Corniche is a leisure hub for bikers and walkers as the seaside boulevard is littered with lush gardens and other recreational facilities. Shoppers will relish a retail spree at the Abu Dhabi Souks whew one can purchase anything and everything in an alfresco environment divided in to traditional style souks.

Travellers in search of luxury hotels in Abu Dhabi should look no further than the Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas for their accommodation needs. Managing a collection of luxury hotel resorts all across the country and the region this established hospitality group pulls out all the stops when it comes to five star vacations in the desert.

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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