Al Ain was once a vital oasis on the caravan route from the UAE to Oman. The history of the ‘Oasis City,’ the emirate’s heritage heartland and one of the world’s oldest permanently inhabited settlements, can be explored through visits to the 175 year-old Al Nahyan family fort, the Al Ain National Museum and a trip to the prehistoric tombs at Hili Fort– known to be over 4,000 years old. Other attractions include the Al Ain oases, Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort, the camel market – one of the last few remaining, and the world’s most advanced go-karting facilities, for a taste of the fast track. For family fun, try the newly renovated Hili Fun City – the Gulf’s oldest theme park, which now offers one of the cheapest days out around, with entry no more than AED 40 (US$ 11).

A great reason to start exploring this vast region is the drive to Liwa – an historic oasis town at the entry to the Rub Al Khali (Empty Quarter) the world’s largest uninterrupted sand mass. Liwa will blow you away with massive expanses of awesome desert and the biggest dunes this side of the Sahara. Prepare for the UAE’s most adventurous off-road driving and some of its most incredible scenery. Al Gharbia’s history is encompassed in the myriad of ancient forts, which dot the landscape, and together present a snapshot of this region’s fascinating history – all set against dramatic landscapes. To get a real taste of Al Gharbia’s authentic heritage, visit one of the many festivals throughout the year such as January’s Tel Moreeb festival, the pinnacle hill climb event for desert driving enthusiasts; April’s Al Gharbia Watersports Festival, fast becoming a highlight on the international sporting calendar; July’s Liwa Date Festival, a showcase for this valued desert fruit; and January’s Al Dhafrah Camel Festival, which includes the world’s only camel beauty contest.

In addition to off-road driving, desert and camping safaris, there is a range of other specialized tours.

Famous for its traditional open-top double-decker red buses, The Big Bus Company has carefully designed tours which take visitors to all the major Abu Dhabi landmarks - from the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the luxurious Emirates Palace hotel, to the Heritage Village and traditional souks. Personal commentary comes in a choice of eight languages (Arabic, English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Mandarin and Russian) and provides a fascinating insight into Abu Dhabi’s history and culture. The tickets are valid for 24 hours and give access to all the Big Bus Tour routes, with 11 stops throughout the city enabling guests to hop-on and hop-off at their leisure. Tickets are available from individual hotels or the Big Bus sales desk at Marina Mall and can also be bought online.

bigbustours.com

800 BIG BUS (800 244 287)

Get a bird’s eye view of the capital’s landmarks and heritage sites with a Falcon Aviation helicopter sightseeing tour in a luxurious six-seater Eurocopter EC130. The tour flies over the Corniche and city as well as Lulu, Saadiyat and Yas Islands. Operating out of Falcon Aviation’s Marina Mall terminal, you can take to the skies on a 10 minute Joy Flight for AED 490 pp (US$ 133) with a 20 minute coastal tour for AED 830 pp (US$ 225) and a 30 minute in-depth islands tour for AED 1250 pp (US$ 340) which will see you soaring over Yas Marina Circuit and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Tours can be taken on a sharing or exclusive base (per seat or per helicopter).

For reservations sales@falconaviation.ae or the 24/7 hotline 02 444 0007

Kayaking Tours

noukada.ae

800 4034 or visit theyellowboats.com

List of Abu Dhabi Tour Operators