Destination Abu Dhabi

watersports in abu dhabi

With year-round sunshine, over 200 natural islands, 400kms of pristine coastline and a wealth of state-of-the-art marinas, beachfront hotels and instruction schools, Abu Dhabi is the ultimate watersports destination.

Marine Racing

Abu Dhabi was the first Middle East city to organise a UIM Formula One Power Boat Race. Powerboat racing now attracts a large, appreciative audience. At this event, 20 to 24 boats representing 12 nations compete at high speed along the narrow, twisting course off the Corniche.

The Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club organises the annual President’s Cup F2000 Powerboat Championship, the National Regatta, the National Jet-ski Championship, and the UAE Wooden Powerboat Championship, all of which are designed to encourage young Emiratis to remain close to their marine heritage.

Each season also sees two open regattas for modern sailing boats (including catamarans, lasers and windsurfers), which are open to all ages and nationalities.

Nr Marina Mall, +9712 681 5566
Get Boarding

On the Corniche is a permanent wake boarding ‘Beginners Park,’ developed by Abu Dhabi Municipality in conjunction with Flash Entertainment. This state-of-the-art park is open to the public daily from 12pm to 6pm and is free to use. Wake boarding experts are on hand to assist enthusiasts with taster lessons and top tips for catching the waves. undefined

Diving

Many good dive sites are easily accessible from Abu Dhabi, including wreck or deep-water dives and reef dives. It is possible to dive year-round in the warm seas, and there is a rich abundance of marine life, including barracuda, spotted eagle rays, stingrays, and much more. The following companies offer guided dives from Abu Dhabi.

Free Diving

This is the only company specialising in free diving training and courses in the UAE. It runs a basic ‘Discover Free diving’ course; tailored to newcomers of 18 years and older and requiring no open water diving, and three AIDA accredited courses for more advanced divers. Costs for one day introductory ‘Discover Free diving’ course is AED 800 (US$218), the two day AIDA Foundation course is AED 2,315 ( US$ 630) and the three day Intermediate and four day Advanced courses are AED 3,140/3,575 (US$ 855/973) respectively.

[email protected]

freedivinguae.com
Kayaking Tours

Noukhada’s kayaking tours take you through the natural mangrove forests dotted around the plethora of islands in view of the rising Abu Dhabi city skyline. Try either a Low or High Tide 2-hour kayaking tour to explore the mangroves, or for something special book the monthly Full Moon Tour – all for only AED150 (US$ 40) per person. Noukhada also offers half-day island exploring tours for AED 200 (US$ 54) per person, where you can opt for a beach BBQ (AED 300 US$81/pp) or an overnight camping stay (AED 500 US$136/pp).

[email protected] or find them on Facebook.

noukhada.ae
Fishing

September to April is best for fishing in Abu Dhabi, although it is possible to catch certain species throughout the summer. Commonly caught fish include dorado, kingfish, queenfish, sailfish and tuna. The more adventurous may prefer to try deep-sea fishing or trawling.

Abu Dhabi is a keen supporter of the Emirates Wildlife Society (EWS) – World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) ‘Choose Wisely’ campaign, which helps prevent – through education – the overfishing of the UAE’s fish stock. So before setting sail on your next fishing expedition, download the UAE Fish Consumer Guide and help safeguard our resources for the future.

To download your Choose Wisely guide, click here

The following approved companies offer fishing excursions from Abu Dhabi.