Abu Dhabi Activity Guide: Yas, Mangroves, Dunes

Travel advisory: Check the security picture before you commit to any plan here. Since 28 February 2026, Iranian missiles and drones have been fired at the UAE, and pieces of intercepted missiles have dropped on areas of Abu Dhabi. After a calmer spell in the spring and early summer, the British FCDO reports fresh strikes and retaliation around the region from 8 July. Britain does not advise against travel to the UAE; the United States lists it at Level 3, “Reconsider Travel”. Zayed International Airport and the main attractions are open, though disruption can come without warning. A UAE emergency alert on your phone means go inside and keep away from windows until you are told it is clear. It is illegal to film or post strikes or interceptions. Current wording is on the FCDO’s UAE page and the US State Department’s UAE page . Look at both before you travel.

Abu Dhabi’s activities are spread over several islands and districts, so cluster them by area rather than trying to do everything in a day. Costs are in dirhams (AED), and one US dollar buys about 3.67 of them. Many prices below come from resellers or press, so treat them as a guide and check the operator’s page before paying.

Good to know first

  • Summer (May to September) brings 40 to 46 degrees C and heavy humidity. Book outdoor slots for dawn or dusk.
  • November to March is the pleasant season.
  • Alcohol is for licensed venues only, and public drunkenness is an offence.
  • Ask permission before photographing people.

CLYMB on Yas Island

CLYMB has two Guinness records: the biggest indoor skydiving tunnel, 10 m in diameter and 54.6 m high, and the tallest indoor climbing wall, called The SUMMYT, at 42.16 m. It opened on 29 November 2019. Flights and climbs are booked online, and no price is listed, so look at CLYMB’s website .

Paddling beneath the Louvre dome

A guided 60-minute kayak session under the museum’s dome is on the Louvre’s own programme from Tuesday to Sunday. Resellers quote about AED 126 per person.

Jubail Mangrove Park

Jubail Island’s mangrove park combines a raised boardwalk with guided kayaking. Reported prices are about AED 15 for the boardwalk and AED 100 to 120 for a kayak, rising to around AED 120 at sunrise and sunset. Because the park’s page lists no fees, ask Jubail Island before you go.

Free exercise on the F1 circuit

Yas Marina Circuit’s TrainYAS programme lets walkers, runners and cyclists use the Formula 1 track for free. The listed times are Monday and Wednesday, 6pm to 10pm. Registration is required, and sessions can be cancelled when the track is booked, so see the TrainYAS page .

Desert safari

Safaris operate around Al Khatim and Sweihan. Expect about AED 240 to 360 per adult on a shared evening trip, or about AED 1,400 to 1,650 for a private vehicle carrying up to six. Pick a reputable licensed operator with a well-equipped 4x4, stay with a group of vehicles, take drinking water and confirm your insurance covers it. Operators advise against dune driving if you are pregnant, have a bad neck or back, or are travelling with a baby. You can browse desert safari tours .

Falcon Hospital tours

Based on Sweihan Road, the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital has been open to the public since 3 October 1999. Its guided tour lasts two hours and costs about AED 170 for an adult. Official tourism timings are 10am and 2pm Monday to Thursday, plus 10am on Friday and Sunday. Nothing is listed for Saturday. Reserve ahead via the hospital’s site .

Read more: more outdoor options or adventure sports .