Abu Dhabi

[longjohnsilver]

Will be there for a week at the end of April, any suggestions on water activities, I'm particularly interested in hiring a RIB or small power boat for a few hours or a day. Can't find much info on the internet, anyone been, any recommendations?

 

[fireball]

If you're taking kids then go to Wild Wadi water park in Dubai ...

Swimming is warm and you can do that off the Corniche in AD ...

Can't help on hiring a boat ... sorry

 

[Jurgen]

Not sure about water sports but can make the following comment on motor sport,






The People of Saudi Arabia don't like Formula 1










But the people of Abu Dhabi Doo

Sorry couldn't resist

 

[Winchy51]

Hi your best bet would be to head to the Corniche area the mall has a marina opposite and other marinas near by that might hire boats(does not really seem to be lots to hire) Yas Island is a must Marina in the middle of the F1 track restaurants cafes and the Viceroy Hotel ( great food)didn't see anything to hire Ethiad towers viewing deck and restaurant you can see all the marinas from here an hour by road DUBAI yellow boats at DUBAI do lots of boat trips fast rib trip all the sights ( great) they leave from Dubai Marina marriot hotel viewing deck you can see THE PALM from here perhaps have a look into an organised rib or boat trip rather than hiring ENJOY YOUR TRIP

 

[sarabande]

dunno if you can find any 'abras' in AD.

A water taxi, run by wooden (teak/mahogany, though you would never believe it !) boats and usually indian skippers. For about 30 Dhms, - say £6 - you could hire one for a couple of hours and tell him to show you AD from the creeks. You will see parts of what the real AD was, and the smells and sounds of old trading.


While in AD, you must go and visit the Ruler's Mosque. It is open for visitors, and had the same effect on me as Chartres or York cathedrals would have had on a mediaeval peasant in Europe. Quite overwhelming. And a definite must see.

 

[longjohnsilver]

Great suggestions, thanks folks. Keep them coming!

 

[harstonwood]

Dunno where you are staying, but the Abu Dhabi Hilton beach club (opposite the marina mall complex/end of corniche) has acquired a very nice fast twin outboard rib which they charter out. Worth contacting (details via hotel) not sure if it's bareboat or with skipper.
Also got some hobbies/lasers
Not really I nvestigated any other Marinas as our layover is pretty short.
Was the there a couple of weeks ago and had a chat with a fella who had just bought the Abu Dhabi open 70 racing boat and was preparing it to return to uk.....sadly it was booked on the car carrier that ran aground. Guess he has an alternative plan now. It was in the marina mall car park!
There is also an intriguing microlight operation somewhere close by, that are launched from a dinghy! ....a la seaplane
Again when I have more time I will check it out.....would be a grand addition to then fleet!
Exchange rate is dismal so it's fairly expensive at the mo, but a great place.