Abu Dhabi offers a fantastic mix of outdoor activities for all ages. From pristine beaches to lush parks to thrilling desert safaris, there’s something for everyone. Explore mangroves by kayak, hike scenic trails or enjoy a family picnic on serene beaches. In case you’re searching for things to do outside with family or friends, you will find a lot of outdoor activities in Abu Dhabi.
- Kayak at Jubail Mangrove Park
- Explore Nature at Sir Bani Yas Arabian Wildlife Park
- Play Water Games at Yas WaterWorld Abu Dhabi
- Go Karting at Yas Kartzone
- Try Parasailing
- Hike Jebel Hafeet
- Experience Flyboarding
- Enjoy Desert Safari
- Try Quad Biking
- Ride a Horse
- Go Sandboarding
- Camp at Arabian Nights Village
- Enjoy a Boat Ride
- Go Dune Bashing
- Visit Al Ain Oasis
- Tour Liwa Fort
Top Outdoor Activities in Abu Dhabi
Discover the top outdoor activities that Abu Dhabi has to offer, perfect for adventure-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. Some must-visit destinations include Corniche Beach, Saadiyat Beach, Emirates Park Zoo & Resort, Yas Beach and Nation Riviera Beach Club. Experience these captivating spots while making unforgettable memories under the sun in this vibrant city!
1. Kayak at Jubail Mangrove Park
Kayaking is a very exciting activity to try especially when the weather is good. The idea of you being in the middle of the water in a small boat is pretty cool.
However, at Jubail Mangrove Park you will not only enjoy kayaking but also view the beautiful mangroves closely. No worries about safety as all the precautions are taken to ensure an endless fun time. Come on and give it a try to tick it off your bucket list.
Location
E12, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nanhyan Highway, Jubail Island, Abu Dhabi
Price
AED 100/person
Opening Hours
Daily: 7 am – 9 pm (last entry 8 pm)
Contact Information
- +971 (0)2 546 8341
- +971 (0)56 303 2423
mangrove@jubailisland.ae
2. Explore Nature at Sir Bani Yas Arabian Wildlife Park
How about going with your friends on a thrilling outdoor activity? This is a perfect idea! Sir Bani Yas Wildlife Park is where you can have such an unforgettable experience.
It is home to numerous species of wild animals that were about to go extinct but the government made a plan to save them. Now you can go see the free-roaming animals.
Imagine riding in the car and Barbary Sheep or a Blackbuck Antelope is walking by; it’s super exhilarating that you won’t regret going.
Location
Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Highlights
You will get to see exotic wildlife, including:
- Gazelles
- Arabian Oryx
- Giraffes
- Cheetahs
3. Play Water Games at Yas WaterWorld
It’s time for some cool splashes while trying some exciting slides at Yas WaterWorld in Abu Dhabi. It’s a theme waterpark in Yas Island where you’re provided more than 45 unique slides, rides, and attractions.
You will find speedy and high slides for the ultimate adrenaline rush. Besides, there are others with varying difficulty levels to suit all ages, including ones you can ride with your friends at the same time.
It’s the best activity to do whenever you need to boost your mood, in addition to being one of the top places to visit in Abu Dhabi.
Location
Yas West, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Opening Hours
- Saturdays to Wednesdays: 10 am to 6 pm
- Thursdays: 12 pm to 10 pm
- Fridays: 10 am to 7 pm
Prices
- One Person: AED 270
- Four Persons: AED 810
Contact Information
- 600 511115
- +971 (0)2 496 8000
contact@yasconcierge.com
4. Go Karting at Yas Kartzone
We all get impressed by the Formula 1 races, so how about being the racer for a day? This sounds extremely enjoyable. Such a chance is available at Yas Kartzone in Abu Dhabi where you can go karting at its perfectly designed lanes.
It’s one of the best outdoor activities in Abu Dhabi that you should try. Once you wear the suit and helmet, you will feel the adrenaline rush. Book a day and go with your friends and let the excitement start.
Location
Yas Marina Circuit, Yas West, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Opening Hours
Daily: 4 pm – 12 am
Prices
- AED 80/junior
- AED 120/adult
- AED 55/kid
Contact Information
+971 (0) 2 497 9000
The fun is limitless as there are many things to do in Yas Island. If you liked this place, you can check the properties for rent on Yas Island to stay close to its distinct attractions.
