Going to the UAE this winter? Explore Abu Dhabi Holiday Packages with these 6 coolest outdoor activities.
For those who frequent Abu Dhabi, winter is the best time of the year. After all, it is the perfect season to enjoy the great outdoors in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Great news, cooler weather is just around the corner! In the country, wintertime officially begins in mid November. However, in the evenings, the temperature starts to drop in the evenings from September onwards for guests to start enjoying some of the best outdoor attractions in the city.
Planning to visit the UAE capital this outdoor season? Consider looking for the following six coolest activities in your Abu Dhabi holiday packages.
1.Beat the heat at Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi.
Just as the outdoor season is kicking off, you can continue to cool off in one of Yas Island’s Big Three theme parks! Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi offers you exhilarating activities that are fun all around the year.
This water park offers more than 40 exhilarating rides, slides, and attractions, including the longest suspended roller coaster and the first freefall drop slide in the Middle East. Travelling with family? You’ll also find lots of fun activities for your entire brood at Yas Waterworld. This renowned family-friendly destination has plenty of water-based experiences that even little toddlers will enjoy.
2.Race, shoot baskets and enjoy amazing events
If it’s winter, then it’s got to be Formula 1! The prestigious season ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is back in November, offering three days of high octane entertainment, followed by a rocking post-race concert. (Psst.. we know Kendrick Lamar and Swedish House Mafia are among the confirmed acts).
If you’re a basketball fan, then you’ll be thrilled to know that the NBA pre-season games will be hosted for the first time ever in Abu Dhabi. 2021 NBA champions Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks will face off against each other at Etihad Arena on 6 and 8 October, 2022. But that’s not all. Yas Island is bringing Disney on Ice, The Lion King Musical and UFC to the city - and hosting fabulous celebrations for Diwali and the Festive season later in the year. Check out our events page to know more.
3.Bond with loved ones at Yas Marina
Eat and be merry while spending quality time with your loved ones at Yas Marina. This could very well be your next stomping ground in Abu Dhabi.Choose among nine licensed restaurants in Abu Dhabi and enjoy delectable dishes, also served in al fresco dining areas. Who knows? You might even make new friends while basking in the gorgeous view of the marina. Here are some of the popular dining options available in this part of Yas Island:
Cipriani Iris Casa De Cubalu Mr. Miyagi’s The Scene by Simon Rimmer Stars n Bars Aquarium Diablito
4.Enjoy the view at Yas Bay Waterfront
Yas Bay Waterfront is quickly becoming a crowd favourite among Abu Dhabi’s dining destinations and nightlife haunts. With a three-kilometre boardwalk overlooking the peaceful Arabian Gulf, the Waterfront is the perfect place to witness the beauty of Yas Island. It also houses a dynamic mix of cafés and restaurants, including:
Asia Asia La Carnita Paradiso The Trilogy by Buddha Bar Lock Stock & Barrel
Besides delicious Mediterranean food, guests can also enjoy a relaxing ambience filled with music in Café del Mar. This Ibiza-styled beach club features a highly Instagrammable infinity pool with a bar – the first of its kind in the region.
Staying at Hilton Abu Dhabi? Maximize your hotel booking with complimentary access to Yas Bay Waterfront. Of course, you can still enter Yas Bay Waterfront using a day pass even if you’re not staying at the hotel.
5.Play golf at Yas Links Abu Dhabi
Water activities, delicious food, and lovely views aren’t the only things you can enjoy outdoors on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. You can also try playing golf in the region’s first true Links Golf Course. Designed for both seasoned golfers and new players, Yas Links Abu Dhabi is the perfect destination to tee off alone or with companions. Designed by renowned golf course designer Kyle Phillips, this course lets guests enjoy the sport, regardless of their skill level.
In fact, those seeking to improve their strokes and accuracy can also practice at the Golf Academy course in a par-3 course with holes ranging between 83 and 185 yards. Once you’re done for the day, rest and relax while enjoying afternoon refreshments at Hickory’s. This outdoor dining area is the perfect spot to behold the sunset over the lush green course – an unforgettable scene that will complete your day.
6.Reconnect with nature at the Mangroves
People need to disconnect from the virtual world and rekindle their link to nature now more than ever. Luckily, reconnecting with nature is among the best things you can do during winter in Abu Dhabi.
With so many things keeping you busy, you must find time to enjoy the beauty around you. Riding a kayak across Abu Dhabi mangroves is one way to do it. Found at the edge of the city, the Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi is a waterfront destination offering access to the awe-inspiring natural ecosystem rarely found in the Middle East. To access this part of the island, you can book a guided tour of the mangroves or enjoy the hidden views on your own.
Enjoy the Outdoor Season Wintertime is the best time to explore the great outdoors in Abu Dhabi. Add these activities to your itinerary when visiting the UAE capital to make the most of the cool months in the country.
Ready to book your trip? Visit our website for ongoing hotel and activity packages you can choose from to get more value for your money.
Getting To Yas island
- General
Yas Express is our complimentary shuttle bus service that can get you to any of the major island attractions. For more information, timetable and map, download the pocket guide or call +971 (0) 600 511115.
- To Yas Island:
- Boarding spots are available at the Deira City Center entrance (beside Aloft Hotel) and Ibn Battuta Mall, Parking 7 stop (right in front of the China Court section).
- Within Yas Island:
- The shuttle service bus can take guests to any of the major island attractions.
- Air travel to Yas Island
- If you're coming from outside the UAE, aim to land in Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), as it is located just 10 minutes away from Yas Island.
- Rental car to Yas Island
- From Abu Dhabi International Airport, you can rent a car. All car rental offices operate 24/7
- Uber/Careem
- Connect to the Wi-Fi at Abu Dhabi International Airport and book an Uber or Careem via their apps.
- Taxis to Yas Island
- You can take a taxi to Yas Island from Abu Dhabi International Airport (10 minutes), Abu Dhabi (25 minutes), and Dubai (45 minutes). To get a taxi, you can flag them down at the roadside, call the TransAD hotline 600 535353 to book, or use the Abu Dhabi Taxi app available for both iOS and Android platforms. Taxis are plentiful and fares are reasonable.
- From Abu Dhabi:
- Board the 102 Bus Route to Yas Island at the Abu Dhabi Bus Station next to Al Wahda Mall.
- From Dubai:
- Travel to the Dubai Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to ride to the Abu Dhabi Bus Station, then board the 102 Bus Route to Yas Island.