Abu Dhabi Week explores the capital from land, sea and air
Think you know your city? Change the way you see Abu Dhabi by breathing in the sights and sounds from a new vantage point. Whether you are a long-time resident or a recent expat, there are plenty of ways to explore the island from a different angle from guided cycling tours, to a bird’s-eye view of the capital’s landmarks, to a peaceful paddle through the island’s offshore forests.
Above and beyond
To truly appreciate the capital, there’s nothing like enjoying an impressive bird’s-eye view over the island. The country’s resident seaplane tour company, Seawings, offers 30-minute aerial tours over Abu Dhabi from Emirates Palace and Yas Marina. Strapped in alongside the handful of other passengers, we were given a brief safety introduction. After starting up the propellers, we bobbed down the channel alongside Yas Marina, before turning to face our runway. Picking up speed, we glided across the water before lifting up and over Yas Island.
As we ventured towards Saadiyat Island, we were immediately struck by how clear the glittering water below us was and how many small islands lie off the coast. While the view from the road gives the impression that a multitude of developments are springing up, the view from above paints a different picture. Scattered, pristine developments such as St. Regis Saadiyat Island and Manarat Al Saadiyat are lined with landscaped borders, surrounded by empty plots waiting to be levelled out.
After Saadiyat Island, the seaplane swiftly moved over Zayed Port, giving a glimpse of Reem and Al Maryah Islands, where clusters of residential and business towers looked surprisingly aloof surrounded by desert island landscapes.
We then glided over Lulu Island, parallel to the bustling Corniche. In contrast to the scattered buildings on Saadiyat and Yas Islands, the heart of Abu Dhabi is marked by glittering high rises, with perpendicular streets navigating the gaps in between. The skyline looked much more appealing from the air as we passed iconic towers from the Sofitel, ADIA and World Trade Center to Nation Towers and Jumeirah Etihad Towers. Swooping over Marina Mall, catching a glimpse of the new Fairmont hotel’s progress, we then looped over the grounds of Emirates Palace to retrace our path down the Corniche towards Zayed Port.
On the ride back, we had a glimpse of private islands floating on crystal clear turquoise water and dotted islands with clusters of untouched mangrove forests.
Finally, we were back over Yas Island, flying thrillingly close to the red roof of Ferrari World, now linked to the huge Yas Mall development. A quick glimpse of the pointed awnings of the grandstand marked Yas Marina Circuit, while across the road, the Yas Links clubhouse peeked out of the pristine course.
The ride was surprisingly smooth, considering the size of the plane, though people who suffer from plane sickness may want to take care. Seawings conducts tours of Abu Dhabi with a maximum of eight passengers per plane.
For more information on Seawings or to book a tour, visit: www.seawings.ae
DETAILS
What? Seawings Abu Dhabi Pearl Tour
When? Daily, various timings.
Cost: AED 995 per adult, AED 845 per child.
Contact: 04 807 0708
Under the sea
What better way to take advantage of island living than to explore the capital’s coastline from the depths of the ocean? Learning to scuba dive can open a world of opportunities and you’re sure to witness new sights you won’t find on land including lemon sharks, leopard stingrays and batfish. Al Mahara Diving Center offers a variety of PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certified courses from Discover Scuba Diving to PADI Rescue Diver. To find out more, visit: www.divemahara.com
Floating in a forest
There is no better way to explore the mangroves than in a kayak. Eager to get as far away from the city as possible, we signed up for the new Al Rahba tour with Noukhada Adventure Company. Meeting at the loading point past Shahama, the crew packed us and five other adventure-seekers onto a boat. After a smooth 45-minute ride away from civilisation we found a cluster of kayaks waiting for us at the edge of an endless mangrove forest. Following a quick briefing from our guide Ernesto, we grabbed our paddles and headed off.
The beginning of the tour was a good workout as we paddled against the mild current up a wide canal. We were immediately struck by how quiet it was and had to stop paddling just to appreciate what was around us. The occasional needle fish would hastily pop up and dance across the water while a variety of birds curiously peered down on us from atop the trees.
“This is the cleanest air you will breathe in Abu Dhabi,” says Ernesto. We believe him too. Aside from the fact that mangrove trees have the ability to absorb toxins and act as a carbon sink, this forest has been lucky enough to escape the city pollution.
The rest of the two-hour tour took us through narrow channels where we saw plenty of scurrying crabs, baby fish and timid grey herons that majestically flew away the closer we got. Along the way we stopped off on two deserted islands where beautiful desert hyacinth grew out of the mud and osprey (sea hawks) attended their nests.
After a gentle paddle back, we hesitated getting back on the boat to go home. We could easily venture into the mangroves every weekend.
Noukhada hopes to eventually expand the Al Rahba tour with an overnight camping option. The tours are dependent on the tide to give you a better chance of viewing wildlife, so times vary.
DETAILS
What? Al Rahba Mangrove Kayak Tour
When? Fridays, various times
Cost: AED 220 per person.
Contact: 02 558 1889
Rachael Peacock
A wheel good time
The capital’s streets on most mornings are bustling with cars, buses and lorries, all in a hurry to get to their destination. Unless you are in a taxi or know the road system well, the thought of ‘exploring’ the city can be a little daunting.
The Arabian Adventures tour company has created a cycling excursion for residents and tourists that is perfect for those needing a gentle introduction to the geography of the city.
The tour starts at the Arabian Adventures centre, near the Heritage Park (Mina Port end) on the Abu Dhabi Corniche. Once set up with your bike, safety gear and plenty of water, your guide will lead your pack off towards the boatyard close to the Sheraton Abu Dhabi hotel. This gives your guide enough time to gauge what speed to travel at and your cycling ability – don’t worry, you won’t be battling dirt tracks and uphill climbs, the cycle paths across the city are flat and smooth.
The trip involves several stops. Not only for water breaks, but also for your guide to point out important landmarks, roads and interesting little facts about the capital; learning about the road grid-system is very useful indeed.
When your cycle isn’t parked up for breaks and city ‘lessons’, the leisurely pedalling amongst vibrant flowers, grassy knolls and seafront views is idyllic. Making your way to the end of the Corniche and turning right towards Marina Mall, you’ll stop for one of the best views in Abu Dhabi. The Corniche skyline with glistening blue waters and pristine white beaches is a stunning sight – make sure you bring your camera!
Coming to the end of your excursion, you’ll gently cycle towards Marina Mall with the magnificent view to your right. The approach to the mall sees a model dhow, where the tour ends and you are collected and brought back to the Arabian Adventures centre.
The morning weather is perfect right now to cruise on your bike, soak up some sun and of course, learn a little more about this dynamic city.
DETAILS
What? Corniche cycling tour
When? Running until 31st May. 9am to 11am.
Cost: AED 150 per adult, AED 75 per child.
Contact: 04 214 4888
Jack Dignum
