Winter is here and it can only mean one thing – or in this case, 101 things. From dune bashing and bedouin workshops, pearl diving to flyboarding, dragon boating to white water rafting, dining al fresco to picnicking in the park, here are some of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi during winter

CULTURE

Visit a royal home 

The ancestral home of the UAE’s President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has been given a recent facelift. Exhibited images and artefacts within the courtyard will delight history fanatics and casual visitors. Free. Qasr Al Muwaiji, Al Ain. Contact: qasralmuwaiji.ae 

Live like a bedouin

Start a fire and create accessories out of crude materials with the help of Imagination Mike, a free-spirited American inspired by Aladdin and Arabic tales. To find out more about the workshops, contact: 02 491 8624, info@brandmoxie.com 

Go on a cultural walk

If you’re staying at Qasr Al Sarab, make the most of it by embarking on a guided desert tour. The exploration offers a glimpse into the local area, the culture and desert animals. Contact: 02 886 2088, qasralsarab.anantara.com 

Walk in an oasis

Al Ain Oasis sits on 3,000 acres and is home to a variety of plants and trees including date palms and orchids. The oasis uses the old-fashioned irrigation system, falaj, to fortify growth of the plants. Near Al Ain National Museum. Free. Contact: 03 712 8429

Go birdwatching

Abu Dhabi is home to hundreds of native and migratory bird species. From the track off Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Street you can see plenty of birds in the mangroves, or rent a kayak from Yas Beach and explore the mangroves in search of flamingos.

Explore Mina

Get out of the supermarket and into the marketplace at Zayed Port. You’ll find everything from interior décor and plants to fresh produce in the Iranian, Carpet, Plant and Fruit and Vegetable Souks, all within walking distance from one another.

Shop the markets

Behind Al Jimi Mall is Al Ain’s version of the Mina souks, an expansive maze of shops that sell everything from plants to pet food. Daily 10am-1pm and 8pm-midnight.

Be one with nature 

At the stunning Sir Bani Yas Island you can choose from various outdoor activities like the Nature and Wildlife Drive, where you’ll have the chance to see regional wildlife like dhabis, oryx and cheetahs. Contact: 02 801 5266, sirbaniyasisland.com

Discover local talent

Abu Dhabi’s musical talent comes out of the woodwork at Metronome, an event that provides stage time for aspiring musicians. Hosted monthly at Ripe market, Mushrif Central Park. Contact: whitecubestudios.ae

Add some soul

Abu Dhabi Soul. Free. Saadiyat Beach Club. Contact:
facebook.com/rooftoprhythmsad

Learn about pearl diving
AED 500 per adult. Contact: 02 656 1052, abudhabipearljourney.com

Visit a traditional souk

Free. Souq Al Qattara, Al Ain. Daily 8am-1pm and 4pm-10pm. Contact: visitabudhabi.ae 

Go on a Seawings tour

From AED 895. Contact: 02 564 6303, seawings.ae

Cruise in a catamaran
Prices vary. Contact: 02 643 1494, belevari.com 

Spend a day at the camel races

Free. Al Wathba. Days and times vary. Contact: 02 583 9200, visitabudhabi.ae

Explore the desert

AED 290 per person. Desert Rose Tourism. Contact: 02 446 6346, desertrosetourism.com

ACTIVE

Cycle Al Wathba

Offering an uninterrupted cycle track for all levels, this remote desert circuit offers 8km, 16km, 20km, 22km and 30km loops. The track is lit at night, too. Free. Near Endurance Village.

Go white water rafting 

With a beginners introduction and a more challenging river rapid course, you can test your nerve and teamwork skills. AED 150 for 90-minute session, AED 50 for park pass. Wadi Adventure. 10am-6pm. Contact: 03 781 8422, wadiadventure.ae

Learn kite surfing 

Make the most of the wind and try your hand at kite surfing on the sea. AED 350 for one hour. Yas Island. Contact: 050 544 1494, kitepro.ae

Learn to flyboard

AED 300 for 30 mins. Abu Dhabi Marine Sports, Yas Island. Days and times
vary. Contact: 050 817 3071, flyboards-uae.com

Boost your swimming fitness 

Taking place in the open water at Yas Marina, this swimming class will challenge you physically with a dose of gymnastics and out-of-water exercise too. AED 80 for non-members. Fri 8.30am, starts mid-January. Pre-booking required. Vogue Fitness, Yas Marina. Contact: 02 583 2380, vfuae.com 

Hit the Corniche

It may seem like an obvious one, but this public beach and promenade is the best way to enjoy the cooler weather. Rent a bike or buggy, enjoy a frozen yoghurt, or chill on the Blue Flag beach.

