What are the most unique day trips from Abu Dhabi?

From the ability to learn the ways of the Bedouins to sailing on the waters of the Arabian Gulf, the emirate of Abu Dhabi presents a host of opportunities to schedule exciting day trips. Make the most of your time in the UAE’s capital city by picking and choosing from the excursions penned down below.

Venture towards the garden city of Al Ain

Surround yourself in the appeal of Al Ain which is Abu Dhabi’s garden city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site of unimaginable wonder. As the 4th largest city in the whole of the UAE, Al Ain sure does pull out all the stops when it comes to offering visitors with ample space in which to roam about. Ranked as one of the oldest inhabited settlements in the world, Al Ain is an inland oasis city that features verdant environs and fortified structures that date back centuries. Worthy of a visit will be Qasr Al Muwaiji Fort which serves as the birthplace of the late His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan who was the ruler of Abu Dhabi from November 2004 to May 2022.

Capture Abu Dhabi from the Arabian Gulf

Regardless of whether you choose a luxurious yacht or a traditional dhow boat, you are bound to have the time of your life sailing on the waters of the glorious Arabian Gulf. Set off from Zayed Port which is in the heart of the city and no sooner you hit the waters, vistas of Abu Dhabi’s gleaming commercial constructions will fall into focus. In fact, if you see yourself in the shoes of a skilled angler, then consider scheduling a trip during the months of November to March where you will be well positioned to join friendly locals in a deep-sea fishing expedition.

Explore Jebel Hafeet

Comprising winding roads that lead up to its summit, Jebel Hafeet is well worth discovering should you have a soft spot for arid lands and have no fear of heights. Nestled in Abu Dhabi’s Tawam region, Jebel Hafeet is best enjoyed during dusk where you will be treated to sweeping views of mountainous sections, beautiful plains and the sight of Al Ain. What’s more? You may descend into the heart of the mountain via a cave system that will escort you some 450 meters into limestone rock formations. Further, the archaeological site termed Jebel Hafeet Beehive Tombs would warrant visiting for it is found at the foot of the mountain and affords a fascinating chance to witness tombs from the Neolithic Age.

Cover the length and breadth of Sir Bani Yas Island

Being the largest naturally formed island in the UAE, Sir Bani Yas Island has a number of leisure facilities that you would do well to include in your bucket list. Found a short distance from Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara which has its own Abu Dhabi things to do, Sir Bani Yas Island boasts a nature reserve that houses a wonderful mix of wildlife. These range from the Arabian Oryx, Gazelles and Flamingos. Added to these perks, one may snorkel or kayak off the coast before turning one’s attention to mountain biking or hiking through the heart of the island that will surely lead you to the site of a Christian monastery that was thought to have been built in 600 AD.

Camp out in the desert

From enjoying the nuances of glamping where you will have a personal butler attending to your every whim to the joys of pitching your own camp and settling down to dinner under a starlit sky, desert camping in Abu Dhabi will be an excellent way to wind things down for the day. Live out the life of a Bedouin and allow the cool desert breeze to sweep over you as you prepare for the night, especially in places such as Al Dhafra or the Jebel Hafeet Desert Park.