5. Try Parasailing
Have you ever tried parasailing? If you didn’t, then you’re missing a lot. It’s an exhilarating activity where you will have a parachute ride over the sea. It feels like you’re flying in the air.
Besides, you will view the whole skyline of Abu Dhabi from above! It’s suitable for different ages so you can go with your family or friends. No need to worry as all the safety measures are taken to enjoy your time.
Location
Corniche Road, Al Hisn, Abu Dhabi
Opening Hours
Daily: 10 am – 5 pm
Prices
- AED 200 for 1 Person
- AED 300 for 2 Persons
- AED 350 for 3 Persons
Contact Information
+971 (0)54 308 7070
6. Hike Jebel Hafeet
One of the most exciting outdoor activities is hiking; you will explore the beauty of the mountains. Abu Dhabi’s nature makes it more special than any other location as it’s home to unique mountain terrain and deserts like Jebel Hafeet.
You can go on such an activity on a weekend morning with friends; prepare a backpack, powerbank, comfortable sneakers, and a large bottle of water for an ideal hiking experience.
Location
137th street, Mazyad, Jebel Hafeet, Abu Dhabi
Opening Hours
Daily: 8 am – 6 pm
Prices
AED 10/adult | AED 5/kid
Contact Information
+971 (0)3 711 8362
7. Experience Flyboarding
Have you ever thought of walking or flying without a parachute on the water surface? It’s not a joke but a super exhilarating activity called Flyboarding.
You will stand on a board which is connected to a machine, giving the flyboard a push through water and air. It’s not scary at all; on the contrary, it’s exciting.
It doesn’t matter whether you can swim or not as you’ll be wearing a life jacket for extra safety. Go enjoy a fly over the sea to blast your instagram with memorable photos.
Location
Abu Dhabi Marina Area, opposite Marina Mall, Break Water, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Prices
Starts from AED 300/person for 30 minutes
Opening Hours
Daily: 8 am – 3 pm
Contact Information
+971 (0)2 681 5222
8. Enjoy Desert Safari
When in Abu Dhabi, desert activities and safari are a must. It’s a distinct experience full of excitement and enjoyment while exploring the desert’s beauty. You will enjoy numerous thrilling activities.
You can even go on an overnight safari, in case you want to make it extra adventurous. Be ready for an exceptional day full of adrenaline rush and fun.
Don’t forget to capture some videos to share them with your friends on social media.
Trip Arabian Travel and Tourism Location
It’s located behind Madinat Zayed Shopping Center, Al Marafi Street, Abu Dhabi. They have the best safari tours, quad biking, and even horse riding packages. They offer you the best experience with their professional team.
Prices
Desert Safari starts from AED 100/person.
Opening Hours
9 am – 6 pm daily, except Fridays
Contact Information
- +971 (0)54 580 0101
- +971 (0)2 658 8869
- bookings@triparabia.ae
9. Try Quad Biking
How about touring in the desert but not with a car? This sounds interesting; what we’re talking about is the Quad bike. It’s like a motorcycle but with special wheels to easily ride in the desert.
Don’t worry in case you haven’t tried a motorcycle before as Quad biking is much easier and doesn’t require a professional rider; it just needs an adventure lover.
Prices
Quad biking starts from AED 370/person at Trip Arabian Travel and Tourism.
10. Ride a Horse
Nothing beats the feeling of riding a horse. You feel free and excited while the air touches your face. It’s among the top activities to relish in the capital of the UAE.
Feel the Arabian vibe while enjoying the desert views while you’re on the back of this beautiful animal. Moreover, it’s also suitable for kids, so you can take your little ones to experience this; they will surely be impressed.
Prices
Horse riding starts from AED 450/person at Trip Arabian Travel and Tourism.
11. Go Sandboarding
We all love riding the slides, but what if the slide is a sand hill? This seems super fantastic. Sandboarding is a cool desert activity which you can try with friends. You will sit on a board and push yourself to slide over the hill.
It’s so fun and full of amusement. Call your bestie and go enjoy a new activity together.
