6 Must-Visit Places in Abu Dhabi for Adventure Seekers

Abu Dhabi has long been regarded as the UAE’s luxury gateway. It boasts of numerous high-end hotels, resorts, and restaurants. You will also find plenty of international and local upscale retail stores within the city.

The city’s beaches, oases, sand dunes, and other natural attractions also ensure you can experience numerous luxurious activities here.

However, Abu Dhabi is not the only ideal destination for tourists looking for a luxury holiday. Its variety of natural and human-made attractions makes this city a go-to place for adventure seekers.

Abu Dhabi’s Top Attractions for Adventure Seekers

Below are the six places to visit in Abu Dhabi if you are planning an adventure holiday in this city:

1. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

If fast cars give you an adrenaline rush, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi should be your first destination.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is the sole Ferrari-branded theme park in the world. It is home to numerous rides and attractions, all designed to immerse you in the high-speed and thrilling world of the famous Italian automotive brand.

If you want your first ride to be the most exhilarating one, head to Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster. It reaches pulsating speeds of 150mph in 4.9 seconds.

Flying Aces is another must-try adrenaline-charged ride. It features the world’s highest roller coaster loop.

The Bell’ Italia, Fiorano GT Challenge, Flying Wings, Turbo Track, and Turbo Tower are other rides that will also get your heart pounding.

If you’re a huge fan of Formula One racing, try the Scuderia Challenge. Here, you’ll have the chance to use the same simulator that the Ferrari racing team uses for their practice races and to improve their cars.

2. Yas Marina Circuit

If you want to get behind the wheel and go on a more thrilling ride, head to the Yas Marina Circuit, the Middle East’s top racing circuit, which is also home to the yearly Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The Driver/Passenger Experience allows you to take the wheel or passenger seat on a Formula Yas 3000, Yas Radical SST, Aston Martin GT4, Mercedes-AMG, Chevrolet Camaro, or Toyota 86 Drift Car, and go around the circuit.

You can also try karting at the KartZone, one of the most exciting karting circuits in the MENA region.

This year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is slated to take place in the second week of December. If you want to see the F1 racers fight it out for a place at the podium up close, make sure you buy a ticket for race day.

You can also be part of the other exciting events before, during, and after the race, which includes playing at specially designed game zones and post-race concerts.

3. CLYMB Abu Dhabi

If conquering heights give you a natural high, you’ll love CLYMB Abu Dhabi.

A glance at CLYMB Abu Dhabi’s building won’t fail to excite you. Once inside, you can’t help but get an adrenaline rush.

CLYMB Abu Dhabi houses the region’s tallest indoor climbing wall: The SUMMYT. It is 138 feet tall with 13 routes.

It is also the world’s first multi-pitch climbing wall.

Additionally, CLYMB Abu Dhabi is home to the tallest and widest indoor skydiving flight chamber in the world. It has a width of 32 feet and a height of 104 feet.

Whether you opt to conquer the region’s tallest indoor climbing wall or go skydiving in the world’s largest indoor skydiving flight chamber, you will get an adrenaline rush that you can’t find anywhere easily.

4. Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi

Going on thrilling rides while getting drenched and refreshed is possible in Abu Dhabi. Just make sure you head to Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi.

Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi has more than 40 water rides, slides, and attractions, some of which are the most exhilarating in the world. It is one of the most popular destinations for locals and tourists throughout the year.

The Liwa Loop, the first freefall drop waterslide in the UAE and GCC area, and the Dawwama, the world’s largest six-person tornado water coaster, are the perfect rides for thrill-seekers.

The Bubbles Barrel, the largest surfing sheet wave in the world, and the Bandit Bomber, currently the only suspended water park rollercoaster on earth, won’t fail to satisfy your desire for an exciting adventure.

You also won’t be disappointed by the other rides and attractions you will find in Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, including Al Raha River, Amwaj, Cinesplash, Hamlool’s Humps, Sebag, Slithers Slide, Jebel Drop, and Yadi Yas.

5. Al Dhafra

If you want to go on an adventure that also brings you closer to the cultural heritage of the UAE, go on a desert safari in Al Dhafra.

Al Dhafra is home to a vast desert with over 250,000 square miles of dunes called the “Empty Quarter.”

The wilderness is one of the best places in the UAE to experience some heart-pumping, gravity-defying dune bashing. Aside from the thrilling ride and chance to see pristine wilderness, you will gain a sense of accomplishment as you overcome the towering dunes and reach your destination.

To complete your desert adventure, go on a camel trek, try sandboarding, and watch the falcon show.

You can enjoy an amazing barbecue and dinner outdoors after your desert adventure. You also have the option of staying here overnight at one of the camping sites to get a glimpse of the clear, stunning starry skies of Abu Dhabi. 

6. Red Buoy

Abu Dhabi’s beautiful beaches provide various fun and exciting activities. However, if your idea of an adventure is going under the sea and exploring underwater life, head to the Red Buoy and go scuba diving.

The Red Buoy is a diving site located around 20km off the coast of Abu Dhabi. It has a descent of 11 metres and the waters have visibility that many consider to be next to perfection. Because of this, you will be able to see everything underwater.

Once you are underwater, you will be able to find and encounter a variety of marine life. These include snappers, stingrays, goatfish, and other exotic fish species. 

Aside from the fantastic undersea adventure, you’ll get plenty of chances to take photos of the beautiful creatures you see, all of which are definitely Instagram-worthy.

This list barely scratches the surface of places that appeal to thrill-seekers. Abu Dhabi has more to offer to anyone interested in enjoying a vacation full of adventure and excitement.

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