Looking to unwind? Looking for adventure, recreation, entertainment?
Yas Island is the place.
For family fun at a theme park, world class entertainment on stage, a stroll through Yas Marina, dining at Yas Plaza hotels or high speed thrills on the racetrack. Whether you’re on holiday or on business, there’s something for everyone to explore at Yas Island.
A place for world entertainment…
Flash Forum hosts a year-round programme of live events on Yas Island including headline international concerts.
Designed for all ages, backgrounds and tastes, Yas Island’s entertainment programme makes it the ultimate party weekend destination with A-list concerts, free parties, events and activities during the Yas Island Show Weekends.
A place for indulgence…
The five-star Yas Hotel is the ultimate in luxury with the stunning ESPA spa, a serene, indoor infinity pool or a sun-soaked, outdoor deck pool and an exquisite range of dining and entertainment options. This is the only hotel in the world to be half on land, and half on water, designed with the inspiration of high performance cars and yachts, and built over the Formula 1™ circuit. This is where racing and yachting action is at your doorstep!
A place for the thrill seeker…
If you’ve ever wanted to experience the thrills of high speed motor racing, then the Yas Marina Circuit is the place for you. The home of the Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and other international events, the track is also the place for your personal driving and passenger experience. You can get behind the wheel in high speed race cars and karts, or sit as a passenger in a modified Formula 1™ car reaching speeds of up to 300 kmh. At a slower pace, you can take a tour of the venue and lap up the history of Grand Prix racing.
Alongside the track, the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi theme park– the largest indoor theme park in the world - is the place to experience what a Ferrari-charged adrenaline kick feels like at 240 kilometres an hour! It features more than 20 rides, including the Formula Rossa - the fastest roller coaster on the planet.
A place for the golfer…
The world-class Kyle Phillips designed Yas Links Golf Course is set against striking views of the Arabian Gulf. This links course offers a challenge for all, no matter their level of golfing expertise. And afterwards, members can relax by the pool or at the two restaurants that overlook the course and the mangroves.
But Yas Links is much more than golf. Dedicated conference and meeting room facilities make it an ideal venue for corporate events.
A place on the water…
Sail into luxury at the Yas Marina where the deep berthing facilities for super and mega yachts blend effortlessly with family sized sail boats. Take part or watch the sailing action from the deck of your boat. There’s even prime viewing of Formula 1™ action and other racing from berths adjacent to the race track.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Opened October 2010
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi delivers the thrill of some of the world’s most inventive rides, eye-catching surroundings, authentic aromas and distinctive sounds of Italy.
Rides and attractions:
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Formula Rossa – The world’s fastest roller coaster, reaching speeds of 240 kmp.
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G-Force – A thrilling tower ride that will shoot thrill-seekers through the red roof and 62 meters in the air before plummeting back to Earth, experiencing the actual G-force of a Ferrari, in a seat directly inspired by the Ferrari Enzo.
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Scuderia Challenge – Cutting edge racing simulators similar to those used by the drivers of the Scuderia Ferrari in training.
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Viaggio in Italia – A virtual aerial voyage over Italy’s cities and their main monuments, mountains and coasts pursuing a Ferrari.
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Galleria Ferrari – The world’s largest Ferrari gallery outside Maranello, showcasing the most exclusive range of classic and contemporary Ferrari’s from all over the world.
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Junior GT – A driving school for children with expert instruction where they will drive reduced scale F430 GT Spiders on an equipped driving course.
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The Racing Legends – A ride through Ferrari’s greatest racing moments starting from the first races all the way to today’s F1 victories.
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Driving with Champions – an interactive 3-D show which follows the adventures of a young engineer who is taken on the ride of a lifetime with a racing champion on his first day working at the Ferrari factory
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Junior Training Camp – An interactive play area for children where they can engage with a waterless car wash, become custom ‘constructors’, climb up the grandstand, pilot remote cars, paddle their own miniature Ferrari and play with an F1™ car made of soft, guest-friendly foam.
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Dining and Shopping – A range of concept restaurants and cafes offering authentic Italian dining experiences, in addition to unique shopping locations.
TOURS & SAFARIS
From Abu Dhabi city’s famous Corniche to the ‘Oasis City’ of Al Ain and the massive dunes of the western region’s Empty Quarter desert in Al Gharbia, local tour operators will help you explore and discover this intriguing emirate.
Tour Operators
Almost all tour operators offer city tours and desert safaris while some specialise in more diverse activities, such as tours of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, rounds of golf, fishing or diving expeditions, kayaking trips through mangrove forests, helicopter tours and desert driving courses or visits to the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital or Saluki (desert hunting dogs) Centre. Check out the below list for some ideas.
