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Top Weekend Activities for Men in Abu Dhabi
Posted on Apr 30, 2013 by Rob Kellaghan
Looking to release some energy at the weekend, or maybe take advantage of the time off work to enjoy a little rest and relaxation? UMI can help with details of the best weekend activities for men in Abu Dhabi
There are no shortage of activity options for men in Abu Dhabi that can be enjoyed by individuals, small groups of friends and corporate groups. Sports resorts offer a fun-filled choice of physical pursuits and other recreational activities that can provide a full day of entertainment, while those looking for a quieter way to spend their weekend can take advantage of boat cruises and lazy afternoon aboard a yacht. Here, we detail some of the most popular male orientated activities to enjoy during a typical weekend in Abu Dhabi.
Al Forsan International Sports resort
Located in Khalifa City, a short drive from the airport and exhibition centre, The Al Forsan International Sports Resort is a large complex that provides a wide variety of activities to suit all tastes. Designed to offer world class sports and leisure facilities to members and guests, visitors to the Al Forsan can take part in motor sports, paintball, shooting, equestrian sports, water sports and leisure activities.
Driving enthusiasts can compete against each other on the 1.2km karting circuit or race on the off-road circuit of champions. Regular paintball tournaments are held each weekend in specially designed theme arenas that help provide a realistic backdrop to games. An on-site shooting gallery caters to beginners and professional shooters, while those with a love of horses can play polo, go trotting, or practice showjumping at the indoor and outdoor equestrian centre. Those seeking less extreme sports can also play tennis, basketball or volleyball, and enjoy the personal treatment on offer at the health spa and pool facility. The resort also has excellent dining facilities, with six different venues serving world class cuisine in picturesque surroundings.
Zayed Sports City
Zayed Sports City is a large, multi-sport stadium that first opened to the public in 1980. It has an all-seater capacity of 43,000 people and has hosted numerous high profile sporting events such as the Asian Football Cup and the World Youth Championships. The stadium is open to the general public, where they can participate in sports and activities including basketball, netball, bowling, fitness, combat sports and ice skating, and grass sports such as rugby and football. Moreover, there is a large tennis center on site that hosts regular tournaments and competitions.
This facility is bustling with visitors throughout the year, and it offers a great experience to all regardless of whether they are taking part in activities or merely supporting. Six different cafes and restaurants also allow visitors to enjoy meals in a relaxed setting.
Wadi's Adventure
Abu Dhabi’s climate is ideal for outdoor water sports, and where better to cool down at the weekend than Wadi Adventure. Located in Al Ain, close to the famous cave and hot water spring area of Jebel Hafeet, Wadi Adventure is the region’s first custom built outdoor water adventure park that offers visitors the chance to surf three metre waves, kayak, and go whitewater rafting. Professional instructors and guides accompany visitors on each activity, and with three different rafting routes that total over 1,000km in length, the park definitely recreates the feeling of being on a wild river. Activities such as wall climbing, rope climbing and a number of swimming pools for both adults and children make the Wadi Adventure area a fun place to be at weekends.
Yas Marina Circuit
Fans of Formula 1 will no doubt be keen to visit the Yas Marina Circuit; annual host of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The Grand Prix circuit itself is open for tours most weekends, and private driving lessons and assessment courses are both available for drivers to test their skills. It is also possible to opt for a real driving experience and hire an Aston Martin or a Renault Sport Clio and take part in time trials around the famous circuit. The Kartzone arena offers karting for both adults and kids, and there are also numerous restaurants and cafes located on-site for refuelling.
Round of golf
A round of golf is many people’s idea of the perfect way to unwind at the weekend, and Abu Dhabi has two very special golf courses, both of which are highly recommended. The Abu Dhabi Golf Club, home to the annual Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, is not just one of the region’s best golf clubs, it was ranked in the top 100 golf clubs worldwide by Golf World Magazine. The course has 27 holes in total, all of a championship standard, and is dotted with palm trees, shrubs, and other hazards such as seven saltwater lakes. In addition to golf, the club has excellent dining facilities, a large gym and an outdoor pool.
The Yas Links course is also ranked among the top 100 golf clubs in the world, and is designed to provide players with an unparalleled test of their abilities. The course consists of an 18 hole course, a nine hole academy course, practice facilities and a clubhouse. Other leisure amenities include an outdoor pool and terrace bar, and first class restaurants. The Yas Links course is located on Yas Island, beside the Marina, and is a worthwhile course to visit for golfers of all ability levels.
Al Wathba Camel Race Track
Each year from October to March, the Al Wathba Camel Race Track offers a more traditional way to spend a weekend in Abu Dhabi. Located 45 km outside the city, the weekend camel races attract fans from all around the UAE. A typical day can start as early as 6.30am and it is advisable to arrive before this time to ensure a good vantage point. The venue is also complete with ample seating and depending on the event, members of the royal family may even be in attendance. The racing season culminates with the annual racing festival at which numerous cash prizes and other awards are on offer.
Marina cruise
If rest and relaxation is required, take one of the regular marina cruises to soak up the sun or maybe enjoy some sport fishing. A number of companies offer various different cruise options, with up to four different yacht sizes available for rent. An ideal way to impress visiting friends, family or colleagues, the daily cruises take place throughout the day and evening. For those seeking a more active cruise, yachts can also be chartered for large groups wishing to celebrate birthdays, weddings or other important events.
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