Tag: Abu Dhabi

Mountain Biking in Abu Dhabi

The raw masculinity emulated by the rugged terrains of Abu Dhabi makes this the perfect spot for the real rush of adventure. The endless desert vistas adorned with an occasional camel or sheep farm is among all activities perfect for mountain biking. As you ride through rough conditions you can experience not just an authentic dose of unspoiled adventure but you also have an opportunity to enjoy a glimpse of the nomadic version of the Emirati lifestyle. So get yourself a hardy mountain bike and soar through the endless jagged plains of the capital city of the UAE.

Mountain Biking in the UAE is so popular that it is one of the many activities offered in Abu Dhabi’s annual adventure challenge. Despite being a must do activity in the city, packages are not readily available and even maps for this purpose is scarce. If you want to mountain bike for a personal rush of adventure, hire or purchase a bike and all the necessary accessories to go with it. Here there are no maps so you will have to learn to make use of the GPS to find your way around. The Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is one of the many luxury hotels Abu Dhabi has that provides ample information with this regard. It really helps to have information readily at hand to plan your perfect mountain biking adventure.

Although many head over to the Al Hajar Mountain Range for off road adventure, it is not necessarily the best spot for Mountain biking. Nirvana for the mountain biker is the terrain that lies between the desert sand and the high mountains as it provides the perfect fast flowing single track with infrequent rocky steps and the real challenging climbs, all with a firm base which provides the much needed grip for those knobbly tires. The way down from the hills offers the euphoric experience that makes you want to stick your legs to the side and ‘wheee’ in delight.; the whole package is real adventure packed with plenty of fun.

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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Liwa Tour, a Desert Experience

The golden dunes of the desert are one of the most renowned treasures of Abu Dhabi. In fact, a holiday to the Middle east is never really complete without basking in the beautiful desert vista that opens doors to authentic Arabia; a landscape largely replaced by towering skyscrapers and modern infrastructure. In Abu Dhabi however, a large portion of its desert is well preserved for its many ardent explorers. In here you find massive rolling dunes, plenty of camels and all the fun and adventure that come with them both. Indulge in a Liwa tour and enjoy the most unparalleled desert experience ever.

On the vast expanses of the Liwa Desert located on the largest chunk of empty land in all of Arabia, tours are provided with all the exciting components of a desert experience. Beginning with wild adrenaline pumping adventures such as Dune bashing and Dune rolling you will get to unravel all the unimaginable fun tucked in this huge pile of sand. The tour then lets you to thoroughly experience the treasures of Arabia; the camel. You will get to ride atop its back, drink its milk and spend some time in their unique Company. Then you shall explore; the Saddle rocks, ancient fossil rocks and the camel rocks are all exciting places to discover. As night dawns upon the desert enjoy the company of countless twinkling starts as you relish Arabian delicacies with a smoke of Sheesha while belly dancing beauties provide plentiful entertainment. After a long thoroughly entertaining day in the desert the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara will be waiting for you to come home to. Being one of the finest luxury hotels Abu Dhabi has, you are sure to be pampered here in the perfect Emirati style.

The best part about the Liwa tour is that it can be tailor made according to the time you have in hand. Some packages are for day lovers and others for the night lovers and if you are keen on spending the night camping in the desert, that too can be arranged as well.

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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Explore Breathtaking Abu Dhabi on an Engaging Horse Ride across the Desert

Visitors in search of a stylish hotel in Abu Dhabi should look no further than the elegant Eastern Mangroves Resort & Spa. Offering guests a scenic desert hideaway with its very own spa facility this luxurious rest is perfect for holidaymakers as well as business travellers.

As a former fishing hamlet that has blossomed in to one of the Emirates’ thriving crown jewels Abu Dhabi is an island that is in touch with its roots as well as its modern day successes. Frequented by globetrotters from around the world the intriguing desert landscapes of this island holiday Mecca is what sets it apart from other nations bordering the Persian Gulf. Although dune bashing, mountain biking and camel rides are the hot pick activities among seasoned visitors to the Islamic nation, the venue also enjoys a reputation as an equestrian hub in the region with its fair share of facilities where one can saddle up.
The most popular riding establishments in Abu Dhabi include the Al Ain Equestrian Shooting & Golf Club, The Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, the Dhabian Equestrian Club and the Al Forsan International Sports Resort while a number of resorts and five star hotels in the island also offer horse riding excursions in some of Abu Dhabi’s most exotic terrains. Desert riding expeditions are the most popular tour packages among tourists as the excursions offer visitors a different vantage point from which to discover Abu Dhabi and its natural beauty.

