Most experienced travellers know that Abu Dhabi welcomes visitors with outstanding hospitality. Its exquisite restaurants, sandy beaches and glamourous shopping are well known.
However, not every traveller wants to spend all their vacation days reclining on a sun lounger, enjoying a leisurely brunch, or browsing luxury stores. Many crave adrenaline and action as well (or even instead).
Did you know that some places to visit in Abu Dhabi can offer you some interesting high-octane experiences? These are one-of-a-kind pursuits that will have you buzzing with excitement or marvelling at their uniqueness.
Abu Dhabi is bursting with life, providing the perfect escape for the adventurous type. Read on for activities for thrill-seeking travellers in and around Abu Dhabi.
1. Ride the Fastest Roller Coaster in the World
Riding the Formula Rossa roller coaster at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi provides the rare opportunity to hit speeds of 240 km/h, making it the fastest rollercoaster in the world. If that’s not thrilling enough, the ride reaches this speed in just 4.9 seconds, simulating the experience of a Formula One racing driver hitting the throttle.
The coaster soars up to 52 metres above ground before racing to the finish, leaving your heart practically bursting out of your chest.
While you are at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, you can also enjoy a whole load more motorsports- themed rides and experiences. The theme park is the world’s largest indoor attraction of its kind.
2. Go 4×4 Dune Bashing
Dune bashing is a popular activity in the UAE for both locals and tourists and it is easy to understand why. With the open desert just a short drive from Abu Dhabi, it’s a thrilling way to spend a morning or afternoon.
Organised excursions are easy to arrange and you will be picked up from your hotel or easy-to-find location. Jump aboard a comfortable, air-conditioned 4×4 and admire the view as the journey changes from cityscape to desertscape.
Once the vehicle leaves the road, the fun really starts. Experienced, highly-skilled drivers navigate the ups and downs of the soaring dunes and desert valleys at speed. Your trip will take you on a tour of a truly magical landscape.
3. Take a Hike in the Desert Mountains
The Jebel Hafeet mountain range is within easy reach of Abu Dhabi. It is a popular weekend destination for Abu Dhabi locals in search of beautiful landscapes combined with off-the-beaten-path adventure.
A hike in these mountains provides stunning views, particularly at sunrise and sunset. There are instagrammable shots in every direction. Paths lead all over the mountains, offering several stunning routes and the chance to get your blood pumping.
Consider a night under canvas at one of the local campsites to make the most of this breathtaking landscape.
4. Enjoy Watersports Aplenty
Abu Dhabi’s coastal position means there are plentiful opportunities for watersports around. The calm waters of the Arabian Gulf are ideal for gentle beachside pursuits such as swimming, kayaking or paddleboarding.
Watersports specialists in Abu Dhabi can arrange more electrifying activities for thrillseekers such as wakeboarding, banana boating and waterskiing.
Scuba diving is also a possibility. The Abu Dhabi coast has a breathtaking underwater habitat with vibrant coral reefs, crystal clear waters and a beautiful collection of unique marine creatures.
5. Spend a Thrilling Day at Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi
Water lovers of all ages will adore cooling off at Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi. With over 40 rides and slides, this theme park is dedicated to providing every water-based thrill possible.
Slide, drop and splash on a whole day’s worth of rides and attractions, including waves pools, bodyboarding and speed slides. There’s plenty for the most daring but also for those who prefer to relax and recharge poolside.
Highlights include the Liwa Loop, a freefall water drop slide, and Dawamma, the world’s largest six-person water coaster.
6. Push Your Limits in the World’s Biggest Indoor Skydiving Chamber
CLYMB Abu Dhabi is the home of the world’s largest indoor skydiving chamber. CLYMB is within the easy-to-reach Yas Mall complex on Yas Island and offers the chance to experience one of the most exhilarating adventure sports without the help of a plane.
Here you can learn how to skydive by being blown upwards into the air. This means it is suitable for almost everyone, from young children and first timers through to expert skydivers looking to hone their techniques.
Skilled instructors guide you through the skydiving experience and provide you with all the kit you need to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime dive in a 25-metre-high and 10-metre-wide purpose-built chamber.
7. Scale the World’s Tallest Indoor Climbing Wall
Another record-breaking attraction also housed within CLYMB Abu Dhabi is the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall, The Summyt. This route tops out at 43 metres off the ground and is ideal for experienced climbers wanting to push their skills to the absolute limit.
However, there are plenty of walls and routes for all abilities at CLYMB Abu Dhabi. There are further routes for advanced climbers as well as beginner walls at just 5.5 metres. Whether climbing is your favourite pastime or something you’ve always wanted to try, you will be welcome.
Climbers are also kept under the watchful eye of instructors because safety is paramount. All the necessary safety equipment is provided to all visitors. All you need to do is turn up and give it everything you got to make the most of the experience.
Thrill-Seeking and Kicking Back in Abu Dhabi
There’s plenty of excitement to keep every thrill seeker occupied in Abu Dhabi. But it’s also a great place to kick back and relax. Restaurants specialising in international and local cuisines will help you keep your energy up for the next thrill.
A great night’s sleep can also be had at one of the many excellent hotels in Abu Dhabi, including those on Yas Island. Staying here will mean you are close to almost all the activities mentioned here, including CLYMB Abu Dhabi and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. Excursions to the mountains and deserts can easily be arranged from here, too.
What are you waiting for? Make Abu Dhabi the base for your next adventure.
