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The ultimate Abu Dhabi sports itinerary
Love adventure sports and looking to get the best out of your three days in Abu Dhabi? Kayak through mangroves, zipline above peaks, race cars, go white water rafting against rapids and much more. Abu Dhabi is the city for adventure sport enthusiasts.
Get inspired with the ultimate Abu Dhabi sports itinerary, which combines the best of water sports, sports activities and mountain sports - with just a little bit of downtime to rest up before the end of your trip. Ready? Let's go!
Highlights
3 Days
Car
Scuba diving
Highlights
3 Days
Car
Scuba diving
What to expect
Day 1 highlights
Grab your fins and mask and head straight to the sea for a scuba diving experience. You'll find wrecks, reefs and plenty of marine life. By evening, try a slow kayak experience through the lush mangroves of the Mangrove National Park; a great way to end your first day of adventure sports in Abu Dhabi.
Stop 1
If scuba diving is one of your passions, you’ll love Abu Dhabi, an archipelago made up of hundreds of islands. As you can imagine, many good dive sites are easily accessible in and around the emirate, including wreck dives, deep-water dives and reef dives. It is possible to dive year-round in the warm seas, and there’s an abundance of marine life, including barracuda, spotted eagle rays, stingrays and much more.
The family-friendly Sea Hawk Water Sports and Adventures, owned by an Emirati PADI Master Diver, offers a full spectrum of PADI-certified courses. From junior to master, each course is tailored to suit every person’s needs, with special intensive courses allowing certification in just four days; perfect for overseas visitors.
Kayaking in Abu Dhabi
Stop 2
Kayaking in Abu Dhabi is a fantastic way to see natural wonders and an opportunity to get up close to the emirate’s surprising nature and wildlife.
One of the UAE’s most popular kayaking spots is Abu Dhabi’s mangrove forest. Its dramatic scenery and abundance of wildlife are a hit with animal lovers and keen photographers. Beyond the tranquillity of the mangroves, there are options for adrenaline seekers. The fast-flowing water channels of Jebel Hafit are a haven for those who want to kayak at speed.
Whether you’re looking to leisurely row through the mangroves or take to white water rapids, make sure you experience the waters of Abu Dhabi with the pros. Explore the trusted kayak rental spots and tour operators below and plan your day out on the water.
Stop 1
If scuba diving is one of your passions, you’ll love Abu Dhabi, an archipelago made up of hundreds of islands. As you can imagine, many good dive sites are easily accessible in and around the emirate, including wreck dives, deep-water dives and reef dives. It is possible to dive year-round in the warm seas, and there’s an abundance of marine life, including barracuda, spotted eagle rays, stingrays and much more.
The family-friendly Sea Hawk Water Sports and Adventures, owned by an Emirati PADI Master Diver, offers a full spectrum of PADI-certified courses. From junior to master, each course is tailored to suit every person’s needs, with special intensive courses allowing certification in just four days; perfect for overseas visitors.
What to expect
Day 2 highlights
Buckle up for a day trip to Al Ain, where mountains meet adventure! Lace up your boots and hit the trails to hike Jebel Hafit for stunning views - and if you have it in you, get there for sunrise. An alternative to your hike would be quad biking! Feel the adrenaline as you race up the peak on 4 rugged wheels on this exhilarating experience. End your adventures by spending the rest of the day at Al Ain Adventure Park, where you can surf, raft along whitewater rapids, zipline and more.
Stop 1
Pack a sense of adventure and get ready to immerse yourself in the rich history and incredible landscapes at the one-of-a-kind Jebel Hafit Desert Park in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi’s lush garden city about one and a half hours away from the capital.
Occupying a nine-kilometre stretch at the base of the craggy Jebel Hafit mountain, Abu Dhabi’s tallest peak, visitors can explore the family-friendly park’s majestic natural surroundings on a hike, mountain bike, horse or camel and discover fascinating archaeological and historical remains that tell enchanting stories of this unique area’s ancient habitation. Archaeological remains include remnants of the Neolithic period from 8,000 years ago, to the 5,000-year-old Jebel Hafit Tombs excavated in 1959 at the request of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates.
Al Ain Adventure Park
Stop 2
Recommended Time: 4 hours
Al Ain Adventure Park is a fantastic family-friendly adventure park that sits at the base of the majestic and history-rich Jebel Hafit mountain, Abu Dhabi’s tallest peak, about an hour and a half away from the city in Al Ain.
Home to the Middle East’s first man-made white water rafting channels, measuring 1,100 metres in length and perfect for rafting and kayaking, Al Ain Adventure Park also has a surfing wall, wakeboarding facilities, swimming pool and splash pool. Action fans will love the park’s exhilarating aerial adventure course that includes an 18-obstacle, two-level airpark, 1,200-metre long zip line, vertical climb line and 14-metre high giant swing.
