Abu Dhabi: The adventure haven I’m eager to return to

It’s Friday morning, and my friends and I are out on my speedboat, gliding across the glassy water. We navigate through the winding waterways that connect nearly 200 islands.

One moment, the city’s skyline stretches across the horizon, and the next, we’re surrounded by lush mangroves. The worries of the workweek are swept away, and we’re immersed in nature.

Before the world came to a halt, this was my usual weekend ritual in Abu Dhabi, when I wasn’t traveling for work across the Middle East and Europe.

The global pandemic has upended our sense of routine and put many of our escapes on pause, but it has also prompted us to reconsider how we relate to the spaces around us.

For me, it has deepened my appreciation for everything I love about Abu Dhabi. This city never fails to amaze, always offering new adventures and unforgettable experiences. Its natural beauty is equally compelling, with a landscape that promises both thrilling challenges and sensory delights.

As we begin to emerge from the constraints of lockdowns and travel restrictions, I find myself longing to dive back into Abu Dhabi’s wonders – from its lush greenery to the endless desert dunes, rugged mountains, serene seas, and an array of cultural treasures.

While we wait for things to return to normal, my thoughts continue to wander to my favorite spots in the city – places that not only make Abu Dhabi endlessly captivating for us locals, but also ones we eagerly anticipate sharing with future visitors to this emirate.

Island life

If you’re somewhat familiar with Abu Dhabi, it’s easy to overlook the fact that it’s built on an island. The main island, with its soaring skyscrapers, luxurious hotels, and the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, is well-known. But beyond that, there’s a whole world of fun and adventure waiting to be discovered on the many smaller islands scattered throughout.

Our go-to spot during those Friday speedboat outings is Zaya Nurai Island. This private resort serves as our tropical haven, offering an escape from the city’s hustle. It’s like the Maldives of the Arabian Gulf, with sleek villas nestled along the island’s graceful curves. Instagram-worthy beaches of soft white sand meet the endless stretch of turquoise waters. As the sun sets, the sky bursts into a spectrum of fiery pinks and purples.

The island is the ideal place for a laid-back day, unwinding by the shore, lounging by the pool, and savoring delectable Arabic seafood mezze, prepared by Chef Marc and his talented team. The fatteh shrimp and grilled hamour are flavors I can’t wait to indulge in once more.

Reaching new heights

At times, we make our way to Yas Island. Known as one of Abu Dhabi’s most famous islands, it hosts more action-packed attractions such as the Formula One Yas Marina Circuit, the exciting Yas Waterworld water park, and the recently opened Warner Bros Abu Dhabi indoor theme park.

While all these attractions guarantee a great time, there’s a new adventure on Yas Island that’s calling my name right now – Clymb. In contrast to its relaxing spots, Abu Dhabi is fast becoming a hotspot for fitness and adrenaline sports. I’ve definitely never been as fit as I am since moving here.

Clymb is a new indoor climbing center that houses the tallest indoor climbing wall in the world, and if that wasn’t extreme enough, it also features the world’s tallest skydiving chamber.

I still haven’t gathered the nerve to take on the Summyt – standing at 43 meters, this towering beast is just shy of the Statue of Liberty’s height – but thankfully, there are four other less daunting walls I’ve been able to practice on.

For some, the Summyt is just another workout. Avid climber Mohammed Al Zaabi, who heads up Yas Island developers Miral when he’s not scaling towering walls, says that Clymb was inspired by 'the mountains of the UAE.' To experience those true-to-life inspirations, you need to leave Yas and its neighboring islands behind and head inland.

Jebel Hafeet: The crown jewel of Abu Dhabi

Sometimes, the journey itself is the destination. That’s certainly true for Jebel Hafeet, the highest peak in Abu Dhabi. To reach the summit, you’ll drive up the Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road, one of my favorite drives in the emirate. The road winds its way up 1,220 meters above sea level, twisting and turning through sharp hairpin bends.