Play padel 

Grab some friends for a game of this racquet sport that’s played on an enclosed glass- or concrete-walled court. AED 200. Pre-booking required. Abu Dhabi Country Club, Al Saada Street. Daily 7am-11pm. Contact: 02 657 7777, adcountryclub.com

Do the dragon

Join the Capital Dragons and row like a pro while taking part in national dragon boating races. Near Heritage Village, Marina Mall. Timings vary. Contact: adcapitaldragons@gmail.com, capitaldragons.weebly.com

Train for a triathlon 

With a couple triathlons coming up in 2016, why not sign up and challenge yourself? In the run up to the race you can practise your cycling, swimming and running in the great outdoors.

Practise parkour 

If you’ve marvelled at the feats of these urban athletes, why not try it out yourself? Join the free-running lessons with local group UAE Parkour. AED 85 for adults. British School Al Khubairat, Al Mushrif. Tue 8pm-9pm. Contact: 056 127 7818, uaeparkour.com

Salute the moon

Strengthen your core and improve your flexibility with a yoga session under the stars. AED 90 per class, AED 800 for ten. Saadiyat Beach Club. Mon 7.30pm. Contact: 02 443 4448,
bodytreestudio.com

Join a running club 

Hash House Harriers, an international running and socialising club with a branch in Abu Dhabi, welcomes people of all ages and abilities. AED 50 for run only, AED 150 for membership. Locations vary. Mon 6.30pm. Contact: abudhabiislandhash@gmail.com, auh4.org 

Be the captain 

Take the helm with this boating course where you’ll learn how to drive a powerboat and be safe at sea. AED 800 per session. Xventures, near Marina Mall. Contact: 055 540 4500, x-ventures.ae

See under the sea 

Explore the shores of the capital and discover what lurks beneath the sea on a snorkelling trip with friends. AED 300 per person. Yas Beach, Yas Island. Daily, times vary. Contact: 02 558 1889, noukhada.ae

Kayak in the mangroves

Noukhada Adventure Company, Yas Beach. AED 155 per person. Contact: 02 558 1889, noukhada.ae

Play cricket 

Pre-registration required. Al Ain Sportplex. Price available on request. Dates and times vary. Contact: 03 768 8888, alainsp.ae

Ride a horse

From AED 200 for members. Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Al Saada Street. Contact: 02 445 5500, adec-web.com

Train on the Formula 1 track

Free, but registration required. Yas Marina Circuit. Sun, Tue and Thu 6pm-10pm. Contact: 02 659 9800, yasmarinacircuit.com

Take aim with clay shooting 

AED 200 for 25 shots. Al Forsan. Daily 2pm-11pm. Contact: 02 556 8555, alforsan.com

Improve your golf with radar  

AED 450 for one-hour. Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Sas Al Nakhl. Contact: 02 558 8990, adgolfclub.com

Go karting

From AED 230 on weekdays. Al Forsan International Sports Resort. Contact: 02 556 8555, alforsan.com

Learn freediving

AED 800 for four-hour course. Contact: 050 613 0486, freedivinguae.com

Discover scuba diving

From AED 525 for beginners course. Al Mahara Diving Centre. Contact: 050 111 8125,
divemahara.com

Watch polo 

Free. Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club. Dates and times vary. Contact: 02 562 9050, grpc.ae

Learn flowboarding 

Yas Waterworld. Daily, times vary. Contact: 02 414 2000, yaswaterworld.com

Draw your arrows

From AED 100 for 30 mins. Daily 2pm-11pm. Al Forsan. Contact: 02 556 8555, alforsan.com

Play paintball 

From AED 100. Zayed Sports City. Tue-Sat noon-10pm. Contact: 02 403 4200, paintball@zsc.ae

