Tag: Abu Dhabi

Welcome to Dune Bashing in Abu Dhabi

A holiday to the world famous capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi, isn’t complete until you hop in to a 4-wheel drive and steer your way through the enormous dunes that make up the desert expanse. With an abundance of high dunes and sand valleys, dune bashing is one of the Emirate’s most popular sporting activities.

For those who aren’t in the know, dune bashing is the practice of off-roading on large sand dunes. An experienced driver will drive a four-wheel vehicle straight up and over the dunes, sometimes letting the wheels leave the ground. Vehicles driven on dunes may come equipped with a roll cage in case of an overturn so don’t worry if you see one, it’s just for safety purposes. Adrenaline junkies are definitely going to enjoy the fast-paced action of these much-loved Abu Dhabi Excursions.

Due to the intense heat of the desert, dune bashing usually takes place in the early hours of the morning or late afternoon, to ensure the sand is hard enough to drive on. If you’re staying at a resort that is closely situated near the desert, like the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara for example, check if the resort can organise the dune-bashing excursion for you. It’ll be an easier, more reliable option that’ll take you straight from the comfort of your room to the dunes, minus the long drives out into the desert.

Alternatively, there are several licensed operators offering dune bashing packages that either come at a set rate or can be either tailor made to suit your needs, at a higher price of course. Most will combine dune bashing with a desert safari so once you’re done racing through over the dunes; you can sit back, relax and take in the stark beauty of the dunes and the indigenous plants that inhabit the desert.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+

Camel Riding

What is an Arabian escape without a camel back ride? The camels of Arabia are considered as an important icon of these nations. The UAE which is a hot spot for tourists are not short them! The capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi hosts thousands of tourists each year. Camels which have been a major part of the Arabian civilisation have now become part of recreational activities for tourists. Most resorts and private operators offer camel back rides. One of the renowned resorts that organise camel rides as a part of their Abu Dhabi Resort Tour is the renowned Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara.

The best time to embark on this journey would be the early hours of the day or close to sunset. Camelback rides are regarded as one of the best ways to explore the vast majority of the deserts of Abu Dhabi. The camels are often referred to as the ships of the desert, one will agree with the term once they hop on a camel back. It’s not made in reference to the speed of the motion but how the passengers sway back and forth and sideways while on a camel back. Most tourists who jump on a camel often think the lump on the camel back is the water stored, however, it is the mechanism of storing fat.

The rides can be exhausting due to the heat, hence, most stop for refreshments at camps that depict the ancient Emirati life. These rides are also an excellent way to experience the old and modern architecture of the Middle East. The packages can range from a few hours to an entire day. So if you plan on visiting Abu Dhabi make sure to include a camel back ride in your agenda.

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.

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THE EMPTY QUARTER

Middle East is one of the favourites among tourists from both ends of the world, it’s location as well as the various activities and attractions have managed to amuse tourists. The UAE is one of the far more advanced countries in the region and more popular among the tourists. Abu Dhabi has been a top pick for tourists in the recent times. There are plenty of things for tourists to do while here. What is a Middle Eastern adventure without camel rides and a luxury desert resort? Abu Dhabi has got it all!

Regarded as the world’s largest uninterrupted sand masses, Rub Al Khali translates to “quarter of emptiness ” has some of the largest sand dunes and large desert masses. Many tourists who come to Abu Dhabi make it a point to visit the Empty Quarter to get the ultimate desert experience. If you wish to spend more than a day taking in all the beauty of the desert then there are various accommodation providers in close proximity. A highly recommended option among the many available is Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara.

The Empty Quarter rose to its fame in the 1940s’ and 50s’ due to British explorer Wilfred Thesiger. The Qasr Al Sarab or Mirage Palace is straight out of a fairy tale! However for thousands of years this area was resisted by settlements due to the scorching heat and dry climate. However the fringes of the empty quarter were home to nomadic settlements.Located in the middle of the desert the palace is a must visit. To explore the endless dunes there are various safaris offered by the resorts in around the desert as well as private operators. Explore on a camel back or in a Jeep at dawn or dusk.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Self-Guided Walk in Abu Dhabi

A booming tourist destination in the Middle East is Abu Dhabi. Competing with its fellow Emirates, it still has managed to be in the forefront in terms of tourism. One of the best ways to explore and make the most of a city is to stroll around it; one’s self is the best tour guide. When considering Abu Dhabi as your next holiday destination, one of the key questions that pop up in one’s mind is accommodation during the stay. Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara is an excellent choice to stay while here as this beach resort Abu Dhabi is located on the famous Sir Bani Yas Island the hotel is nothing but a symbol of luxury, offering many indoor as well outdoor activities to complete the exotic vacation.
A self-guided walk in Abu Dhabi should be able to cover most of the important landmarks in the city. One of the places to make a stop would be the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, an iconic landmark that has 82 impressive white domes.