Desert Safaris
Starting with an exciting ride up and down some of the desert’s biggest dunes, you can try sand skiing before watching the sun set. After driving a short distance further to a permanent desert camp, you are treated to a sumptuous barbecue, followed by shisha, camel rides, falconry displays and henna painting. You can choose to stay overnight or combine it with a trip into the mountains. Costs vary but expect to spend AED 150 (US$ 40) to AED 300 (US$ 80) for a day safari.
Abu Dhabi Tour
A tour of the UAE capital usually takes in everything from the evolving skyline to sandy shores and iconic buildings. A stroll along the Corniche will give you a glimpse of everyday Abu Dhabi life and the chance to savour some picturesque scenes. A half-day tour will include the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Abu Dhabi Corniche, Saadiyat Island Cultural District Exhibition at Emirates Palace and the Heritage Village.
Al Ain Tour
Al Ain was once a vital oasis on the caravan route from the UAE to Oman. The history of the ‘Oasis City,’ the emirate’s heritage heartland and one of the world’s oldest permanently inhabited settlements, can be explored through visits to the 175 year-old Al Nahyan family fort, the Al Ain National Museum and a trip to the prehistoric tombs at Hili Fort– known to be over 4,000 years old. Other attractions include the Al Ain oases, Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort, the camel market – one of the last few remaining, and the world’s most advanced go-karting facilities, for a taste of the fast track. For family fun, try the newly renovated Hili Fun City – the Gulf’s oldest theme park, which now offers one of the cheapest days out around, with entry of AED 45 (US$ 12).
Al Gharbia Tour
A great reason to start exploring this vast region is the drive to Liwa – an historic oasis town at the entry to the Rub Al Khali (Empty Quarter) the world’s largest uninterrupted sand mass. Liwa will blow you away with massive expanses of awesome desert and the biggest dunes this side of the Sahara. Prepare for the UAE’s most adventurous off-road driving and some of its most incredible scenery. Al Gharbia’s history is encompassed in the myriad of ancient forts, which dot the landscape, and together present a snapshot of this region’s fascinating history – all set against dramatic landscapes. To get a real taste of Al Gharbia’s authentic heritage, visit one of the many festivals throughout the year such as January’s Tel Moreeb festival, the pinnacle hill climb event for desert driving enthusiasts; April’s Al Gharbia Watersports Festival, fast becoming a highlight on the international sporting calendar; July’s Liwa Date Festival, a showcase for this valued desert fruit; and January’s Al Dhafrah Camel Festival, which includes the world’s only camel beauty contest.
In addition to off-road driving, desert and camping safaris, there is a range of other specialized tours.
BIG BUS
Famous for its traditional open-top double-decker red buses, The Big Bus Company has carefully designed tours which take visitors to all the major Abu Dhabi landmarks - from the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the luxurious Emirates Palace hotel, to the Heritage Village and traditional souks. Personal commentary comes in a choice of eight languages (Arabic, English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Mandarin and Russian) and provides a fascinating insight into Abu Dhabi’s history and culture. The tickets are valid for 24 hours and give access to all the Big Bus Tour routes, with 11 stops throughout the city enabling guests to hop-on and hop-off at their leisure. Tickets are available from individual hotels or the Big Bus sales desk at Marina Mall and can also be bought online.
800 BIG BUS (800 244 287)
Abu Dhabi Department of Transport
This is the link to Ojra home page
And this is the Bus Routes Link for the whole emirate
Helicopter Tours
Get a bird’s eye view of the capital’s landmarks and heritage sites with a Falcon Aviation helicopter sightseeing tour in a luxurious six-seater Eurocopter EC130. The tour flies over the Corniche and city as well as Lulu, Saadiyat and Yas Islands. Operating out of Falcon Aviation’s Marina Mall terminal, you can take to the skies on a 10 minute Joy Flight for AED 490 pp (US$ 133) with a 20 minute coastal tour for AED 830 pp (US$ 225) and a 30 minute in-depth islands tour for AED 1250 pp (US$ 340) which will see you soaring over Yas Marina Circuit and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Tours can be taken on a sharing or exclusive base (per seat or per helicopter).
For reservations sales@falconaviation.ae or the 24/7 hotline +971 2 444 0007
Kayaking Tours
Noukhada’s kayaking tours take you through the natural mangrove forests dotted around the plethora of islands in view of the rising Abu Dhabi city skyline. Try either a Low or High Tide 2-hour kayaking tour to explore the mangroves, or for something special book the monthly Full Moon Tour – all for only AED150 (US$ 40) per person.
