After weeks of boardrooms, deadlines and back-to-back meetings, it’s time to indulge in something restorative. Imagine soft white sands beneath your feet, gentle sea breezes and a horizon uninterrupted by high-rises.
Abu Dhabi offers that kind of escape: quiet beaches, warm waters and open skies that inspire you to slow down and breathe a little easier. It’s a place where comfort meets nature, and you can finally give yourself the kind of break that feels truly worth it.
Why not tap into the healing powers of Mother Nature and arrange a nature-focused holiday in the emirate?
Why Go on Nature Trips?
A nature-focused trip is more than spending a day at the best beach in Abu Dhabi. This restorative holiday can take you on a transformative journey through the emirate’s rich and diverse landscapes. Look beyond the urban skyline and you’ll see otherworldly mountain ranges, lush mangrove parks, soul-stirring wadis, mesmerising deserts and biodiverse coastlines.
With Abu Dhabi’s raw, natural beauty, you’ll have so much to explore. The beauty of enjoying a nature-focused holiday is the positive effects it has on your well-being.
Different studies have shown that spending time in nature is associated with increased happiness, improved well-being and reduced mental distress. Exposure to natural environments also enhances working memory, flexible thinking and focus.
Where should you go? Which natural attractions should you spend time in and explore?
Escape to Abu Dhabi’s Serene Beaches
Abu Dhabi has several of the best beaches in the region. You’ll even have private access to some if you book a hotel room. For instance, Rixos, the Park Hyatt and St. Regis are just a few of the hotels to stay at, offering beachside locations.
Saadiyat Island is especially ideal because its stretch of white sand beach is home to eco-protected marine species, such as hawksbill turtles and bottlenose dolphins. Picture yourself basking in the sun, book in one hand, a cool drink in the other, when suddenly, a splash breaks the calm and you spot dolphins dancing through the waves.
Another must-see beach in Abu Dhabi is Yas Beach, located on Yas Island. There are plenty of activities to enjoy around the beach, from volleyball to kayaking. But there are also spaces for lounging and relaxing on beach beds, cabanas and even luxury chalets, which are equipped with air conditioning and showers.
Other beaches in Abu Dhabi are Corniche Beach, which is near the Emirates Palace and Marina Mall, and Kai Beach and Mamsha Beach, which are located on Saadiyat Island.
Stillness in the Desert
No nature-focused trip to Abu Dhabi is complete without spending time in the desert. The western region of the emirate is part of the amazing Rub‘ al Khali (also called the Empty Quarter). It’s the world’s largest area of continuous sand, which spans about 250,000 square miles.
One of the more popular destinations in the Empty Quarter is Liwa Oasis. Movies like ‘Dune: Part Two’, ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’, and ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ have been filmed in this otherworldly location. With its towering dunes and breathtaking beauty, the Liwa Oasis is a definite site to visit.
You can arrange a desert safari at Liwa Oasis and experience the culture and lifestyle of the Bedouin people.
Other than Liwa Oasis, Al Ain Oasis is also in Rub‘ al Khali. Al Ain strikes a stark contrast to the golden waves and towering dunes of the desert landscape because of the lush canopy of date palm trees. It’s quite a sight to behold, even more so when the breeze rustles through the fronds and the sunlight filters down in dappled patterns across ancient falaj irrigation channels. Farmers, who have been cultivating this oasis for 4,000 years, have also planted banana, mango and fig trees.
Another place to explore is the Al Wathba region, which is home to more than 1,700 fossil dunes. These desert-like waves that have been frozen in time are spread across the Al Wathba Fossil Dunes Protected Area. The fossil dunes are estimated to be four million years old.
What can you do in the area? Walk along the well-lit paths or sit on one of the many benches and marvel at the sculptural formations. Alternatively, you can time your visit to coincide with the music and light show, which you can view from the 200-seater ampitheatre.
Calmness Amid Mangroves and Wildlife
If you love observing wildlife in their natural habitat, head to the Eastern Mangrove Lagoon National Park. Explore this protected area in a kayak, on a boat or paddleboard. On-water exploration is the best way to experience the serenity of the mangrove park. You can also spot local wildlife as you maneuver your way through the calm channel.
Observe graceful flamingoes. Listen to the many different sounds of 60 different bird species. You might even catch a glimpse of the gentle dugong or playful dolphins.
An afternoon here is certain to restore and rejuvenate your mind and body.
When it’s time for a holiday, think of a nature-focused trip to Abu Dhabi. There’s more to this cosmopolitan city than towering skyscrapers and the modern luxuries of Emirati life. Explore its diverse natural beauty, and you’ll come away feeling happier and calmer.