From traditional dhow sailing to playing on some of the region’s best golf courses, Abu Dhabi is a city that needs to be experienced first person.
SAILING
ADNH Travco
The sunset dhow cruise is an hour-long scenic journey along the Corniche, with Arabic coffee and dates served. The average price is AED 80 (US$ 20) per person, including coach transfer. Cruises are flexible and can be suited to fit everyone’s tastes and budget.
Tel : +971 2 444 9914
Website: http://www.adnh.com/
Blue Dolphin Company
Sindbad is a traditional Arabian dhow that departs from the Breakwater at
5.30pm every evening and then every hour, on the hour, for the rest of the evening. However, it is advisable to check sailing times as occasionally the dhow is chartered for private parties. The fare AED 10 (US$3) for adults and AED 5 (US$1.50) for children) includes tea, coffee and soft drinks.
Tel : +971 2 666 9392
Email : bluedolphinco@hotmail.com
Dinner Cruises
An evening spent sailing along Abu Dhabi Corniche, while enjoying fine cuisine, is a great dinner alternative. Dinner cruises are available through Al Dhafra and Le Royal Meridien’s
Shuja Yacht.
aldhafra.net
Website: www.leroyalmeridien-abudhabi.com
Marine Racing
Abu Dhabi was the first Middle Eastern city to organise a UIM Formula One Power Boat Race. Powerboat racing now attracts a large, appreciative audience. At this event, 20 to 24 boats representing 12 nations compete at high speed along the narrow, twisting course off the Corniche. The Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club organises the annual President’s Cup F2000 Powerboat Championship, the National Regatta, the National Jet-ski Championship, and the UAE Wooden Powerboat Championship, all of which are designed to encourage young Emiratis to remain close to their marine heritage. Each season also sees two open regattas for modern sailing boats (including catamarans, lasers and windsurfers), which are open to all ages and nationalities.
Nr Marina Mall, +971 2 681 5566
FISHING
September to April is best for fishing in Abu Dhabi, although it is possible to catch certain species of fish throughout the summer. Commonly caught fish include dorado, kingfish, queenfish, sailfish and tuna. The more adventurous may prefer to try deep-sea fishing or trawling. The following companies offer fishing excursions from Abu Dhabi.
Arabian Divers & Sport Fishing Charters
Tel : +971 50 614 6931
Website: www.fishabudhabi.com
Beach Rotana Hotel & Towers
Tel : +971 2 697 9000
Website: www.rotana.com
Empros Watersports
Tel : +971 2 673 6600
Website : www.empros.com
Sheraton Resort Health Club
Tel : +971 2 677 3333
Sea Cruisers
Tel : + 971 50 800 9495
Sea Tourism
Tel :+971 2 681 3064
DIVING
Many good dive sites are easily accessible from Abu Dhabi, including wreck or deep-water dives and reef dives. It is possible to dive year-round in the warm seas, and there is a rich abundance of marine life, including barracuda, spotted eagle rays, stingrays, and much more. The following companies offer guided dives from Abu Dhabi.
FreedivingUAE
The only company specialising in free diving training and courses in the United Arab Emirates. FreedivingUAE currently runs a basic ‘Discover Freediving’ course; tailored to introducing newcomers, of those 18 years and older to free diving and requiring no open water diving, and three AIDA accredited courses for the more advanced divers. Costs for one day introductory ‘Discover Freediving’ course is 800 AED (US$218), the two day AIDA Foundation course is AED 2,315 (US$ 630) and the three day Intermediate and four day Advanced courses are AED 3,140/3,575 (US$ 855/973) respectively.
Email : contactus@freedivinguae.com
Website :www.freedivinguae.com
Abu Dhabi Sub Aqua Club
Tel : +971 2 673 1111
Website : abudhabisubaqua.com
Al Jazira Dive Centre
Tel : +971 2 562 9100
Website : www.goldentulipaljazira.com
Arabian Divers & Sportfishing Charters
Website: www.fishabudhabi.com
Empros watersports
Tel : +971 2 673 6600
Website: www.empros.ae
Sea Cruisers
Tel : +971 50 800 9495
Website: www.seacruiser.ae
Sea Tourism
Tel : +971 2 681 3064,
Website : http://www.seatourism.net