Abu Dhabi Desert Safari Location
Mezzanine floor, Khalidiya Tower, Khalidiya, Abu Dhabi
Prices
It starts from AED 450/person.
Opening Hours
8 am – 6 pm
Contact Information
+971 (0)55 484 2001
12. Camp at Arabian Nights Village
How about taking a break from the city for a couple of days? None can resist such an idea; camping at Arabian Nights Village is the best gateway to enjoy the calmness and charm of the desert away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
This hotel features high quality services and various amenities, in addition to different entertainment activities to relish your time to the max.
You will witness the best sunrise ever, while the sun appears from the middle of the dunes. Not just that, at night you will see hundreds of shining stars, leaving you speechless of such beauty.
Location
Arabian Nights Village road, Al Mshayrif, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Prices
One night is for AED 990/person.
Contact Information
+971 (0)2 207 8989
13. Enjoy a Boat Ride
Relishing the breeze is always a mood booster, but it’s much better when you’re on a boat. Going on a boat ride is a good outdoor activity to enjoy the beautiful scenery and take awesome pictures.
On your weekend, wear a comfortable outfit and go on a morning boat ride to have a relaxing day like never before.
The Yellow Boats Location
- Corniche Tour: It’s located in Emirates Palace Marina, Al Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi.
- Yas Tour: It’s located at Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
Prices
- Yas Tour (75 minutes for 9 sights): AED 220/adult and AED 180/kid
- Corniche Tour (60 minutes for 4 sights): AED 210/adult and AED 175/kid
- Corniche and Maya Island Tour (1 hour for 9 sights): AED 300/adult and AED 225/kid
Contact Information
- 800 892
- +971 (0)55 995 0153
14. Go Dune Bashing
Dune bashing is one of the most exciting things to do in Abu Dhabi. You will ride a 4×4 car with a professional driver to go through the desert hills at a high speed. It’s a fascinating one especially through Abu Dhabi’s charming dunes.
You will feel the adrenaline rush like never before. A small tip: don’t miss the front seat for extra thrill and enjoyment.
Nuzhath Ideas Abu Dhabi Desert Safari Location
It’s located at office no. 284, near Marina Mall, Al Marsa St., Abu Dhabi.
Prices
It starts from AED 1000/person for 45 minutes.
Contact Information
+971 (0)50 966 0720
15. Visit Al Ain Oasis
If you haven’t visited Al Ain Oasis before, you’re missing a lot of fun. It’s one of the top attractions in Abu Dhabi since it’s recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You will walk among its amazing tall palms and lush greenery where different kinds of fruits are planted like dates, mango, and orange.
You can enjoy this place through strolling between the stunning views or cycling among the shaded lanes to enjoy its distinct atmosphere.
Location
- Al Ain Oasis is located in the Central district, near Al Ain Palace Museum, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi.
- Leisure Al Ain Tourism is located in Central district, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi.
Opening Hours
8 am – 6:30 pm daily
Prices
It starts from AED 20/adult and AED 10/kid.
Contact Information
+971 (0)50 214 4088
16. Tour Liwa Fort
On the list of the top outdoor activities in Abu Dhabi, surely having a tour at Liwa Fort should be included. It’s a notable historic attraction in the emirate which you won’t regret visiting.
They are two forts that were built 100 years ago with a unique architectural design. In addition, these forts are nestled among vast green palms and trees, making the view from their top mesmerizing.
Location
- Liwa Fort is located at the northern side of Liwa Oasis, Abu Dhabi.
- Rub Al Khali Desert Tourism is located in Zayed city, Abu Dhabi.
Prices
Liwa Tours prices start from AED 990/adult and AED 525/kid.
Opening Hours
7 am – 10 pm daily
Contact Information
- +971 (0)56 222 8286
- +971 (0)50 6289 667
Abu Dhabi features various interesting and cool outdoor activities so leave your cozy sofa and enjoy the outside. Have a look at the best outdoor activities in Dubai as well for extra fun and entertainment.
Besides, you should consider staying in Abu Dhabi to enjoy those numerous activities and things to do outdoors; check out the available properties for rent in Abu Dhabi on Property Finder.
