Destinations
This is a guest post by Mark Reynolds, a travel enthusiast and theme park aficionado who has explored some of the world’s top entertainment destinations. With a knack for discovering the best attractions, Mark shares his insights on must-visit theme parks around the globe. His latest adventure brings him to Abu Dhabi, where he dives into the exciting experiences these world-class parks offer.
Abu Dhabi is like a grown up kid’s dream. The UAE capital is filled with amazing theme parks that combine thrilling fun with innovative park design and features. A few of these amusement destinations have even achieved record-breaking status with their rides. Many of the best ones also offer special themes, like the most exhilarating ladies night in Abu Dhabi, or cater to specific interests, like fans of Ferrari.
With such an assortment of theme parks, you can do more than go on exciting rides. Here are just a few suggestions that’ll help you make the most of your visit to the best theme parks in the capital city.
Walk underwater.
In the land of deserts, wouldn’t it be a magnificent experience walking underwater? This is probably the best activity for anyone who’s always wanted to go scuba diving but has held back because, let's face it, the ocean can be overwhelming.
Take on a unique experience called Seaventure Underwater Walking Tour, where you can observe and learn about schools of fish, sharks, or manta rays. Not only do you not need a scuba certification, but you also don’t have to be a swimmer to enjoy this awe-inspiring tour. You will need to bring a swimsuit, but the wetsuit and gear will be provided. You can wear prescription glasses, so you can marvel at the sealife during the tour. You can wear a headscarf, so long as you’re OK with it getting wet.
The entire expedition will take about an hour and a half, but the dive time is 25 minutes. Although you’re not in the ocean, you may still benefit from the calming effect of water. Known as the “blue space effect,” the sight and sound of water has positive effects on your well-being. So if you’ve been anxious lately, maybe some serene time underwater might help.
Dive for pearls.
For more underwater experiences, try pearl diving. Pearl diving happens to be big in the UAE, with Ghous Al-Kabir, or “the big dive,” taking place between June 1 to September 30. A smaller, shorter diving season takes place between October to November. Men, and sometimes young boys and girls, typically comprised pearl diving crews, including a naham, who provided entertainment with songs and poetry.
Pearl diving in a theme park, however, isn’t as involved or long, and happens year round. Jump in a water tank. Find some oysters that contain pearls without the need for specialized tools, like a woven bag that holds collected oysters. And swim back up to the surface to get your pearls set into jewelry or as a souvenir.
Experience being airborne without jumping off a plane.
If you’re not a water person, maybe air is more your thing. Try skydiving, but without being in the sky. The remarkable thing about Abu Dhabi theme parks is that you can try on any physical activity without worrying about the weather. Many adrenaline-fueled theme parks are completely indoors. You can experience the exciting sensation of flight indoors, with an instructor, in a safe environment, and in a wind tunnel that happens to be the world’s biggest flight chamber at 104 feet in height and 32 feet in width.
Since indoor skydiving is a cardiovascular activity, you can turn this adventurous pursuit into an exercise. You may be out of breath the first time you “fly,” but you’ll be able to build up stamina after a few more flights. With a few aerodynamic positions, you may even improve flexibility and work out your core muscles. Also, isn’t it just the coolest thing to be floating in a chamber? The kids will definitely enjoy this high-flying journey.
Indoor skydiving is going to be a thrilling and extraordinary experience for girls’ night out. If you’re looking to do something different with your friends, “flying” indoors would be something you’d want to share.
Image credit: Clymb Abu Dhabi
Discover archeological remains.
From indoors, we go outdoors to Jebel Hafit Desert Park. You’ll get a different kind of adventure here as you explore the 9-kilometer stretch of the Jebel Hafit (or Jebel Hafeet) mountain, which is Abu Dhabi’s tallest peak at over 4,097 feet. The Al Ain mountain has been the site of significant fossil discoveries. You and the family can hike the mountain on mountain bikes, horse or camel, or on foot. Discover the 5,000-year-old Jebel Hafit Tombs, which were excavated in 1959. The Tombs mark UAE’s Bronze Age. At the sight, Danish archaeologists also discovered evidence of copper and ceramic artifacts.
After your hike, you can camp at the park with your own gear, or try the serviced camp, which showcases Bedouin tents and serves breakfast. For those who’d rather glamp it up, Jebel Hafit Desert Park also has five-star camping accommodations, with air conditioning. Camping is a great way to cap off a remarkable hike.
Image credit: Experience Abu Dhabi
Rediscover Emirati culture.
Finally, you can venture out to a different kind of theme park. One that’s not about the thrilling rides or the cutting-edge attractions. The Al Ain Heritage and Culture Village is a heritage-style theme park. Walk into the heritage theme park, and be transported to a pre-modern UAE. Explore the old world souk and mosque, and observe the traditional way of life when craftsmen blew glass, weaved fabric on a loom, and made pottery.
Traditional weaving, or Al Sadu, played a central role in the life of Bedouins, with Emirati women practicing the technique. The craft was born out of the resourcefulness and ingenuity of the Bedouin. Women weaved sheep wool or goat hair into carpets, blankets, and pillows, among other things. In rediscovering Emirati culture, you can learn a new skill because the theme park hosts workshops for traditional crafts. You can learn to weave, make pottery, and do metalwork.
Do the Extraordinary at Theme Parks
Abu Dhabi theme parks are so exceptional that it’s only logical to do the extraordinary when you’ve visited one. If you can’t decide which one to check out, go to several by using theme park deals. You can enjoy multiple parks without the big cost.
When you feel like indulging your inner child or want to take the family on an adventure, don’t just do the thrilling rides. Do the extraordinary experiences at Abu Dhabi’s extraordinary theme parks.