Along the way, there are several lookout points where, on clear days, you can stop and take in the breathtaking view of the Arabian landscape spread out beneath you – stretching all the way to the sea and beyond to the horizon. At sunset, the shadows stretch long over the land, while the lights of towns and villages below begin to twinkle across the cooling plains.

For the truly fit, the smooth road of Jebel Hafeet provides an excellent cycling route. Its tough 7% average gradient attracts cyclists looking for a challenge. The demanding climb pushes stamina and endurance to the limit and has quickly become a highlight of the six-stage UAE Tour, part of cycling’s global elite road-racing circuit.

At the base of the mountain, the arid terrain hides historical gems. The newly opened Jebel Hafeet Desert Park is one of the UAE’s first UNESCO World Heritage sites, featuring remnants from the Neolithic era and 5,000-year-old Bronze Age tombs. It’s a great spot for a night under the stars, glamping in a traditional Bedouin tent while gazing up at the desert sky.

The past, present, and future

Not far from here is another UNESCO World Heritage site, one of my favorite spots in the country. I love it so much, I even filmed part of my last promo for 'Connect the World with Becky Anderson' here.

The Al Ain Oasis is a verdant haven of towering palm trees, nestled in the heart of Abu Dhabi’s historic second city, offering a green sanctuary from the urban hustle.

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s founding father, once said: 'He who does not know his past cannot make the best of his present and future, for it is from the past that we learn.'

For me, that quote perfectly captures the essence of Al Ain Oasis. Strolling beneath the towering palms, you’re instantly transported back in time. The oasis’ ancient falaj irrigation system – a network of channels directing flowing water where it’s needed most – along with its well-maintained farms, tell the story of a people who conquered the harsh desert through resourcefulness and dedication.

Under its cool shade, you begin to understand the origins of this place, how it reached its current form, and its determination to thrive in the future. The oasis was nearly lost to the expanding city just a few years ago, but its commitment to preserving heritage has allowed it to flourish into the enchanting spot it is today.

I have a deep love for history, and luckily, Abu Dhabi is brimming with it.

One of the places I’m eager to revisit when possible is the newly restored Qasr Al Hosn, an ancient fortress in the capital.

The city's oldest stone structure, with its foundations dating back to the 18th century, once housed the ruling family and served as the center of governance.

Exquisitely restored, the fortress' gleaming white walls now tell the full story of Abu Dhabi, showcasing how a small fishing and pearling village transformed into a global metropolis.

Nestled amidst towering skyscrapers on a vast open plaza, this spot feels like the very soul of the city, which is constantly evolving. And as an added bonus, there are several stylish cafes nearby where you can take a well-deserved break, ideally with a cup of qahwa – the iconic Arabian coffee that's a must-try flavor of Abu Dhabi.

A message for all

One of the city's recent gems that has swiftly become a beloved landmark is the Louvre Abu Dhabi.

It’s hard to tire of this place. Drawing inspiration from the Al Ain Oasis, the museum's design is a true architectural wonder. The beauty of its dome is captivating, and its exhibits appear to float serenely above the water, adding to the museum’s charm.

While the museum is home to extraordinary works of art, what fascinates me just as much is the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s universal message. Rather than organizing art and history by regions or periods, the museum encourages visitors to recognize the shared humanity behind these works, highlighting the common passions and ideals that connect us all.

It serves as a powerful reminder during this global pandemic, which has once again highlighted how, despite our differences, we are all fundamentally alike.

To me, this is the essence of Abu Dhabi. Beneath all the incredible destinations and one-of-a-kind experiences lies a deep commitment to tolerance and diversity. The city stands out as a true melting pot of cultures, encouraging both visitors and residents to broaden their perspectives and embrace the rich diversity that defines a truly global hub.

Eventually, this pandemic will come to an end, and we will gradually return to exploring the world around us. I hope that exploration includes Abu Dhabi, a city I am proud to call home.