Top Ten Abu Dhabi Adventures
Ripe with opportunity for adventure, indulgence and sporting exploits, the striking Emirati capital has a little something for everyone
Whether you’re surveying the city from the plush deck of a catamaran, piloting a race car around a Grand Prix circuit or teeing off on some of the world’s most breathtaking golf courses, you will find Abu Dhabi an electrifying cauldron of activity – especially with Hyatt as a guide.
Check out our picks below with Centurion's guide to the Abu Dhabi's top ten eclectic offerings, rounded off with three of Hyatt's exceptional accommodations in the city.
1. Cruise the Arabian Gulf
Hala Abu Dhabi
With this multilingual outfitter, you can take in the sights of the city from the plush deck of a yacht or a catamaran as you sail the waters around Abu Dhabi; it doesn’t get much better than a day of pleasure cruising with an organic lunch en route.
Credit: iStock
2. Test your mettle at the National Course
Abu Dhabi Golf Club
With 27 holes, these fêted links include the 18-hole National Course, home to the annual PGA tour event, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship. It’s a challenging layout with strategically placed bunkers and undulating greens, though the course is accessible for golfers of all handicaps.
© Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
3. Sail back in time
Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey
The pearl-diving heritage of the emirate dates back centuries, and it’s a fascinating tale that comes alive in this curated experience. Sail along the Eastern Mangroves in a traditional pearling dhow for a modern-day glimpse into the region’s former coastal way of life.
Credit: iStock
4. Race around the Grand Prix track
Yas Marina Circuit Experiences
This adrenaline-inducing adventure allows plucky punters to get behind the wheel of an Aston Martin Vantage GT4 or a Formula 3000 race car, for a no-holds-barred drive around the Grand Prix circuit.
© Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
5. Scuba dive Sir Bani Yas Island
Al Mahara Diving Center
Scuba divers will find ample opportunity for awe-inspiring underwater adventures, with dozens of easily accessible dive sites to explore off the coast, including wrecks. Let this seasoned scuba expert take you to Sir Bani Yas Island, known for its abundant marine life.
Credit: iStock
6. Perfect your swing on the stunning coast
Yas Links
Fronting the coastline, and featuring rolling sand dunes, this 18-hole stunner is the capital’s only links course, offering up picturesque fairways with panoramic city views alongside its own Golf Academy and the indulgent Hickory’s Restaurant and Bar.
© Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
7. Conquer the Moreeb dunes
Hala Abu Dhabi
A full-day trip with this seasoned outfitter is an ideal way to traverse the majestic Moreeb dunes. Also on offer is a magical overnight stay, where a star-studded sky is the perfect backdrop for a banquet of barbecued meats, plus an early morning dune climb the next day.
© Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
8. Freedive for pearls
Freediving UAE
The warm, clear waters of the Gulf are the ideal place to follow in the footsteps of the emirate’s legendary pearl divers. This expert outfitter offers a one-day introductory freediving course, teaching you to hold your breath and dive without breathing apparatus.
Credit: iStock
9. Play a round on Saadiyat Island
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
There’s nothing quite like playing against an ocean backdrop, and the naturally beautiful surrounds are one of the main draws of these Saadiyat Island layouts. Designed by Gary Player, the 7,806-yard course has also been created with sensitivity to its environment.
© Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
10. Explore the city from the sky
Seawings
In a gentle, but thrilling adventure, this purveyor takes you to the skies above the capital in a Cessna, soaring over epic monuments such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Yas Marina Circuit and Louvre Abu Dhabi, to open up some once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities.
Credit: iStock
Where to Stay
Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl
This box-fresh, top-shelf hotel on the western Corniche boasts a private beach, a dreamy 50m infinity pool and a pair of destination eateries: the Italian-inflected Verso and Aisu, a rooftop izakaya-style Japanese restaurant.
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas
Accommodations at this elegant hostelry, set on a protected beach, include striking villas with sea-facing terraces and private plunge pools. Outside this cocooned privacy, don’t miss the Mediterranean-style Beach House restaurant, a rooftop bar and the indulgent Atarmia Spa.
Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi
This chic bolthole set in city’s famous leaning Capital Gate offers spectacular views as well as a host of restaurants and bars, a spa and a rooftop swimming pool – not to mention an in-house gallery showcasing talented Emirati artists and craftspeople.