Noukada also offers half-day island exploring tours for AED 200 (US$ 54) per person, where you can opt for a beach BBQ (AED 300 US$81/pp) or an overnight camping stay (AED 500 US$136/pp). To book, email info@noukhada.ae or find them on Facebook.
Sea Cruiser Boat Tours
A business venture from a young Emirati with a passion for sharing his love of the sea, Sea Cruiser operates two ADTA tourism-licensed GulfCraft boats, which each hold 18 passengers, two crew members, a professional pilot and lifeguard. Each boat has covered cabins with large glass windows for sightseeing and is specially designed to accommodate divers.
Each boat also comes equipped with GPS navigation, tracking equipment and DSC VHF radios which automatically transmit the boat’s position in an emergency. Individual life jackets and safety equipment are provided. Sea Cruiser tours are aimed at providing guests with the best Abu Dhabi has to offer – from a two hour tour of the capital city’s famous Corniche to diving, snorkelling and fishing trips and all-day cruises of Abu Dhabi’s stunning natural islands and emerald green ocean. All tours begin at the Fish Market pier at the end of the Corniche, just before Mina Zayed. They are available at pre-booked times from 8.30am to 8pm seven days a week.
To book a tour or to find out more, contact Yaser on +971 50 800 9495 or
info@seacruiser.ae
Speedboat Tours
Experience the thrill of ‘The Yellow Boats’ tours, the UAE’s first speedboat tours and a unique way to explore Abu Dhabi’s headline-grabbing new developments and stunning coastline. Offering guided tours of signature attractions such as the Corniche and Emirates Palace, it’s a front-row seat to some truly stunning vistas. The Yellow Boats can tailor corporate tours for a variety of occasions, including client hospitality evenings, product launches and team-building. Imagine arriving at Yas Marina Circuit, dining at the Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri or visiting the new Manarat Al Saadiyat exhibition centre on Saadiyat Island by boat, truly one of the most spectacular ways of reaching your destination! To arrange a corporate tour or private charter
Sea Tourism
Sea Tourism offers a variety of water activities and entertainment that everyone can enjoy. If relaxation is what you need we offer Corniche cruising trips and island drop offs and pickups. However if adventure and exhilarating fun is what you are after come and join us for jet skiing, banana boat and donut rides, water skiing, wakeboarding, aqua skipping and fishing trips just to name a few.
So call now and come and enjoy the beautiful Abu Dhabi waters with us and create memories you will treasure for life.
Available 7 days a week. For more information call 02-681-3064
List of Abu Dhabi Tour Operators
Abu Dhabi Travel Bureau +971 622 1100
Advanced Travel & Tourism +971 634 7900
Al Ain Travel Bureau +971 754 1159
Al Badeyah Eyes Tourism +971 556 6723
Al Badie Travel Agency +971 632 2775
Al Etihad Travel & Tourism +971 765 5223
Arabian Adventures +971 691 1711
Arabian Odyssey +971 621 0101
Cyclone Travel & Tours +971 627 6275
Desert Adventures Tourism +971 635 2788
Emirates Travel Express +971 765 0777
Hala Abu Dhabi +971 617 7810
Kurban Travel & Tourism +971 633 2887
Net Tours (Abu Dhabi) +971 679 4656
Net Tours (Al Ain) +971 768 7400
Omeir Travel Agency +971 612 3456
Orient Tours +971 667 5609
Safar Travel & Tourism +971 418 0888
Salem Travel Agency +971 621 8000
SNTTA Tours & Travel +971 444 6856
The Vision Tourism +971 294 2290
Travco +971 2 677 1484
Sea Tourism +971 2 6813064
Off-road Driving
Abu Dhabi is steeped in a vast terrain dominated by majestic sand dunes and mountainous rock formations, a perfect environment that has bred and attracted adventurous and highly skilled off-road drivers driven by passion about nature, the environment and the unknown.
A number of communities comprising off-road enthusiasts has been formed in Abu Dhabi, such as the Abu Dhabi 4x4 Club. These clubs, amongst other things, organise off-road trips suitable to their members whether they are beginners or highly experienced off-road drivers.
These communities stress the need for appropriate safety measures commensurate to the difficulty of the terrain to be explored, as well as general basic safety precautions that all members adhere to when driving off-road. They also provide orientation classes and training to new member Ceremonial kick-off for the annual UAE Desert Challenge is likewise held in
Abu Dhabi. The renowned
Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is the penultimate round of the FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup and the FIM Cross Country Rallies World Championships, spanning truck, car and bike rallies.
