Sail away in Abu Dhabi
With Abu Dhabi readying itself to welcome the impressive Volvo Ocean Race fleet to its sun-drenched shores this coming New Year, we look at the top 10 reasons to go sailing in this watersports haven.
The Weather
With beautiful sailing weather for nine months a year (September- June), Abu Dhabi boasts the perfect blend of almost-continuous sunshine, warm blowing winds and flat, azure waters. Whatever size craft you are skippering, windy shamal gusts or lighter sea breezes will make every experience an enjoyable one.
Island Spotting
With more the 200 natural islands hugging over 400 kilometres of pristine coastline, Abu Dhabi is blessed with stunning natural diversity. From the historic Delma Island, where archaeologists have discovered evidence of human existence dating back 10,000 years to the tourist-friendly Maya Island, which hosts a weekly beach party, Abu Dhabi boasts a complete spectrum of island life.
Those wanting something a little more developed can try the stunning Sir Bani Yas Island, home to the Arabian Wildlife Park which houses the world’s largest population of Arabian Oryx, and cheetahs, giraffes and ostriches, and the site of the ultra-luxurious Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara.
Marina Life
With more than 40 marinas expected to come online in the emirate over the next two decades, Abu Dhabi has already made strong headwind in establishing itself as a major sailing leisure destination with several world-class marinas now open.
The benchmark is the magnificent 143-berth Yas Marina, home to the Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Its unique setting, surrounded by Yas Marina Circuit, is the perfect vantage point for racing action or a quiet drink at the Yas Marina & Yacht Club, fine dining at Cipriani's, a casual bite to eat at Stars 'N Bars and exciting nightlife at Allure.
For those with a taste for the finer things in life, then Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi’s signature hotel, boasts one of the most prestigious yachting addresses – Yachts Marina. Located on the western side of this opulent ‘Palace’ in a private bay, the marina can moor 186 boats, with separate berthing for eight superyachts.
Just a short sail from here is the InterContinental Abu Dhabi Marina - one of the emirate’s most picturesque marinas. With 24 hour security and a members’ car park, this 191-berth destination is also home to the stylish Yacht Club with its contemporary design, open terrace and Pacific Rim fine dining options.
And for those wanting to explore the UAE’s vast coastlines, then visit Ghantoot Marina & Resort.
Set beautifully on a private waterway, this is a premium marina development just 20 minutes from Dubai and 40 minutes from Abu Dhabi city, making it the ideal mid-way point.
Nature
It isn’t just Abu Dhabi’s breathtaking natural landscapes which capture imaginations on a sailing trip, the emirate’s waters are teeming with a whole host of marine life, with exotic fish, coral and turtles a common site. In addition, there are seven species of dolphin and eight species of whales recorded in the UAE’s waters with the much-loved bottlenose dolphin a regular sight off any bow. Abu Dhabi also has the world’s second largest population of the endangered dugong, so keep your eyes peeled for these charming creatures.
Keeping Alive The Legacy
For generations, Abu Dhabi has been at one with the sea. Ports throughout the emirate – from the small western marine hub of Delma Island, to the UAE capital – were home to fishing and pearling fleets and active boat yards where highly skilled craftsmen forged the traditional ‘dhow’, which quickly became noted as one of the sturdiest vessels afloat.
With the days of needing to ply their trade all along the sweeping coastline now long behind them, modern day sailors now have the chance to recreate this adventurous past at their own leisurely pace, and listen to the Arabian sea-shanties of yesteryear float on the warm ocean breezes.
Meet People
Abu Dhabi has an active and intimate sailing and watersports community that’s extremely welcoming of new recruits or those just passing through. So make sure you swing by one of the many clubs - you’ll never know who you may meet.
Brush Up Your Skills
With warm sunshine, blue waters and expansive coastline, Abu Dhabi’s waters are abuzz with year-round activity. Home to a full range of sailing vessels, from beginner’s Toppers and seasoned-veteran’s Catamarans to traditional Arabian dhows, Abu Dhabi is a great destination for those honing the basics or wanting to push themselves to the limits.
Keep Fit
What better way to stay in shape than out on the high seas. Whether it’s solo sailing in a Laser or hoisting sails on a 50-foot pleasure yacht, sailing’s a great way to stay slim and trim. And with Abu Dhabi boasting a wealth of stunning beach clubs, why not take advantage of the many health club facilities and gymnasiums on offer, to make sure your pool-side look is as hot as the weather.
Witness A Traditional Dhow Race Up-Close
Today there is rarely a more inspiring sight than that of stately Arabian dhows with billowing, white sails full ahoist. These traditional sailing vessels continue to ply the seas as they have done for hundreds of years in annual races which commemorate the days when pearl diving fleets, which had been at sea for months, would challenge each other to see which would be the first home with the season’s precious haul. Keep in touch with abudhabievents.ae to find out when the next races are on.
Unbelievable Fishing
Whether it is deep-sea fishing or just throwing a line off the back of the boat that appeals, Abu Dhabi is home to a wealth of fish species such as dorado, kingfish, queenfish, sailfish and tuna. For those who don’t like to get their hands dirty, Abu Dhabi also boasts a plethora of mouth-watering seafood restaurants, such as Finz at the Beach Rotana, Pearls & Caviar at Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri, and Sayad at Emirates Palace; to whet the appetite after a long-day out at sea. Enjoy the fishing!
For more information visit: abudhabitourism.ae