Morning and evening horse riding excursions are available to those who wish to take in the sights and sounds of the vast desert terrains that dot the city. Setting off with a guide who will keep visitors informed on the geographical and cultural significance of the landscapes on the tour route riders can combine the joy of horse riding and a desert adventure in to one all encompassing tour package. Relaxing as well as invigorating a horse ride across the desert is a once in a lifetime experience that is not just reserved for riders with some level of riding time under their belt but for novices and curious corporate travellers eager to make the most of their free time in Abu Dhabi.

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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Enjoy Deep Sea Fishing Expeditions in Desert Angling Hub Abu Dhabi

Travellers on the lookout for Abu Dhabi beach hotels will find no finer alternative to the Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara. Ideally located in a scenic landscape this verdant oasis with its own spa is suitable for both business travellers as well as holidaymakers.

Although one might regard Abu Dhabi as an unlikely fishing hub in the Emirates this bustling metropolis in the desert offers angling enthusiasts a plethora of engaging attractions. The main contributing factor to its success as a deep sea fishing heartland is due to its advantageous location on the fringes of the Persian Gulf with the ocean within close driving distance from nearly every corner of the island. As a land that is bound to the ocean Abu Dhabi was once a tranquil fishing hub with angling and fishing serving as its core industry. Although the discovery of oil altered the prominence given to fishing activities the island remains one of the Emirates’ most potent fishing locations with numerous tour operators offering angling expeditions on chartered vessels.

Fishing fans heading to Abu Dhabi should be aware of the fishing regulations in the city as certain guidelines on the size and amount of fish one can catch are in place for fishing expeditions. Most tour operators and boat charters will inform tourists of the guidelines before heading off to the designated fishing areas in the ocean surrounding the island as fishing is banned in certain regions. A 7-day recreational fishing license in another important requirement fishing enthusiasts must secure setting sail. Blessed with tranquil waters with fantastic visibility fishing excursions in Abu Dhabi is a popular hobby among locals as well as expats. The best season for fishing falls between the months of November to February although official fishing season begins in October and lasts till May.

A typical deep sea fishing tour can last up to 3 hours while those who wish to engage in the activity without a guide can charter a vessel and rent fishing gear and bait from a number of vendors around the city. Some of the fish varieties up for grabs in Abu Dhabi include Sail Fish, Tuna, King Fish and Dorados while Spanish Mackerels, Wahoos, White Marlins, Giant Trevallies and Groupers are other species that occupy the deeper sea bed off the island’s coast.

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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A breath of Fresh Air

Abu Dhabi has significant mangrove forests around islands and sheltered coastal zones. While some new planting of mangrove trees were necessary to improve their condition, a great part of the 70 sq miles of mangrove forests spread along its 547 km shoreline is naturally occurring. The nutrient rich waters among the trees provide habitats for birds and nurseries for coastal fish species. Mangrove kayaking can be enjoyed at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara, an Abu Dhabi resort on Yas Island.

Leaving the city behind and taking a kayaking trip deep into the mangroves, paddling along coastal channels and among low hanging branches introduces many to a different side of the emirate. Although the mangrove forests are close to the city, it is another world out here. The predominant noises are the dip of the paddle in the water, the call of birds and the soft sounds of fish moving about in the water.

Kayakers can take advantage of specially tailored trips to experience this exceptional natural environment. A trip to navigate the Eastern and Yas Island mangroves for instance takes about one to two hours. However the experience is dependent on tides. High tide allows kayakers to move in the shallows under the mangrove canopy but as the shore is inundated there is no shore life. Low tide allows access to the bigger channels and little or no access to the mangrove forest. However paddlers can observe life on the exposed shore. Avid birders will find both expeditions fascinating. There is also a moonlight option but this is understandably only for expert kayakers. Taking an eco mangrove tour is a great way to learn about the mangrove ecosystem and its wildlife. Experienced kayakers can take a three hour trip to Abu Dhabi Island and lunch on shore or circumnavigate it and camp overnight. Other kayaking experiences include catch and release fishing, a paddle along the Umm Al Quwain coastline known for its marine life including black tipped reef sharks, green turtles, flamingos and storks in the summer and dolphins and dugongs during the cooler months.

