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As winter weaves its gentle touch over Abu Dhabi from December to mid-March, the city transforms into a captivating playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Blessed with comfortable temperatures, occasional rainfall, and an inviting average daytime temperature of 25℃, this season beckons visitors to explore the extraordinary landscapes of beaches, deserts, and mountains.
It’s a time when the emirate comes alive with possibilities for outdoor exploration. Whether you seek the thrill of watersports, the excitement of dune bashing, or camel riding, the winter season unfolds as the perfect canvas for indulging in these exhilarating activities with over eight hours of sunlight each day. Join us as we unveil the myriad unique outdoor adventures as Abu Dhabi invites you to experience outdoor adventures like never before.
1. Chill at Saadiyat Beach Club
Escape the winter chill of home and immerse yourself in the perpetual sunshine of Abu Dhabi’s year-round beach haven. Picture sun-kissed shores, gently swaying palm trees, and crystalline waters inviting you to unwind. Saadiyat Beach Club, previously the Saadiyat Public Beach invites you to surrender to the allure of coastal luxury, where every moment is a celebration of the sun, sea, and sheer relaxation. This turquoise haven offers sun loungers, changing rooms, and showers for an indulgent beach experience. While outside food isn’t allowed, savour the convenience of ‘sun-lounger service’, delivering drinks to your spot, complemented by a nearby food truck serving a tempting array from tacos to burgers.
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2. Enjoy Water Sports Under The Winter Sun
Immerse yourself in the thrill of water sports under the winter sun in Abu Dhabi, where the iconic mangrove forest stands as one of the UAE’s most beloved kayaking destinations. Discover the dramatic scenery and rich wildlife, captivating animal enthusiasts and avid photographers alike. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, navigate the fast-flowing water channels of Jebel Hafit, providing an exhilarating kayaking experience. Dive enthusiasts can indulge their passion in Abu Dhabi’s archipelago, home to numerous islands offering accessible and captivating dive sites, from wrecks and deep-water adventures to vibrant reef explorations. The coastal area near Corniche Beach invites you to enjoy windsurfing, kayaking, water-skiing, wakeboarding, and more, ensuring a thrilling aquatic adventure during the winter months.
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3. Discover The Great Wild Outdoors
Explore the vast wilderness at Al Ain Safari and get up close to desert wildlife against the striking backdrop of Jebel Hafit, Abu Dhabi’s tallest peak. Situated about one and a half hours from the capital city, this expansive 217-hectare park boasts one of the world’s largest man-made African safaris, showcasing a diverse array of African animals and approximately 2,500 plants. Immerse yourself in this natural journey, encountering African lions, white rhinos, ostriches, zebras, and more. Concluding with an enchanting “Dinner With the Lions,” relish a sumptuous meal on the edge of the park’s lion territory. Additionally, explore Abu Dhabi’s Arabian Wildlife Park, a captivating natural haven on Sir Bani Yas Island, home to over 17,000 free-roaming animals, making it an ideal escape for families, couples, and solo travellers alike.
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4. Discover The Natural Beauty of Al Wathba
Immerse yourself in the serenity of nature by renting an RV or pitching a tent at the Lake Camp of Al Wathba. Established as Abu Dhabi’s first legally protected area by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve has transformed from a coastal salt flat into a thriving ecosystem with natural and man-made lakes. Recognized on the IUCN Green List, it also features the scenic Al Wathba Cycle Track, known for its role in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The reserve, abundant with over 250 bird species, including a large population of Greater Flamingos, offers self-guided walking trails and a bird-watching hide, providing a perfect setting for families and nature enthusiasts to reconnect with the environment and witness rare wildlife in this peaceful retreat.
