BEHIND THE SCENES AT YAS MARINA CIRCUIT

Visitors in search of a luxury resort in Abu Dhabi close to the Yas Marina Circuit will fine no finer alternative to the Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara. In addition to providing a strategic location on the island the venue also offers spa facilities and a host of in-house recreational options as well.

Tipped to be Abu Dhabi’s most popular racing attraction the Yas Marina Circuit is no ordinary Grand Prix track on Yas Island. As the UAE’s iconic Formula One racing hub the purpose built track is a state-of-the-art feat in engineering. Offering visitors and racing enthusiasts a variety of driving and passenger experience on board classic Formula One vehicles the venue which hosted the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2009 now provides visitors with an in-depth look into the circuit’s groundbreaking attributes on a behind the scenes tour that delves in to what it takes to run and maintain one of the globe’s most advanced motor racing tracks.

A must-experience highlight for true blue racing fanatics with Grand Prix dreams the no holds-bar tour is a Yas Venue Tour that takes a peek at the inner workings of the one of the most technically futuristic racing circuits on the planet. Open to children as well as adults the engaging tour takes visitors behind closed doors and offers unparalleled access to the underbelly of the Yas Marina Circuit and the daily practices required to maintain this 161.9 hectare mammoth race track designed by none other than Hermann Tilke. Boasting the capacity to host 50,000 spectators the iconic motor sports venue is also a premier luxury experience hub with a recreational focus. Visitors will get to experience the efficiency and diligence required to run a multi-faceted attraction that is among the most visited tourist hotspots in Abu Dhabi. Visitors can take part in the two hour long behind the scenes tour at Yas Marina Circuit from 10am to 12pm and then again from 2pm to 4pm from Tuesday through to Saturday

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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Drive Jebel Hafeet in Abu Dhabi

Enjoying the distinction of being the capital and one of the largest cities of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is a city which has made leaps and bounds in the past century. Following its rapid development and the administration’s integration of numerous parks and landscaping endeavours, the city is now lush with greenery creating a pleasant contrast from its formerly desert like surroundings making it a wonderful place to visit. When visiting the United Arab Emirates, a number of places such as Sir Bani Yas Island, Jebel Hafeet and the springs of Al Ain merit a visit. For those who wish to reside close to a wildlife reserve, Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort, Abu Dhabi, is one of the best options available due to its location. This Sir Bani Yas Island Resort is sufficiently isolated but provides its guests the option of meandering to mainland and visiting attractions such as Jebel Hafeet which is located close to the city of Al Ain, on the border of the United Arab Emirates.

While being the most well known mountain in the UAE, it is not the highest. However, the access road named the Jabal Hafeet Mountain Road makes for a brilliant drive and is unsurprisingly the destination for road cycling competitions. From the peak of Jebel Hafeet the view is tremendously awe-inspiring as the desert extends miles and miles into every direction. However, an unlikely attraction has sprung up at the foot of the mountain named Green Mubazarrah which is a lake surrounded by a significant amount of lush greenery due to hot water springs.

Known as one of the best driving roads in the world, driving up the Hafeet Mountain Road is an experience many motor enthusiasts would cherish and enjoy and is definitely an activity that should be experienced when 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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A Kids & Family Destination: Emirates Park Zoo

If you want to feel the beguiling wildlife and nature while exploring the truly contemporary and exciting United Arab Emirates, then the Emirates Park Zoo is the place to be. Established in 2008, it is the first private zoo in the UAE. Full of fun, adventure and amazing wildlife, the Emirates Park Zoo is one of the UAE’s most visited and must visit attractions.

The Emirates Park Zoo is a place for the entire family. It offers fantastic opportunities for both children and adults to safely interact with the animals and be engrossed in the extraordinary adventure of a unique menagerie located in the heart of the Middle East. A great way to explore this exceptional zoo is to stay at any of the world class 5 Star Hotels in Abu Dhabi such as the eco-friendly Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort, Abu Dhabi.

The Emirates Park Zoo is divided into different areas, one of which is the colorful Bird Park. With more than 450 birds, the bird park is home to 48 different species. The rare Crown Crested Pigeon can be seen here. The Flamingo Park is truly fascinating. Here you can spot 7 different varieties of Flamingos including the Grey crowned crane, Black-headed ibis, Lesser Flamingo and White-naped crane. Featuring 69 different types, the Ocean Park is one of the zoo’s most loved attractions. It is home to the rare Gem Tang and the Black tip shark from Indonesia. The reptile park has more than 30 different species with the Johnston’s Chameleons being its highlight. The Wild Life park features the fierce yet elegant white tiger, Lions, Asian Elephants, Cheetahs, leopards as well as Siberian tigers. See what the monkeys do at the Primate section which is loved by both adults and children. Meet the animals, interact with them like never before at the distinctive Emirates Park Zoo.

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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Saadiyat Beach Golf Club; Tee off surrounded by the idyllic Arabian Gulf

The Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, in Abu Dhabi, is the Arabian Gulf’s first beachfront golf course. With its course designed by Gary Player, it is known to be ‘one of the world’s most captivating golfing projects’. Away from the hustle and bustle of the busy metropolis of Abu Dhabi, the golf course uses the natural beauty of the area of Saadiyat, and the spectacular view of the Arabian Gulf’s blue waters and white sandy beaches. In the vicinity of the golf club, there are a number of luxury hotels ; Abu Dhabi is known for its decadence and class and for a truly authentic experience, the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is recommended.

