The capital is surrounded by islands, calm waters and plenty to see along the way. Abu Dhabi Week took off by jet ski to discover the sights around the waters.

Written by Charlie Kennedy

Somehow, we always seem to find ourselves assigned to tasks that involve – or bring out – our inadequacies, not to mention our fears.

This time, we found ourselves tasked with the challenge of riding a jet ski. Hardly dare-devil like and death defying, for sure, but when your comfort zone of water extends as far – and as deep – as a bath tub, it’s more of a challenge.

We also happen to be the type of people who tut loudly at the people who like to bounce along the water with friends, bravely showing off and performing more dare-devil like tricks to impress (and frighten) those watching on.

Abu Dhabi is home to no less than approximately two hundred islands and while some of them may be in the midst of huge development, there are plenty of more natural spots of land that can be explored by the nimble – not to mention fast – form of transport. With the help of Empros, an Abu Dhabi water-focused events company, we were off to explore the quieter spots on offer around the waters.

Bearing in mind that we had bravely joked about the small fact that we’d never been on a jet ski before we were half expecting a gentle little spin around in the shallow water just to first test it all out. But perhaps we were too convincing with our bravado act. After a talk about the weather conditions and a simple briefing on do’s and don’ts we’re fitted into lifejackets and off and out into the waters with our guide.

After working out that it’s safe to raise the speed above five miles per-hour, we’re feeling pretty good; the sun’s beaming down, the water’s fairly calm and we’re still above water. We press the accelerator. With a sudden spurt of speed and a splash of water behind us, we’re suddenly at full speed and seconds away – or so it feels – from flipping ourselves and jet ski in to the water. Thankfully we stop screaming long enough to realise we need to straighten up and release the accelerator.

Luckily Empros are an understanding group of professionals, and they patiently allow us to maintain a more modest speed for the rest of the trip.

And it’s a thoroughly enjoyable experience once the nerves have settled down. As we gently edge the speed up a little we discover the water becomes much easier to move through; the more speed, the smoother it seems. It’s soon apparent that it’s pretty easy – and fun – to get around on the water.

“The warm water skims over our toes and the jet ski feels like it’s barely touching the water; we’re gliding with the occasional bounce along a wave"

It’s also a great way to get a real sense of the shape – and size of the island. We stay pretty close to the outline of the mainland (in our mind, it’s less distance to doggy paddle back to shore should we need to) but we cover some distance. While there are certain areas of water – especially around the Corniche – that are off limits to jet skis, there’s plenty of water to discover – and plenty to see along the way. We pass a palace, numerous fellow jet skiers and the odd boat, all the while eyeing the moving horizon. It’s an impressive way to see the developments rising – Reem Island and the Etihad Towers glint above the rest of the skyline showing just how quickly the city is progressing.

But we can’t hear all the noise and rush of the city developments. We park up and switch engines off on a sandy stretch, gazing across at the hazy mainland. We stick our toes into the whitest sand we’ve seen in a long time, smattered with a colourful array of shells. All around is wonderfully quiet. We could sit for hours. But our guide is determined to show us that we can bring the speed up above a mere 20 miles per hour.

We sit on the back and hold on tightly as our guide, before telling us that the jet ski can reach around 80 miles per-hour, presses the accelerator and whizzes through the water. Once we’ve opened our eyes it’s actually really fun. The warm water skims over our toes and the jet ski feels like it’s barely touching the water; we’re gliding with the occasional bounce along a wave.

We’re finally back on land – and our limbs are numb. It’s a surprising work out – arms and legs positively ache – and we shakily wobble off and back on to dry land.

We’ve covered miles and seen a whole different side to Abu Dhabi. With year round sunshine miles of surrounding waters, it’s easy to see why water sports are so popular in the Emirate. It offers a fun, exciting and interesting perspective to the capital – and it’s certainly a lot quicker and entertaining than sitting in the rush hour traffic on land. We wonder if we could relocate our home – and office – to one or two of the islands surrounding Abu Dhabi ....

Top spots to see ...
Bahraini Island
The perfect spot for a picnic, Bahraini Island offers pristine beaches and calm waters. It’s also the perfect spot for wildlife lovers. Bahraini is home to Maya Resort – perfect for a longer island hop experience

Lulu Island
Just off the Corniche, Lulu Island offers still unspoilt beaches and a crystal clear view of the mainland

The Corniche
The perfect area to witness some of Abu Dhabi’s impressive landmarks; admire the city skyline, the statuesque Emirates Palace hotel with views stretching all the way down to Mina Zayed

The mangroves
Arguably one of the most important ecological sources in the UAE, the mangroves offer a beautiful, natural environment full of wildlife that can be experienced by jet ski

Empros hire out jet skis for AED 280 per hour, minimum two jet skis, inclusive of guide. To find out more call 02 673 660 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it