Bainunah Roundabout Fountain is one of the other pit-stops worth making, located on the Bainunah Roundabout by the Zalamat Garden the fountain is considered both breathtaking and miraculous and perfectly complements the surrounding.

Abu Dhabi Corniche is yet another exciting place to explore on a walking tour. The 6-kilometer-long road is a not to miss when visiting Abu Dhabi. This is considered to be the border of the city and has many gardens along the way.
There are many other interesting landmarks and attractions in this beautiful Middle Eastern City for you to explore.

Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world.
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Nature and Wildlife Walks in Abu Dhabi

In the 21st century, the Middle East is known well for its abundant and thriving oil industry, which has contributed to the development of the region in the last fifty years. One country that has benefited greatly from this discovery is the United Arab Emirates. Located in the Middle Eastern region, the United Arab Emirates is composed of seven Emirates, namely, Umm al-Quwain, Fujairah, Sharjah, Ras al-Khaimah, Ajman, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Given the present perception of the Middle East, many would be surprised to know that the emirate of Abu Dhabi was a haven for wildlife prior to its rapid development due to the discovery of oil in the mid-twentieth century. This natural heritage is evident in the name Abu Dhabi as well, which literally means ‘Father of the Gazelle’, as well as Sir Bani Yas Island which is a reputed wildlife reserve in the United Arab Emirates.

Hotels in Sir Bani Yas Island are scarce with given the status of the island as a bird sanctuary in addition to a wildlife reserve. Therefore, for tourists who wish to reside on the island itself, Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort, Abu Dhabi can be recommended.

The emphasis placed on preserving and conserving wildlife in the emirate extends to initiatives outside the United Arab Emirates as well and the emirate has, on multiple occasions, organised events to raise awareness or protest against certain global initiatives in the form of wildlife walks. One such wildlife walk took place in March 2014 at the Abu Dhabi Wildlife Centre to raise awareness about Canned Hunting, a practice predominantly in South Africa where lions are bred for the industry and hunters are given the opportunity to shoot them in closed enclosures, and to protest the practice.

Abu Dhabi places great importance on such initiatives and encourages tourists to visit their wildlife reserves in the least disruptive manner possible as well.

Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world.

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Rare opportunity to experience desert on a personal level Abu Dhabi

The mention of a Middle Eastern country brings into mind endless sand dunes and deserts, camels and infrastructure that is majestic. Abu Dhabi is among the popular tourists destinations in the Middle East. Abu Dhabi excursions include exploring its vast deserts that have so much to offer in terms of adventure. If you base yourself at a place such as Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara you can enjoy such experiences amidst Arabian luxury.

There are various tour operators offering various types of desert safaris. They are all different from one another and some can even be tailor made according to individual requirements. Abu Dhabi desert safaris attract both tourists and locals alike. One can choose to travel and explore the desert on camel back or opt for dune driving or wadi bashing.

For those who prefer to be up and active with the rising of the sun, there are morning packages offered. Most packages take a minimum of four hours, which includes dune bashing, sand skiing and camel rides. Options are also available for meals and relaxation in the campsites in the respective deserts.

The evening desert safaris are much cooler in terms of temperature and offer great memories to take back with you be it of star studded skies or spectacular sunsets. This again will take around four to six hours. Most people prefer to pick packages that include dinner and perhaps others perks such as belly dancing , smoking a shisha and just relaxing in the tents of the campsite.

The desert safaris are also an excellent way to learn more about the landscape as well as some of the rare flora and fauna found within these deserts. A trip to the UAE would not be complete without experiencing its deserts.

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.

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Excursions in Sir Bani Yas Islands, Abu Dhabi

Sir Bani Yas Islands are located off the South Western Coast of Abu Dhabi and is the largest natural island in Abu Dhabi. It was once Arabia’s largest Wild life reserve. However now due to the extensive conservation work the island is now home to thousands of free roaming animals. The island has surely been quite the popular destination among tourist as well , Hotels in Sir Bani Yas Islands are very much sought after by the tourist. One that has been highly accredited by tourist is the Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort , Abu Dhabi, the resort is a perfect place to get an up close and personal experience with the wild life and at the same time soak in the Arabian sun.

There are huge variety of wild life in the islands including Arabian Oryx , Giraffes , Sea Turtles , Dolphins , deer and Somali Ostrich among many others. There are also well over one hundred species of birds to be found on the island which are endemic to the region. The species of mammals in the island are over thirty and is home to the endangered Arabian Oryx, there are about four hundred of them roaming freely in the island. In this island one could find some of the scavengers such as Sudan Cheetah and Striped hyena. There are other species of animals to be found here such as the Mount Gazelle and the Sand Gazelle.

