From sweeping desert dunes to sun-soaked beaches and thrilling rollercoasters, Abu Dhabi is full of brilliant outdoor activities. The year-round sunshine gives endless opportunities for exploring the emirate’s most beautiful nature spots, whether on a breezy coastal walk, a camel ride in the desert or a paddle through dense mangrove forests. There are also plenty of more high-octane activities on offer, such as visits to theme parks and helicopter tours as well as family-friendly fun – think trampoline parks, and ziplines.
Ready to explore? These are our favourite outdoor attractions in Abu Dhabi.
1. Scale sand dunes on a desert safari
Abu Dhabi sits on the edge of the world's largest sand desert, thrillingly named the Empty Quarter (or Rub' al Khali). An excursion here is on almost every traveller’s Abu Dhabi bucket list, and the easiest way to do it is on an organised desert safari. These typically include a wealth of activities, including scenic drives through the desert landscape, dune-bashing in a 4x4, sunset photo ops, camel riding, a barbecue dinner and live music. Some tours also include falconry demos and overnight camping for an even deeper dive into local culture. All provide transport to and from the city. Tour operators offer a wide range of safari experiences at different price points, so you can pick the excursion that suits you best.
2. Soar above the skyline on a helicopter tour
For a totally new perspective on Abu Dhabi, a helicopter ride over the skyline might be just the thing. This glamorous tour gives you a birds-eye view of the UAE capital, with short flights taking in the Arabian Gulf coast and cityscape, and longer flights – up to 45 minutes – giving you the chance to take in more of the scenery. Look out for Yas Island, the mangroves and palm-lined roads stretching into the desert, as well as city landmarks such as the glittering dome of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Emirates Palace and the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Early bookings are recommended, especially for golden hour slots, as this is when Abu Dhabi is at its most beautiful, glowing in the evening light.
3. Ride the world’s fastest roller coaster at Ferrari World
Ferrari World isn’t just for sports cars enthusiasts, it’s a sprawling, action-packed theme park perfect for adrenaline-seekers. This festival of speed on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island is home to the Formula Rossa, the fastest rollercoaster in the world, and also offers go-kart racing, advanced simulators, and a wide range of attractions for kids and adults. While most areas of the park are inside, the roller coasters propel visitors outdoors, swerving, plummeting and looping the loop at top speeds. It’s best to visit on a weekday for shorter queues, and combo tickets with neighbouring theme parks Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros. World are available online. Booking in advance is strongly advised.
4. Drive world class sports cars at Yas Marina Circuit
Feel like a race car driver for a day at Yas Marina Circuit, where the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix takes place. You can watch the pros here during race events, but it’s also possible to step onto the iconic tracks yourself to take a high-speed ride with professional drivers or even hop into a Porsche, Ferrari or Aston Martin for lessons or a self-driving experience.If high speeds aren’t your thing, there are still plenty of ways to make the most of the tracks – cycling and running groups hold open sessions in the evenings. They’re welcoming, free to join with registration and are a fun and unusual way to experience the venue.
5. Kayak through Abu Dhabi’s mangroves
For a peaceful, environmental experience, rent a kayak and glide through the Mangrove National Park. This delicate ecosystem is a protected reserve and includes salt marshes, mudflats and mangrove forests. Quiet and remote, it feels a world away from the rest of the city, and there’s a wealth of wildlife to be spotted here, including herons, crabs, flamingos and more. Morning paddles are best to avoid the heat, and some outfitters, such as Husaak Adventures, offer guided eco-tours that include nature talks about the rich biodiversity of the park.
6. Get active at Circuit X Adventure Park
Located on Hudayriyat Island, Circuit X is an all-ages outdoor hub and adventure park, with lots of activities and challenges in a series of themed zones. The Ropes Park features climbing walls, a 100m-long zip line, and a high-ropes obstacle course tricky enough for both kids and adults. There’s also a Bike Park with a dedicated BMX track, a Skate Park with ramps, bowls and a training area, and a Splash Park with a Pirate’s Playground for younger children. Whether you’re travelling with thrill-seeking teens or high-energy little ones, Circuit X makes for a fantastic half-day outing.Plan to visit in the late afternoon and stay past sunset, as there are food trucks and seating areas nearby, making it easy to extend your visit into a laidback evening out.
7. Bounce around at a trampoline park
Located in Marina Mall, Bounce Abu Dhabi is an indoor attraction, but on the days when the weather is really too warm to be outside, it’s a perfect energy-burning alternative to outdoor fun. Kids and adults can jump on wall-to-wall trampolines, race through obstacle courses, or shoot down the 40m super slide. There’s also a mini-bounce area for younger jumpers.
8. Relax at Corniche Beach
Corniche Beach is one of Abu Dhabi’s most accessible stretches of coastline. Divided into zones (family, singles, and open access) it’s clean and well-maintained, with plenty of seafront activities on offer. You can swim in the gentle waters, walk or cycle along the boardwalk, or grab a bite on one of the scenic café terraces.The public beach is free, but small fees apply for access to loungers and private zones. Shower facilities and umbrella rentals are available, and lifeguards are on duty during fixed hours.