The golf course is designed with very strict eco-guidelines, and as a result the gold course boasts an array of native grass, and even a local turtle habitat. The Gulf along this beach is so well preserved there is even a chance to spot dolphins in and around the area. However because of the eco-guidelines don’t be fooled into thinking luxury has been sacrificed. With 3 salt water lakes, beach and sand dunes, even the bravest golfers will find a challenge on this Par 72 The total yardage starts at 5,290 however it can be extended up to 7,784 yards for professionals, or those looking for a challenge.

With world class amenities, a golf academy, practice facilities and breath-taking views, this golf course will definitely leave an impression and have you coming back for more. Take some time off to relax and socialize at the clubhouse with its premier restaurant, hawksbill. The Saadiyat Beach Golf Club has a ‘Member for a Day’ experience, visitors can pay for a daily use of the facilities as oppose to forking out hefty membership fees and such.

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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Deep Sea Fishing in Abu Dhabi

The strategic location along the coast of Persian Gulf permits Abu-Dhabi to offer its visitors with an extraordinary fishing experience. Being an island, the fishing enthusiasts can revel in the pleasure of fishing in the deep waters to catch some big fish. Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara set in the beautiful ambience of Sri Bani Yas Island is one of a kind with limitless options among Abu Dhabi beach hotels for an ideal fishing vacation.

The bristling sun and the ever-existing salty breeze is the aroma that all fishing and non-fishing enthusiasts can enjoy while catching open-ocean fish species like king fish, sail fish, tuna, dorado and queen fish just off the shore of Abu-Dhabi. However, venture out to the deep seas with your fishing gear to catch some big game fish such as blue and white marlin, wahoo, shari, cobia, giant trevally, spanish mackerel and grouper fish.

Fishing in Abu-Dhabi doesn’t disappoint you throughout the year. Yet, the official season is from October to May and the anglers along with fishing experts claim that November to February is the best time to fish. Thus, delight yourselves with a fishing excursion guided by a local fishing expert in order to add a local touch to your experience as well as to find the best fishing spots!

Moreover, the fishing experience in these seas is colourised by varied coastal sceneries. It is assured that the landscape that you would mesmerise you with its charm and wilderness. Likewise, do not forget to admire the sun dipping below the horizon in early evenings on your fishing excursion!

Sport fishing in the deep waters of Abu-Dhabi provides ideal conditions for all anglers, regardless of skill, experience or the kind of challenges sought. You can chose to throw back the fish you catch or take it out to your hotel to make your meal! However, be aware of the fishing regulations in Abu-Dhabi before venturing out on a fishing trip and May the adventure of game fishing entice you!

Beach Reef Snorkelling in Abu Dhabi

The warm waters of the Persian Gulf coast are ideal for enjoying a spot fun in the sun with reef snorkelling in Abu Dhabi. Reef snorkelling is a wonderful way to enjoy the colourful marine-life that thrive in these waters and is offered at many 5 star hotels in Abu Dhabi. Those seeking luxury comforts in rustic settings should check out the Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort, Abu Dhabi.

Located right on the beach of Sir Bani Yas Desert Island the hotel is surrounded by the rugged beauty and wildlife of the desert hinterlands. Inspired by Arabic fishing villages the resorts eco-friendly design takes you back to Bedouin times amidst modern luxuries. Enjoy a stay at any one of the well-appointed one bedroom villas, one bedroom pool villas or two bedroom Anantara Pool villas. Reef snorkelling is one of the fascinating and popular leisure activities one can enjoy here.

Abu Dhabi is well known for its warm waters boasting temperatures of 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to very low tide movements the visibility levels of Abu Dhabi’s seas span a depth of 15 to 30 feet making snorkelling a favourite pastime.

The colourful coral reefs that thrive in the warm waters are home to many species of marine life. Expect to spot the famous Hammour, sailfish, seahorses, eels and sea-anemones. A lucky few have spotted dugong and manatees.

The endangered Hawksbill Turtle too is native to these waters while exploring a shipwreck from Discovery Island or touring other desert islands are additional bonuses to be enjoyed.

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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Touring an Arabian Wildlife Park

The Sir Bani Yas Island is the largest island that belongs to the Emirate Abu Dhabi. It is a treasure-trove of wonders that boasts entertainment at its finest along with an array of natural attractions. In addition to the blissful white sanded beaches that border this island, the Sir Bani Yas is home to the Arabian Wildlife Park, the largest park of its kind in the country.

Occupying over half of the Sir Bani Yas Island, the wild life park is a must do for all those visiting the island. Authentic Arabia complete with the wild life is brought to life at the Sir Bani Yas Wildlife Park as it is home to a number of animals indigenous to the Arabian Peninsula. The endangered Arabian Oryx, the Sand Gazelle and Mountain Gazelle are among the Arabian treats available at the park. As the park boasts an authentic wild life setting the many inhabitants of the sanctuary are free to roam about here and even successfully multiply in numbers. If you are staying at the Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort, Abu Dhabi, you can get the hotel to organize a perfect wildlife excursion just for you. These resorts Abu Dhabi has goes one step further in ensuring guests have a holistic tour in their holiday destination.

Over 10,000 animals call the Arabian Wild Park their home and these include a number of hyenas and cheetahs as well adding a touch of excitement to your wildlife excursion. Apart from the wildlife, the park offers a series of fun and adventures activities such as, nature trails, mountain biking and exclusive outdoor dining experiences that enable visitors to maximally enjoy the wild side of Sir Bani Yas. Although the Arabian Wildlife Park is all fun and entertainment on the outside, it is in its essence created to conserve the true treasures of Arabia.

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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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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