This venue is also a great option for team building and corporate events, with the Summit Events Centre providing a versatile space for meetings and even birthday parties. Sports professionals from around the world regularly visit the park, which also provides training programmes and complete packages including accommodation and airport transfers.
Day entry costs AED 65 for adults (above 1.2 metres tall), and AED 45 for children.
Stop 1
Jebel Hafit Desert Park
Pack a sense of adventure and get ready to immerse yourself in the rich history and incredible landscapes at the one-of-a-kind Jebel Hafit Desert Park in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi’s lush garden city about one and a half hours away from the capital.
Occupying a nine-kilometre stretch at the base of the craggy Jebel Hafit mountain, Abu Dhabi’s tallest peak, visitors can explore the family-friendly park’s majestic natural surroundings on a hike, mountain bike, horse or camel and discover fascinating archaeological and historical remains that tell enchanting stories of this unique area’s ancient habitation. Archaeological remains include remnants of the Neolithic period from 8,000 years ago, to the 5,000-year-old Jebel Hafit Tombs excavated in 1959 at the request of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates.
What to expect
Day 3 highlights
And finally, cap off your last day by heading to the iconic Yas Marina Circuit. Get your wheels in motion with a scenic cycle on the F1 track. Need a bit more speed? Unleash your inner F1 champion, put the pedal to the metal and race your way to victory! And finally, make sure to check out one of Abu Dhabi's incredible theme parks before you leave!
Stop 1
Recommended Time: 3 hours
Welcome to where the action happens. Yas Marina Circuit is the UAE's most epic motorsports venue and host of the Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Adrenaline runs high around these super-fast straights and swooping corners that wind their way around the beautiful Yas Marina. Each year, thousands descend on the circuit for action-packed events that involve circuit racing, drag racing and even karting at the Yas Kartzone.
Yas Marina Circuit has hosted the Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since 2009. It's known worldwide for being a great track for racing action and an even better track to be a spectator. Fans can get incredible views of on-track dramas and overtakes from five main stands. Abu Dhabi Hill, opposite the North Grandstand, also offers fans open grass banks to sit and watch the race.
You can channel your inner Lewis Hamilton and get into a supercar yourself. Yas Marina Circuit offers many packages that allow you to take the wheel and experience the thrill of high speed yourself. Take to the track in powerful vehicles like the Aston Martin GT4 and the Caterham Seven, or how about drifting in Chevrolet Camaro? Check out all the experiences on offer at Yas Marina Circuit.
Stop 2
Recommended Time: 3 hours
Nothing gets the adrenaline pumping like Ferrari World Yas Island Abu Dhabi's rides. It's one of the more popular theme parks - and with good reason! Feel the exhilaration as you speed through roller coasters and soar high in the air.
The whole family will find an adrenaline-fueled ride just for them, everyone can join in the thrilling fun. The Ferrari-branded theme park on Yas Island is home to more than 40 record-breaking attractions, including the highest loop ride, and it all happens underneath the tallest space-frame structure on the planet. Who's ready for an adventure at Ferrari World Yas Island?
Stop 1
Yas Marina Circuit
Recommended Time: 3 hours
Welcome to where the action happens. Yas Marina Circuit is the UAE's most epic motorsports venue and host of the Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Adrenaline runs high around these super-fast straights and swooping corners that wind their way around the beautiful Yas Marina. Each year, thousands descend on the circuit for action-packed events that involve circuit racing, drag racing and even karting at the Yas Kartzone.
Yas Marina Circuit has hosted the Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since 2009. It's known worldwide for being a great track for racing action and an even better track to be a spectator. Fans can get incredible views of on-track dramas and overtakes from five main stands. Abu Dhabi Hill, opposite the North Grandstand, also offers fans open grass banks to sit and watch the race.
You can channel your inner Lewis Hamilton and get into a supercar yourself. Yas Marina Circuit offers many packages that allow you to take the wheel and experience the thrill of high speed yourself. Take to the track in powerful vehicles like the Aston Martin GT4 and the Caterham Seven, or how about drifting in Chevrolet Camaro? Check out all the experiences on offer at Yas Marina Circuit.
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Frequently asked questions about activities in Abu Dhabi.
Is 3 days enough in Abu Dhabi?
While many people spend 3 days in Abu Dhabi, we highly recommend a longer stay to ensure you get to experience the best of the city.
How many days to spend in Abu Dhabi?
It all depends on what you'd like to do. Abu Dhabi has many things to do, so anywhere between 5 days to 2 weeks in a great time to explore the city.