Skate the wake

AED 125 for one hour. Al Forsan. Daily 1pm-10pm. Contact: 02 556 8555, alforsan.com

DINING OUT

Iris

With views over the marina, Iris is a great place to go for some relaxed bites, beverages and beats in the unique backyard-styled outdoor terrace. Yas Marina, Yas Island. Sun-Sat 6pm-3am. Contact: 055 160 5636, irisabudhabi.com

Salt

It doesn’t get more al fresco than this food truck, whose burgers have had the capital drooling for some time. Grab a tasty Wagyu beef or chicken cheeto burger and walk it off in the park afterwards. Sun-Sat 1pm-2am. Mushrif Central Park, Al Mushrif. Contact: instagram.com/findsalt

Safina

This beachside spot features a Mediterranean menu with some of the best views in town. Saadiyat Beach Club. Sat-Wed noon-10pm, Thu-Fri noon-11pm, brunch Fri 1pm-4pm. Contact: 02 656 3500, saadiyatbeachclub.ae/restaurant-lounges/safina 

Pearls

After filling up on fine fare in Michelin-starred chef Michael Caines’ stunning restaurant, you can watch the sun go down from the terrace on the upper floor. Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Corniche West. Sun-Sat noon-3.30pm, 7pm-11pm. Contact:
02 811 5666, jadrestaurants@jumeirah.com

The Beach House

This restaurant is a tranquil escape from the city, with tables overlooking the white sandy beach. Feast on Mediterranean fare or grab a sundowner on the top level. Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island. Sun-Sat 10am-midnight. Contact:
02 407 1138, abudhabi.park.hyatt.com

Asia de Cuba

This Chino-Latino spot will charm with its fusion food. Curl up in a cabana or sit on the beach deck for unique Corniche views. Nation Riviera Beach Club, opposite The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Corniche West. Sun-Sat noon-midnight. Contact:
02 699 3333, asiadecuba.com

Circle Café

This casual all-day dining spot boasts a variety of options from bagels to heartier fare. Relax on the outdoor patio while you sip on a coffee and the kids play in the playground. Al Raha Gardens Plaza, Khalifa City A. Sun-Sat 7.30am-10.30pm. Contact: 02 556 1550, circle-cafe.com

Boa Steakhouse

Boa has a wide menu of steak and surf n turf with peaceful views of the mangroves to boot. Eastern Mangroves Promenade. Sat-Wed 12.30pm-1am, Thu-Fri 12.30pm-2am. Contact: 02 641 1500, boaabudhabi.ae

BBQ Al Qasr

Set in the stunning Emirates Palace, this barbecue-themed restaurant is set right on the beach. Choose from a variety of grills from steak to seafood and enjoy the view across the Gulf. Emirates Palace. Sun-Sat 6.30pm-11.30pm. Contact: 02 690 7999, restaurants@emiratespalace.ae

Ushna

Ushna is the perfect place to get a spice hit and enjoy spectacular views over the creek and Grand Mosque. Souk Qaryat Al Beri, Khor Al Maqta’a. Sat-Wed 12.30pm-11.30pm, Thu-Fri 12.30pm-midnight. Contact: 02 418 2589, facebook.com/ushnafinedining

P&C by Sergi Arola

Enjoy contemporary Spanish cuisine from the deck overlooking the canal or head upstairs for a post-dinner drink in the open-air bar. Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri, between the bridges. Sat-Thu 7pm-11.30pm, Fri 8pm-11.30pm. Contact: 02 509 8777, shangri-la.com

Vasa Vasa

Head to Italian gelateria Vasa Vasa for a sweet – or savoury – treat, then go for a stroll along the waterfront. Al Muneera, Al Raha Beach. Sun-Sat 9am-10.30pm. Contact: 02 555 6484 or search for Vasa Vasa on Facebook

Pacifico Tiki

Pacifico Tiki, formerly Ornina, offers international and Italian fare with a chilled tropical vibe right by the waterside. Al Bandar, Al Raha Beach. Sat-Wed noon-1.30am, Thu-Fri noon-3am. Contact:
02 556 6090, facebook.com/OrninaLounge