The event draws major sponsors each year – ranging from Abu Dhabi Tourist Authority to Nissan – and is a brainchild of the Arab world’s most successful rally driver, Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Previous participants include a line-up of luminaries including many world champions amongst whom number Colin McRae, Carlos Sainz, Juha Kankkunen, Ari Vatanen, Miki Biasion, Stephane Peterhansel, Luc Alphand, Carlos Sousa, Marc Coma, Cyril Despres and rising Qatari rally driver Nasser Al Attiyah, to name a few.
Visitors who want to experience a whiff of this rough rally challenge, or the route taken by the great English explorer Sir Wilfred Thesiger, or simply explore the desert - on tough wheels - can do just that. A company like Offroad Emirates and several other tour operators can organise a range of day and overnight trips that provide guests an up-close and personal experience of the Arabian desert and wildlife. Offroad Emirates, for instance, organises trips across the edge of the Rub Al- Khali - a vast expanse of desert extending through Yemen, Saudi Arabi and Oman. These trips are organised for a minimum of four persons where the fee includes an experienced guide/driver, transportation, tents, sleeping bags, barbeque dinner and breakfast. During these trips sightings of rare, endangered species such as the white Arabian oryx as well as gazelles, eagles, foxes and rabbits are not uncommon. Tamer off-road experiences for those with limited time or those who are less adventurous, however, are offered by most safari tour operators in Abu Dhabi.
Self-drive
Visitors who meet specific requirements could also try their hand in a self-drive program, where they can drive a 4x4 sports utility vehicle through the desert under the supervision of an Offroad Emirates’ tour leader or guide.
Routes
Plenty of routes - some for novice off-road drivers, others for highly experienced ones - can be found in Abu Dhabi. One of the most challenging and spectacular routes is the Liwa region, in the south of Abu Dhabi, which also provides experience of the breathtaking, legendary sand dunes. The area around Al Hayer towards Al Ain is also popular among off-road drivers.
Outside Abu Dhabi, one of the most popular spots for off-road driving includes the Big Red near Hatta, which is about an hour’s drive from Dubai. The trip to Hatta Pools – especially if one drives from the Hatta side towards Mahda, also gives visitors a glimpse of natural waterfalls, villages and oases.
A book that grades the various off-road routes in Abu Dhabi and the rest of UAE (UAE Off-Road Explorer) according to their level of difficulty and provides appropriate maps may be purchased online or from local bookstores.
Checklist*
Mark Miller, general manager of Desert Rangers, a tour organiser based in Dubai, offers below checklists to help make an off-road trip safe:
Your vehicle
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Tyres, including condition of spare wheel
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All fluid levels - coolant, engine oil, transmission, brake, hydraulic and battery
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Fuel - top up, if required
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Battery mountings are secure and leads tight
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All lights operating, including hazard warning lights
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Under bonnet visual check for leaks, fan belt condition and tension, loose or disconnected wires and radiator hose
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Seat belts for every passenger
Your equipment
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Tyre pressure gauge
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Mobile Phone
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GPS
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Shovel
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Sturdy tow rope or belt
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Industrial/gardening type gloves
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Jack, wheel brace, base plate, wooden panel
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Air bag (optional)
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Crowbar or hammer
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First aid kit (essential)
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Basic tool kit and torch
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Sheet of material (thick plastic, tarpaulin, sack, dhurrie) 2x2metres
Personal items
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Food and water depending on duration of trip
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Extra warm clothing for colder desert nights
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Hiking shoes
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Sunscreen
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Toilet paper or tissues
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Insect repellent spray
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Pen or pencil
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Plastic sacks for rubbish
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Matches or lighter
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Whistle (for locating at night)
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Spare water supply - for people and vehicle
Before you leave home
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Conduct a thorough check of the car including tyres, water levels, engine/trans oil and battery
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Never travel into the desert on your own, always travel with at least two other vehicles
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Always tell someone that you are planning a trip to the desert
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Seat belts must be worn
Before going off-road
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Deflate tyres at the edge of the desert: (Large four-wheel drive: 18psi; Small four-wheel drives: 16psi; In an emergency: 14psi)
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Keep a suitable distance between vehicles
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If you get stuck do not panic. Get out of the car and assess the situation
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Be respectful to local Bedouin and wildlife
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Always stop your vehicle on a downward slope for ease of starting again smoothly
*Published in Gulf News (“Taking on the Dunes,” by Neesha C. Salian), May 24, 2006.
Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge
Off-road Drivers Associations
Abu Dhabi 4x4 Club
Desert Rangers
P.O. Box 37975, Dubai UAE
Tel: +971 4 340 2408
Fax: +971 4 422 0043