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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Bird Handling

Falcons have been used as a hunting weapon by the Bedouins in Abu Dhabi’s Liwa desert region for centuries. Taking falcons out into the desert on hunting expeditions lasting several days was how rulers kept in touch with tribes at one time. Although they are not used for practical purposes anymore, falconry is now a popular sport in the Liwa desert although using them to hunt wildlife is restricted. Sporting birds are taken out into the desert each day as they have to be flown and trained daily. The main species of falcon being used for sport are the saker and the peregrine. One of popular luxury hotels Abu Dhabi, Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara offers a selection of desert based leisure activities that include falconry.

The bird’s eyes are covered with a hood during the acclimatization process to keep it calm. Out in the desert when the hoods are removed the birds soar up into the air reveling in the wide open spaces. A GPS transmitter attached to their tail feathers keep track of movements. The falcons are capable of flying at 200 miles an hour and are efficient hunters in open terrain. Training comprises of the bird’s handler whirling a feathered, baited lure until the falcon dives for it. When the bird catches the lure it receives a reward. Later the falcon is trained to dive on a live prey. This time the handler lures it away before it can get its talons into the prey, getting the bird used to not killing the prey immediately. When the sun goes down over the desert, it is time for the falcons to go back to their roost. At the end of the sporting season some falconers release the birds into the wild after embedding a micro chip for identification. The capturing and training of falcons need patience, skill and even bravery as they are dangerous raptors. They have to be trained for months before they can be used for sport.

 

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Caliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.

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Discover Desert Adventures with Engaging Activities in Sir Bani Yas Island

Travellers in search of well-positioned resorts Abu Dhabi ranks among its most conveniently located rests should look no further than the Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort, Abu Dhabi. Providing guests with a strategic base in the heart of the island this breathtaking resort is suitable for both business travellers and holidaymakers.

As the most popular island of the Desert Islands of Al Ghrabia Sir Bani Yas Island is a dream come true for desert vacationers. Although all eight islands are recreational hubs for the masses Sir Bani Yas Island offers visitors the most diversity in terms of the activities and attractions on offer.

When it comes to desert adventures there’s nothing quite like uncovering wild beasts in a vast natural landscape. Occupying more than half of the island’s landscape the Arabian Wildlife Park is a mammoth wildlife sanctuary that contains more than 10,000 animals within its confines. Roaming free majestic jungle dwellers the likes of Arabian Oryxes, leaping cheetahs, grazing gazelles and giraffes can be spotted on a four wheel drive safari adventure at Sir Bani Yas Island. Wildlife drives on 4x4s are available through variety of tour operators and resorts while other adventure activities include nature walks which explore the mangrove lagoons of the sanctuary while a Wadi walk takes thrill seekers to the rugged terrain atop the salt crested summits of the island’s mountains that occupy the heart of the island. Sand dunes, intriguing minerals, centuries-old fossils and rocky pathways are just some of the highlights of this tour.

Mountain biking is another sporting activity that is a staple among adventure enthusiasts exploring the island as the guided tours encompass wildlife encounters and spectacular scenery in a ride that will test one’s skills and nerve on rocky terrains crisscrossing the island. Kayakers can also paddle along the coastal areas of Sir Bani Yas while snorkellers can engage in an underwater adventure exploring the coral reefs and stunning marine creatures the likes of Arabic Fish and Hammour that inhabit the deep blue waters.

 

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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Nature & Wild Life Activities in Abu Dhabi

Explore the wild side of Sir Bani Yas by indulging in a 4×4 Nature and Wild Life excursion specially organized by one of the finest Abu Dhabi Beach hotels; Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara. Book a 4 hour tour and explore nature to your heart’s content. The hotel also provides its guest with learned guides who are more than happy to share all sorts of interesting information about this fascinating natural island.

The Sir Bani Yas Island is located some 100kms south west of Abu Dhabi and makes the largest natural island in the United Arab Emirates. The unparalleled scenic appeal and rich array of flora and fauna makes Sir Bani Yas extremely popular with the tourists. Infact the wild life reserve in Sir Bani Yas is the islands biggest attraction. Established in 1971, the reserve has blossomed into a successful wild life sanctuary that is today home to 1000s of large, free roaming animals and a number of rare species of plants. In addition to the wildlife reserve the park houses an interesting bird sanctuary as well, altogether occupying over half of Sir Bani Yas Island.