Pavilion

During the horse racing season, head down to Pavilion for the Race Night Barbecue. Chow down on a selection of delicious grills on the expansive patio while kids play in the grass and bouncy castle. Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, Al Saada Street. Sun 6pm. Contact: 02 445 9600, adcitygolf.com

Rosewater

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Corniche West. Sun-Sat 6.30am-11pm. Contact: 02 811 5666, jadrestaurants@jumeirah.com

Café Blanc

Eastern Mangroves Promenade, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street. Daily 10am-midnight. Contact: 02 677 9881, facebook.com/cafeblancabudhabi

Nolu’s Café

Al Bandar, Al Raha Beach. Sun-Sat 8am-11pm. Contact: 02 557 9500, facebook.com/noluscafe

Dhow dinner cruise

Mina Zayed, near the fish market. Daily 7.30pm-10pm. Contact: dhowcruiseabudhabi.ae

CuiScene

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, between the bridges. Sun-Sat 6.30am-11.30pm. Contact: 02 654 3238, fairmont.com/babalbahr

Stills Bar and Brasserie

Crowne Plaza Yas Island. Sun-Wed and Fri-Sat noon-1am. Thu noon-3am. Contact: 02 656 3066, crowneplaza.com/abudhabi

Fishmarket

InterContinental Hotel Abu Dhabi, Al Bateen. Sun-Sat 12.30pm-11pm. Contact: 02 666 6888, dining-intercontinental-ad.ae

Hickory’s Sports Bar

Yas Links, Yas Island. 6.30am-midnight. Contact: 02 810 7777, yaslinks.com

Skylite

Yas Viceroy, Yas Island. Sun-Sat 6pm-1am. Contact: 02 656 0000, viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/en/abudhabi

Oléa

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort. Fri 1pm-4pm. Contact: 02 498 8443, oleaabudhabi.com

No. 57 Boutique Café 

Building 2, Al Marasy, Al Bateen. Sun-Thy 8am-11pm, Fri-Sat 9am-midnight. Contact: 02 441 6100, no57.co

Bentley Bar and Bistro

The Galleria, Al Maryah Island. Contact: 02 626 2131, thegalleria.ae/dine/bentley-bistro-bar

FAMILY

Rent an eco-donut boat

From AED 200. Eastern Mangroves Marina. Sun-Thu 9am-9pm, Fri-Sat 9am-10pm. Contact: 056 480 0427, belevari.com

Make a splash

Murjan Splash Park. Free for children under 75cm, AED 40 for children over. Sun-Thu noon-6pm and Fri-Sat 10am-6pm. Contact: 02 441 7332, murjansplashpark.
weebly.com

Visit Al Wathba Wetland Reserve

At this five square kilometre nature reserve you might spot 250 species of birds and nearly 40 plant species. Thu-Sat 7.30am-2pm. Contact: ead.ae

Stroll the promenade

Eastern Mangroves Promenade, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street. Daily 10am-10pm. Contact: easternmangrovespromenade.ae

Ride an abra

This water taxi has three routes between Yas Island, Khor Al Maqta’a and Eastern Mangroves. From AED 20. Contact: 02 650 7175, captaintonys.ae

Explore Yas Beach

At this newly revamped beach, you can play volleyball, go kayaking in the mangroves or munch on pizza by the pool while the kids take part in sand castle competitions or go sailing. Near Yas Plaza, Yas Island. Contact: 056 242 0435, yasbeach.ae

Join a natural history group

Become a member of ENHG and you’ll get to join group trips like snorkelling, desert driving and barbeques. AED 100 for individuals, AED 150 for families. Contact: facebook.com/enhgad, enhg.org

Navigate a maze

Abu Dhabi is home to countless green spaces but in the Formal Park on the Corniche you’ll find a hedge maze straight out of a storybook. Free. Near Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Corniche East.

Support an animal sanctuary

This private farm is home to various rescued animals. Head down every second Saturday of the month to meet and play with them. Donations welcome. Contact: facebook.com/bahyasanctuary

Pet a camel

Get up close and personal with camels at this traditional market. Be warned, though: “friendly” handlers will offer to show you around but ask for money when you leave. Don’t feel obligated to pay them. Behind Jimi Mall, Al Ain.