5. Catch a Falcon and Saluki Show
Witness the captivating Falcon and Saluki show, a showcase of their desert hunting skills and prowess, generally held twice daily. This cultural spectacle offers a unique opportunity to delve into the traditions of traditional Saluki (hunting dogs) hunting and the ancient art of falconry, practices with a history spanning thousands of years in the UAE. Marvel at the skills of four falcons gracefully navigating through their paces, elegantly ‘swooping’ for tempting prey. The show features a Saluki couple, Reesha (meaning feather) and Raddad (meaning defender), engaging in a thrilling race for victory. Gain insights into the rich cultural heritage as these majestic birds demonstrate their deep connection to the desert and the enduring traditions that have shaped the region for millennia.
6. Try Glamping at Bab Al Nojoum
At Bab Al Nojoum, nestled in the Hudayriyat Leisure and Entertainment District, you can get a unique blend of camping comforts and glamping luxury. This beachside destination features stylish tents, an outdoor cinema, bonfire gatherings, horse riding and exciting watersports. Bab Al Nojoum presents an array of accommodation options, including eco-friendly duplex and chalet tents with private plunge pools, equipped with mini-kitchens, bathrooms, comfortable beds, air-conditioning, and WiFi. For a distinctive camping adventure, choose one of the three vintage vans complete with kitchenettes, cosy beds, and modern amenities. The rustic beachside camping area provides 17 plots with canvas tents, beach showers, communal bathrooms, 24-hour guest service, and complimentary parking. Immerse yourself in seaside opulence at Bab Al Nojoum, promising an unforgettable winter glamping escape in the heart of Hudayriyat Mar Vista.
7. Tee Off By The Ocean at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
Start your winter day with a scenic round of golf at the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, where the tranquil beauty of the ocean enhances the golfing experience. Picture the calming sight of the brochure-blue sea, close your eyes, inhale deeply, and then take your best shot amidst the winter serenity. Designed by professional golfer Gary Player to accommodate players of all levels, the course spans from 5,290 to an impressive 7,784 yards for pros. Experience the seamless integration of the course with the winter charm of Saadiyat Island’s white-sand beaches, making this golfing venture exceptionally inviting during the winter months. As you play, relish the eco-conscious ambiance, keeping an eye out for the diverse winter bird species, native plants, and occasional dolphins along the Arabian Gulf coast.
8. Hike, Bike or Camp Under The Stars at the Jebel Hafit Desert Park
Pack a sense of adventure and discover the allure of the UAE’s first World Heritage Site at Jebel Hafit Desert Park, nestled in the heart of Al Ain, Abu Dhabi’s lush garden city, just an hour and a half away from the capital. Extending along a nine-kilometre stretch at the base of Jebel Hafit mountain, Abu Dhabi’s highest peak, this one-of-a-kind park invites visitors to immerse themselves in a family-friendly haven. Whether hiking, mountain biking, or exploring on horseback or camel, the park unveils majestic natural landscapes and rich history. Delve into archaeological wonders dating back 8,000 years to remnants of the Neolithic period and the iconic 5,000-year-old Jebel Hafit Tombs, excavated in 1959 at the request of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates. Camp under the stars and let the enchanting stories of ancient habitation unfold in this unique and captivating desert sanctuary.
9. No Better Time To Go Dune Bashing
Navigate the tight curves and sharp drops of the towering dunes effortlessly during an epic dune bashing session. With expansive dunes and impressive sand valleys, Abu Dhabi’s desertscape becomes a playground for adventure enthusiasts seeking an adrenaline rush. Opt for dune bashing outside the Liwa Oasis in Al Dhafra, Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter) or explore the beautiful dunes in the Al Khaznah area, situated between Abu Dhabi and the lush garden city of Al Ain. Enhance your desert escapade with a half-day or overnight stay at the Arabian Nights Village, which includes an exhilarating dune-bashing experience.
These dune-bashing adventures often encompass camel rides, sandboarding, henna painting, trying on traditional clothing, and captivating shows featuring falcons and sometimes Saluki (desert hunting dogs), along with mesmerising belly-dancing performances.