If you’re on the athletic side and want to try different sports while you’re here on vacation, you may want to drop by these places that will bring out your sporty side.
If you’re looking for variety on your next holiday, Abu Dhabi has so many types of tourist attractions that the city should be on top of your list of places to visit.
The United Arab Emirates’s capital city has numerous natural and man-made attractions further divided into different categories. This means you won’t get bored and run out of things to do here.
Abu Dhabi for the Sports-Minded
Abu Dhabi’s beaches, museums, malls, deserts, gardens, and mosques are some of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi that never fail to fascinate and excite tourists and locals.
But if you’re on the athletic side and want to try different sports while you’re here on vacation, you may want to drop by these places that will bring out your sporty side:
1. Yas Marina Circuit
The Yas Marina Circuit is known as the home of the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
It is one of the most exciting race circuits, with its hairpin corners and turns that allow for closer racing and overturns.
If you want to watch this year’s Grand Prix, schedule your vacation in Abu Dhabi this December.
But if you want to take part in some motorsports, you don’t have to wait for December to visit the city. Yas Marina Circuit provides guests with the experience to drive around the world-famous race track all year round.
Fulfil your dreams of being an F1 driver by taking a Formula Yas 3000 or Caterham Seven around the track.
You can also jump into the driver’s seat of an Aston Martin GT4, Ferrari 458 GT, and Chevrolet Drift Taxi if you want to try other vehicles.
Yas Marina Circuit also has a kart circuit, the Yas KARTZONE. It has a three-track configuration suitable for racers of all ages.
With all these attractions, there is no doubt that the Yas Marina Circuit is the premier destination for all motorsports enthusiasts.
You can also drop by Ferrari World Abu Dhabi if you want to go on other fast, exhilarating rides and discover more about the world-famous automotive brand and F1 racing team.
2. Yas Marina
Another attraction near the Yas Marina Circuit that allows you to engage in different water sports is Yas Marina.
Yas Marina is home to the Abu Dhabi Sailing Academy and Monty’s Rowing Club.
If you have always wanted to learn about and experience sailing, sign up for a private lesson at the Abu Dhabi Sailing Academy. You can also join racing events if there are any at the time of your visit and you are already a skilled sailor.
Monty’s Rowing Club, on the other hand, is the country’s leading rowing school. You can also sign up for a few classes to learn the ins and outs of this sport.
If you are a rowing enthusiast, check out their website or get in touch with the staff to find out if there are any regattas you can join.
If you want a change of pace from the usual water activities and sports in Abu Dhabi, you won’t go wrong with heading to Yas Marina.
3. Yas Links Abu Dhabi
Designed by Kyle Phillips, one of the top golf course designers in the world,
Yas Links Abu Dhabi is a haven for all golfing enthusiasts.
Yas Links Abu Dhabi is set on the west shores of Yas Island, amidst scenic rolling hills and a picturesque seashore. The Par 72 championship course covers about 7,450 yards. It also has a nine-hole Par 3 academy course.
The world-class golf course also has floodlit practice facilities, a clubhouse, gym, swimming pool, and male spa.
Yas Links Abu Dhabi has state-of-the-art Toptracer range technology as well to help you improve your game and give you a more dynamic and fun experience on the golf course.
In addition, it is home to Abu Dhabi’s Golf Academy.
At present, Yas Links Abu Dhabi ranks 48th in Golf Digest’s Top 100 courses in the world. It is also the 60th on the list of Platinum Clubs of the World.
4. CLYMB Abu Dhabi
If you’re into bouldering or looking for a unique, exhilarating experience, CLYMB Abu Dhabi has plenty of things in store for you.
CLYMB Abu Dhabi is one of the best attractions found on Yas Island. Its thrilling climbing and skydiving features consist of record-breaking amazing walls and skydiving tunnels.
If you’re ready to conquer heights, head to The SUMMYT, the region’s tallest indoor climbing wall, which stands at 138 feet tall. It has 13 routes and is also the world’s first multi-pitch climbing wall.
If you want to try indoor skydiving, you’re in for the experience of a lifetime since CLYMB Abu Dhabi has the tallest and widest indoor skydiving wind tunnel in the world, which has a width of 32 feet and a height of 104 feet.
CLYMB Abu Dhabi is the perfect place to get a natural adrenaline rush.
5. Desert Islands Watersports Centre
Located in Sir Bani Yas Island, the Desert Islands Watersports Centre allows guests to experience sunset cruises, sailing lessons, and snorkelling and diving expeditions.
It is an ideal place to enjoy a variety of water sports and activities.
The waters teeming with marine flora and fauna, many of which are unique to the country and region, make it a fantastic spot for snorkelling and diving.
If you want to do some subaquatic exploration, go scuba diving. Once you’re undersea, you’ll come across colourful coral reefs and various fishes, including barracudas, golden trevallies, queenfish, and silver sweetlips.
You can also explore some of the submerged wrecks surrounding the island, such as the Sir Bani Yas Island Blocks and The Rig.
Don’t forget to add stand-up paddleboarding to your list of must-try activities here to explore the mangrove forest and other natural features of the island.
6. Al Wathba Cycle Track
If you’re an avid cyclist, you shouldn’t miss one of the most scenic cycling routes in the UAE: the Al Wathba Cycle Track.
The Al Wathba Cycle Track takes you through miles of desert with an ethereal landscape and picturesque vistas.
Its amazing views found their way into the blockbuster film “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”
Cyclists of all levels can conquer the illuminated track since it has several courses. Beginners can take the 8-kilometre or 16-kilometre routes. On the other hand, expert cyclers can go on the 20-kilometre, 22-kilometre, or 30-kilometre routes.
If you want your next holiday to be full of fun and exciting sports and activities, Abu Dhabi is the perfect destination.
Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash
TravelDailyNews Asia-Pacific editorial team has an experience of over 35 years in B2B travel journalism as well as in tourism & hospitality marketing and communications.