There are a wide range of activities to do while in the islands such as do safaris to explore the wild life, there are also protected areas for snorkeling and kayaking. The islands wild life is so diverse and it is best to engage on guided tours to make the most of it.

The island also tries to be as sustainable as possible to protect this home of the various species.

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.

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Yas Marina Circuit

Home to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix , Yas Marina circuit is located in Yas Marina island approximately a half an hour drive from the city , the circuit was declared a Formula One Track and opened its doors in 2009. The twenty one corner tracks winds through the island.

Having a world famous circuit , the accommodation options around the area are quite impressive. Villas in Abu Dhabi are a popular option among holiday makers. Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort , has managed to be a popular option among tourist. The villas have been specially designed to go hand in hand with the delicate ecosystem of the island. The villas are perfect place to bask in the sun and enjoy the views at the comfort of these beautifully designed villas.

Having a capacity of 50000 the circuit has five grand stands , the circuit is the second formula one circuit in the middle east with the major events held at the tracks being the FIA formula One , Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, GT1 world, Gulf 12 hours. The circuit is complete with a media centre a team building and most of all the highlight is the Ferari world theme park.

Having a Grand Prix track of 5.5 km the fastest on this track has been Sebastian Vettel in 2009.

There are many activities for visitors to engage in around the tracks. The Yas beach is a perfect place to unwind and relax on its sandy shores. Also the Yas water world is perfect for the entire family to engage in fun activities and a visit to Ferrari world is a must visit as it is the home to the world’s fastest roller coaster. Another architectural marvel in the area is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center.

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+

Sheikh Khalifa Park in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is a bustling, modern city with broad boulevards, gleaming skyscrapers, high-rise apartment buildings and busy shopping malls. This wealthy city still has its fascinating culture and provides fantastic opportunities for residents and tourists alike. Abu Dhabi is surrounded by several major islands with multi-billion dollar resorts, playgrounds for wealthy locals and holiday makers sampling a bit of the 5-star lifestyle that the Emirates have become famous for. The Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is among the best of the luxury hotels in Abu Dhabi. This luxury Resort is located in the legendary Rub’Al Khali, the largest uninterrupted sand desert in the world, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara embraces the epic adventures of this evocative landscape by providing a luxury oasis for discerning traveler. This resort offers many activities such as camel trekking, fat biking and the best Abu Dhabi Desert Tour for their guests.

The Sheikh Khalifa Park in Abu Dhabi is the best place in Abu Dhabi for relaxation, fun and entertainment. Located in Al Matar, behind the old airport of Abu Dhabi, this major landmark is one of the city’s larger parks. The design derived from Islamic and Arabic architecture park has lot on offer to all types of visitors. Visually, the park boasts of a beautifully landscaped grand avenue, fountains, lakes and waterfalls. The park offers an exciting range of things to do for children including a time tunnel ride, miniature railway, women & children’s garden and Murjan Splash Park. Tours can be carried out via train or by foot, whichever is more convenient. Khalifa Park was a gift for the people of Abu Dhabi from UAE ruler Sheikh Khalifa. The Khalifa Park is a park for all people to visit and enjoy.

Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world. Google+

4×4 Jeep Safari Adventure in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates, and is one of the world’s most developed cities. Located on an island on the Persian Gulf, the city of Abu Dhabi is a global hub of commerce and finance. The city is also a thriving tourist destination, and is home to an array of attractions such as Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the Emirates Palace, Ferrari World, and the Etihad Towers. One of the most recommendable luxury resorts in Abu Dhabi is Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort, Abu Dhabi.

One of the best ways to explore the uninhabited parts of Abu Dhabi is via a 4×4 Jeep safari. Owing to the rugged terrain of the desert and arid zones of Abu Dhabi, a 4×4 vehicle is the ideal way to cover to ground while traveling comfortably. There are many great sights you can witness is these areas of Abu Dhabi, and the experience is sure to be truly memorable.

The most popular type of 4×4 Jeep safari adventure is touring through the Arabian Desert. Here, not only will you get to observe the truly mesmerizing sights of the desert, but you will be able to witness the true power of a 4×4 jeep as it ploughs through the soft and silky sands and dunes. You may even come across herds of camels crossing the desert, a sight which is quite fascinating. However, desert safaris are not the only type of 4×4 jeep adventure offered by Abu Dhabi, as the many islands around Abu Dhabi, such as Sir Bani Yas, also offer great terrains and sights to be experience through 4×4 safari adventures. The Sir Bani Yas island experience, in particular, is known to be truly remarkable as it offers visitors a chance to witness the savannahs of these desert islands, and observe creatures such as Oryxes, gazelle, camels and many more. Look out for value-for-money 4×4 safari packages offered by tour and adventure centers.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.

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