Some of the interesting species found in Sir Bani Yas includes the Arabian Oryx, Gazelles, Deers, giraffes and even dolphins and sea turtles. The Arabian Oryx is particularly fascinating as it is one species that has been completely extinct in the wild but in this sanctuary the world’s largest herd of Arabian Oryx can be found. The Bird sanctuary of the Park is home to a number of wild birds, some of which are even indigenous to the island.

Like everything else in the Emirates the park goes all out in ensuring its guests have an excellent time here. Nature is showcased in this reserve through a number of interesting activities such as safaris, mountain biking, kayaking, hiking and snorkeling. The Sir Bani Yas gives you the finest experience that you could have with the Wild life of the Emirates.

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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Abu Dhabi Travelling Tips

The city of Abu Dhabi is the capital and center of governance of the United Arab Emirates. Adorned with the epitome of luxury, Abu Dhabi and its neighboring city Dubai makes perhaps the two most exciting regions in the whole of the Arabian Peninsula. Characterized by thousands of sky high buildings, unparalleled cityscapes, lush manmade gardens and opulent shopping malls, Abu Dhabi is nothing short of paradise for the luxury loving tourist. Almost every hotel in Abu Dhabi mirrors the sheer class that is synonymous to this city’s name. People come from afar to bask in this jewel studded city and the many comforts that it beholds. Perfectly located in close proximity to the many attractions in Abu Dhabi, the Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara is a popular choice for many who visit the city; be it for business or leisure purpose.

Abu Dhabi’s location on the Eastern end of the Arabian Peninsula makes it prone to dry and extremely hot weather conditions; particularly in the months between May and August. When heading out on the many excursions in Abu Dhabi particularly to the deserts or the beaches, sun screen is almost always an absolute must. On many occasions the luxury again comes to rescue Abu Dhabi from the harsh weather conditions as excellent temperature control is found in nearly every enclosed region in the city.
Although far more cosmopolitan than the rest of the Arabian nations put together, a little modesty would be appreciated in regions sensitive to culture or religion. The breathtaking Sheikh Zayed mosque is an excellent example of such a location. One of the most spectacular attractions of the city, the mosque demands its female visitors to be head covered while touring the premises of this place of worship.

Abu Dhabi is a city that enjoys its tourists and in turn tourists fall in love with this city. So hold back nothing and indulge in this city completely and bask in its luxury from dawn till dusk and even beyond.

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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Desert Activities in Abu Dhabi

The endless stretches of soft golden sands are one of UAE’s biggest attractions. People from around the globe visit these deserts to bask in their unspoiled beauty. Although deserts are made of merely dunes and dunes and more dunes there is so much to discover in these amazing dunes. Pretty much all the luxury hotels Abu Dhabi has includes touring these golden wonders as part of their available excursion packages but nothing quite tops the desert experience offered by the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara.

There is so much to do, so much to see and so much to part take in. There is something absolutely awe inspiring and intriguing about the Arabian Desert. Several of the desert activities boast rugged strength and power. Take archery for instance. In Liwa the tribesman took great pride in their hunting skills. Today in this very desert you get an opportunity to try your hand at archery. There is a number of shooting ranges which you can indulge in depending on your level of experience with archery. Another interesting fat burning activity in the deserts of Abu Dhabi is Mountain biking. The experience of biking on sand dunes is unique in all angles. If you are looking for means of exploring the deserts why not opt for a ride atop the back of a camel. These tall crooked animals give you a spectacular ride and better yet a spectacular view of your desert surroundings.

One of the most exciting and adventurous activities on the desert is dune bashing. Hire a 4×4 vehicle along with a guide and be a part of the thrilling adventure where your driver conquers the dunes in a series of sharp and exciting moves. Another bold and beautiful activity depicting the age old culture of the Emirates is the Falconry and Saluki show. The traditional sport of Falconry which was practiced for thousands of years has made this fierce bird a cultural symbol of the UAE. A live falcon and a saluki show are presented followed by exciting stories about hunting with these mighty falcons.

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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