In Oman, visitors find pristine desert landscapes and nature experiences, all in a modern Gulf country with a vibrant cultural heritage.
14.02.2024 - 15:40 / lonelyplanet.com
The cultural capital of the United Arab Emirates will engage the most restless minds with its iconic galleries and museums, including the Louvre and, from 2025, the Guggenheim. Architecture fans can wander streets of opulent, statement-making Islamic structures, including the country’s largest mosque, while those looking for adventure will find thrills in abundance at the world’s biggest man-made surfing wave, plus an entire theme park built for speed junkies.
When it’s time to take the pace of city life down a notch or two, a day trip from Abu Dhabi offers respite from development and fast pace. Beyond the city limits lie endless empty desert dunes and unlikely discoveries, from exotic wildlife to soaring cliffs of sand.
Read on for five of the best day trips from Abu Dhabi within a few hours of the city limits.
Travel time: 2 hours 40 minutes by car
The world’s largest sand desert, at 1000km (620 miles) long and 500km (310 miles) wide, crosses into four Arabian countries – Oman, Yemen, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Known as the Empty Quarter by locals, the vast and mesmerizing space sits an easy drive southeast of Abu Dhabi. Here, visitors will find silence and the wide open beauty of miles upon miles of harsh terrain, where only the hardiest of animals survive. Keep eyes open for free-roaming camels wandering the waves of sand and spot 4WD enthusiasts getting their kicks by bunny-hopping golden mounds. Tours lead groups to Tel Moreeb, a soaring sand wall that rises 300m (984ft) high, with a 50-degree incline.
How to get to Rub Al Khali from Abu Dhabi:
Take the E11 road out of Abu Dhabi, and enter the Liwa Desert on the E45. Many prefer to book an organized tour (try Arabian Tours) for entertainment, a touristy dinner in a big camp and a visit to Tel Moreeb. Experienced four-wheel drivers can also rent a vehicle, let some air out of their tires and zoom off-road.
Travel time: 30 minutes by car
Home to the Al Wathba Camel Race Track, this Abu Dhabi suburb is one of the most esteemed places to see the Gulf’s prized animals galloping at speeds of up to 65km/h (40mph). Race season runs between October and April. Typically around 100 camels race per day, charging 6.5–9.6km (4–6 miles) with electric robot jockeys. The atmosphere is also electric with prize purses totaling millions of dirham. Nearby, the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve is a haven of biodiversity – some 4000 flamingos feed in its natural and artificial lakes during autumn and spring. Two walking trails (1.5km/0.9 miles and 3km/4.8 miles long) allow visitors to search for up to 250 species of birds.
How to get to Al Wathba from Abu Dhabi:
Take the E22 Abu Dhabi–Al Ain road to Al Wathba Camel Race Track, and connect with the E30 Abu Dhabi–Al Ain Truck
In Oman, visitors find pristine desert landscapes and nature experiences, all in a modern Gulf country with a vibrant cultural heritage.
ITB Berlin 2024 the world’s leading B2B trade event, inaugurated on the 4th is set to open its doors, showcasing 1,000 exhibitors from 168 countries. Hosted by Oman, this significant gathering in the middle of the travel and tourism industry is anticipated to draw approximately 1,000 international exhibitors and over 160,000 professional visitors from around the globe. Attendees will include global hospitality industry leaders, think tanks, tourism decision-makers, airline and MICE planners, global destination management companies, airline industry, travel technology leaders, international travel influencers, and the leading providers of the world’s best travel technology services. This encompasses a broad spectrum of participants from B2B companies, the cruise industry, and travel technology providers. Amidst growing optimism, the event is poised to celebrate the global tourism industry’s return to pre-pandemic levels of activity. With anticipated growth in 2024, ITB Berlin this year is expected to herald a significant boom, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and marking a new era of expansion and prosperity in the tourism sector.
The ITB Berlin Convention, the largest world’s tourism forum, will kick off tomorrow (Tuesday).
The last day to apply is today, February 26, 2024.
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Many long-haul flights make pit stops in another city or country before reaching the final destination—so why not turn your layover into a mini vacation? Through offerings known as “stopover” programs, some international airlines allow passengers to add a free stop to their flight itinerary in order to do just that.
Escape the winter chill and whisk mothers and mother-figures to warmer climes. From spa treatments and gourmet delights, to bonding over a new skill, not only does a trip to Saudi promise much-welcomed boost of vitamin D to mark the end of winter, but an opportunity to enjoy some truly special experiences in the world’s newest and most exciting tourist destination.
Miral, in collaboration with The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Abu Dhabi Airport and OACIS ME LLC, a cutting-edge off-airport baggage processing solutions provider, proudly introduces remote airport check-in services to The Fountains at Yas Mall. This collaboration allows guests and their families the opportunity to explore the diverse dining experiences, offerings and boutiques at Yas Mall as well as the award-winning theme parks Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi and CLYMB™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi prior to their departure, effectively optimising their time to explore the exemplary retail and leisure experiences before takeoff. Available exclusively for Etihad Airways and Air Arabia flights, prepare for a new era of hassle-free travel – where convenience meets innovation as this exciting initiative aims to elevate the overall travel experience for guests and their families. The seamless and user-friendly process not only simplifies but also saves precious time for UAE residents and international visitors before embarking on their travel plans with two of the country’s most prominent airlines.
Solo traveling isn’t exactly a new concept. In fact, according to results from the Visa Global Travel Intentions Study, an estimated 24 percent of those who travel tend to jet off on solo vacations instead of planning trips with friends or family. Solo traveling is an excellent way to get to know yourself, to focus on problem-solving, and of course to see the world without waiting on anyone else or making compromises.