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must-see destinations first-hand. destination for delegates


Sir Bani Yas Island It’s easy to forget that Abu Dhabi is an archipelago of more than 200 islands. One of the finest is Sir Bani Yas. Just a 40-minute flight from the UAE capital, the island boasts three luxurious Anantara resorts, the UAE’s only discovered Christian monastery, and the incredible Arabian Wildlife Park, home to more than 13,000 free-roaming animals, including endangered Arabian oryx, gazelle, giraffe, hyena and even cheetah. Open-jeep safaris are the highlights of any stay, though many other activities are also available, including hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, diving and horse riding.


Active Abu Dhabi From sand surfing to wakeboarding, golf to go-karting and kayaking to camel trekking, Abu Dhabi is a joy for the active traveller. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Yas Marina Circuit, where the final race of the F1 season plays out each November, or drive the track yourself in an Aston Martin or Mercedes-AMG. Go surfing or rafting at Wadi Adventure in Al Ain. Explore the mangroves by kayak or stand-up paddle board. Or tee off at one of Abu Dhabi’s three championship golf courses, which include Yas Links, the only links course in Arabia.


Arabian Sands You don’t have to travel far in Abu Dhabi before the desert takes hold. Much of the Western Region comprises the Rub Al Khali, or Empty Quarter, which remains a place of tireless natural beauty – of enormous shifting sand dunes, kaleidoscopic sunsets and dazzling night skies. Hidden among the dunes is one of Abu Dhabi’s most spectacular hotels, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, a five-star sanctuary where the desert scenes from Star Wars: The Force Awakens were filmed. Built to resemble an Arabian fortress, it offers rooms and suites with sweeping desert views and excursions that range from sunrise camel treks and 4x4 dune bashing to falconry displays and campfire barbecues.


For more information, go to visitabudhabi.ae


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