Hop on the boat 

The Yellow Boats. Tours from AED 280. Emirates Palace Marina. Contact: 800 892, theyellowboats.com

Chill at a beach club

AED 150 weekdays, AED 200 weekends. The Bayshore Beach Club, InterContinental Hotel, Al Bateen. Daily 8am-10pm. Contact: 02 693 5285, dining-intercontinental-ad.ae

Visit Mushrif Central Park

AED 5. Mohammed Bin Khalifa Street (15th). Daily 8am-10pm. Contact: 02 666 9559, dining-intercontinental-ad.aeDining at InterContinental

Go on an eco tour

From AED 300 per adult, AED 200 per child. Captain Tony’s. Contact: captaintonys.ae

Drive Jebel Hafeet

You could drive this 1,240 metre mountain any time of year, but winter yields the best views from the top.

Spot wildlife on Saadiyat 

From AED 25. Saadiyat Public Beach. Daily 8am-8pm. Contact: bakeuae.com

Shop organic

Free, AED 5 entry to park. Ripe market, Mushrif Central Park. Sat 4pm-9pm. Contact: ripeme.com

Visit Al Ain Zoo

Adults AED 30, children AED 10. Nahyan Al Awwal Street, Al Ain. Contact: 800 966, alainzoo.ae

Spend the day on an island

Prices vary. Al Maya Island. Contact: almayauae.com

Picnic in the park
Take your pick from the capital’s public spaces.

CHAIRMAN ARABELLA WILLING TELLS US MORE ABOUT EMIRATES NATURAL HISTORY GROUP

What is ENHG?

It’s the oldest non-governmental, environmental organisation in the UAE, set up in the 70s. We’re made up 200 amateur and professional environmental enthusiasts and scientists.

Who can join?

It’s a forum for anyone who’s interested in nature and natural history – even children.

What do members do?

We have lectures twice a month about local environmental topics and sometimes regional or global initiatives. These are hosted at Park Hyatt on Saadiyat and are open to the public. Topics might include geology, astronomy or archaeology. We also have field trips like camping or birdwatching trips.

How much is membership?

It costs AED 100 for a year, AED 150 for a family. The season runs from September to June.

These fees are used to fly interesting speakers in from somewhere like Oman or are put towards research grants.

Fee includes access to trips. Bi-monthly lectures, hosted at Park Hyatt on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month, are free and open to the public. To become a member, fill out a form at one of the lectures or trips.

EVENTS

Abu Dhabi comes alive with outdoor events in the winter from local concerts to international sporting championships

31st December – 2nd January
Mubadala World Tennis Championship

Six tennis greats including David Ferrer and Rafael Nadal will give it their best shot for championship glory at this annual tennis competition. Zayed Sports City. From AED 100. Contact: mubadalawtc.com

8th January
ADCB 5k and 10k runs

This regular community run takes place around the closed roads in Zayed Sports City while raising funds for chosen charities. Various categories for different age brackets. From AED 120. Contact: premieronline.com

12th January
Classic film Tuesdays

Indulge your love of films with al fresco movie screenings every second Tuesday of the month. Free. Yas Marina. 7.30pm. Contact: 02 406 2000, yasmarina.ae

16th January
WAR 11

The Wadi Adventure Race obstacle course will test you to your limits with desert running, swimming through lakes and navigating manmade obstacles. 5k, 10k and 15k loops available. Wadi Adventure, Al Ain. From AED 275. Contact: premieronline.com

21st-24th January
Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship

The 11th edition of this stellar championship will see some of the world’s top golfers tee off for the $2.7 million (AED 9.91 million) prize purse. Tickets TBA. Contact: abudhabigolfchampionship.com

3rd February
Martin Argerich and Gidon Kremer with Kremerata Baltica

The newly renovated Qasr Al Muwaiji provides a stunning backdrop for this al fresco concert. From AED 80. Al Ain. Contact: abudhabiclassics.ae

6th February
Abu Dhabi Junior Aquathlon

Active kids can join this fun run and swim race with categories for different abilities. From AED 90. Contact: premieronline.com