Abu Dhabi is one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates. The emirate comprises three main regions: the UAE capital and its surroundings, Al Ain in the eastern region, and Al Dhafra in the western region. This division helps put your discoveries into context: in Al Ain, the oasis and historical heritage take centre stage; in Al Dhafra, distinctive desert landscapes await. These different themes offer starting points for making your own choices, without prescribing a fixed route.

Jebel Hafit: Landscape and History

At the foot of Jebel Hafit, Jebel Hafit Desert Park stretches for nine kilometres. It is considered family-friendly. Visitors can hike, mountain bike and go horseback or camel riding there. Archaeological and historical remains are also among the things to discover: they tell the story of early settlement in this area. This brings outdoor activity and a glimpse into history together in one place.

The area’s recognition also underscores its significance: in 2011, UNESCO recognised the Jebel Hafit Desert Park area as an important part of the Al Ain UNESCO World Heritage Site, the first World Heritage Site in the United Arab Emirates. If you’re considering a hike as a separate activity, the Jebel Hafit hiking trail offers a useful reference point: it is approximately 8.4 kilometres long and takes three to four hours. The distance is approximate; check current trail conditions before setting out.

Oasis History in Al Ain

At Al Ain Oasis, the two central falaj systems are called Al Aini and Dawood. The excavated channels are described as 3,000 years old. These names and the reported age give the oasis a tangible historical dimension: alongside its landscape, you can also discover its long history.

Visitors can rent bicycles or use an electric buggy to get around the oasis. The Eco-Centre offers interactive exhibitions on the historical significance of the oasis and is free to enter. Before your trip, check the current availability of bicycles and buggies, as well as the Eco-Centre’s visitor conditions.

Another historic building in Al Ain is Qasr Al Muwaiji. It was built during the time of Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa the First (r. 1855–1909) and his son Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The museum’s courtyard houses a modern exhibition hall. Its exhibition presents members of Abu Dhabi’s ruling family in chronological order. The building and exhibition thus offer two different ways to explore history: the period when the house was built and the family’s story presented over time.

Mangroves and Outdoor Trails

Mangrove National Park is considered a nature reserve with abundant natural diversity. One specific detail of its landscape is that the stems in the park’s forest grow up to 15 feet high. At Jubail Mangrove Park, visitors can follow raised boardwalks through the mangroves, with views of the trees and the wildlife that lives there. The two places offer different perspectives: one focuses on the reserve’s natural environment, while the other offers views of the mangroves and wildlife from the boardwalks.

For a different kind of activity, there is the illuminated Al Wathba Cycle Track. It is 30 kilometres long and divided into four routes. Its total length and layout provide practical reference points for planning a ride. Check the operator’s current access conditions in advance.

Desert Landscapes in Al Dhafra

Tel Moreeb is a sand dune in Al Dhafra. It is over 300 metres high and has a 50-degree incline.

Further afield in the region lies the Rub’ al Khali, also known as the Empty Quarter. Its golden and red sands are shaped by the wind into dunes several hundred feet high. Together with Tel Moreeb, this landscape shows the different ways the desert can be described: by the height and incline of a single dune, or by the colours of the sands and the wind-shaped dune formations.

Abu Dhabi offers a range of experiences, from the oasis history and historic buildings of Al Ain to mangroves, cycling routes and desert landscapes. You can choose which of these themes will shape your stay according to your interests.

Discover more destinations: Al Gharbia, Yas Island, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, Al Mirfa, Al Khaznah, Ruwais, Al Rahba, Al Agabiyya, Al Bateen, Al Khubeirah, Al Gharbia, Eastern Region.

Back to the main travel overview: United Arab Emirates.