ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Water sports emerge as the preferred activity of choice during the UAE’s mild winter season, attracting domestic and foreign visitors hoping to soak in the warm sun and enjoy the country’s expansive beaches, which have become destinations for diving, surfing, sail boat races, kayaking and other water sports.
The World’s Coolest Winter campaign, in its fourth edition, introduces a map of key beaches and beach activities in the UAE, including Al Bateen, Al Saadiyat and Al Hudayriyat beaches in Abu Dhabi, Kite Beach, Al Mamzar and Al Sofouh beaches in Dubai, Ajman beach, Dibba Al Fujairah beach, Khorfakkan, Al Khan and Al Hira beaches in Sharjah, Banan beach in Ras Al Khaimah and Al Bayt Mitwahid walkway and beach Umm Al Quwain.
Abu Dhabi: Memorable Experiences
Kayaking sport is seeing significant demand in the UAE as a kayak tour combines exercise, relaxing and meditation for a memorable experience.
Abu Dhabi’s Mangrove National Park is a favourite for nature lovers who seek to enjoy the beauty of mangrove forests spreading over 19 square kilometres of vast green areas amid a network of water canals. These forests are home to hundreds of birds, animals and plants, including the greater flamingo and the Mottled Crab. A two-hour kayak tour in this breathtaking environment is a great way to introduce children to biodiversity, as specialised operators run guided tours in the Eastern mangrove area.
Kayaking is also available around the Louvre Abu Dhabi, where tours offer visitors another perspective of the building’s beauty and surrounding scenery. These 60-minute tours require no prior kayaking experience as guests will be accompanied by professional instructors and given a safety and paddle briefing prior to the tour.
Dubai: An Immersive Experience
If you are in Dubai, particularly in Hatta, your adventure is not complete without trying the Hatta Kayaks at the charming lake formed by the Hatta Dam. The destination offers a variety of options, including single and double kayaks, water bikes and donut boats ensuring an immersive experience for nature lovers.
Sharjah: Rowing Amid Nature
Sharjah’s Rafisah Dam, in Khorfakkan, is one of the main tourist and leisure destinations of the emirate’s Eastern region. Tours in motor boats and kayaks allow visitors to enjoy the scenery, as well as feed ducks and birds swimming in the lake.
This destination is also home to the Rafisah Dam Kayak Challenge, organised by the Sharjah International Marine Club as a social and sporting activity that takes the sport of kayaking to a new level in the middle of the beautiful Khorfakkan mountains.
Sharjah’s eastern coastline attracts ecotourism lovers, offering them kayak tours in its mangrove forests, as well as safari tours, beach and mountain picnics, and a chance to visit nature reserves including Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre and Kalba Mangrove Centre.
Ajman Ecotourism
In Ajman, Al Zorah Natural Reserve is among the most beautiful natural destinations, offering ecotourism fans a chance to explore its mangrove forests on kayaks.
Announced as a protected area spanning over 1,000,000 square metres, Al Zorah Natural Reserve is home to vast numbers of birds, including the pink flamingo and the Heron, and a breeding ground to many native and migrating birds.
A dedicated company runs water adventure activities in Al Zorah, taking visitors on tours around Al Zorah’s lakes and mangrove forests.
Umm Al Quwain: Picnics with the Flamingo
Umm Al Quwain beaches attract those looking for a quiet spot to enjoy swimming, kayaking and surfing. The Mangrove Beach is one key destination for such activities.
Kayak tours among the mangrove trees allow visitors to safely come closer to wild life, and approach the elegant flamingos.
Ras Al Khaimah: Enchanting Beaches
Ras Al Khaimah waterfronts offer vast areas of charming scenery, which can be enjoyed on a kayak.
Key among these destinations are Al Marjan Island, an outstanding man-made island, and Mina Al Arab, which offers two million square metres of protected coastal wetlands, over 7,000 trees that become home to migrating birds, further amplifying the area's natural beauty. Amenities include parks, restaurants, cafes and resorts.
Fujairah: Breathtaking Scenery
Fujairah is home to Snoopy Island, one of the major tourist destinations in the country with its breathtaking scenery and a host of water activities that are the preferred choice for nature and water sport lovers.