Best Backpacking Destinations in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

1. Sir Bani Yas Island

An Arabian wildlife reserve offering safari tours and diverse flora & fauna, providing an authentic wilderness experience in Abu Dhabi.

Wildlife Spotting: Home to over 1,000 free-roaming animals including Arabian Oryx, gazelles, and cheetahs.
Eco-friendly Accommodations: Offers eco-lodges designed to blend seamlessly with the environment.
Safari Tours: Provides guided safari tours to explore the island and its inhabitants.

A lush palm-filled oasis with historic sites showcasing traditional farming methods and a rich cultural heritage.

Historical Sites: Includes UNESCO World Heritage Site, Al Jahili Fort.
Cultural Experiences: Offers a glimpse into Bedouin life and traditional farming practices.
Eco-tourism: Features walking trails through the oasis, showcasing diverse plant species.

A historical landmark and cultural center located in the heart of Abu Dhabi city, offering insights into the emirate's history and development.

Architectural Wonders: Showcases two distinct architectural styles: traditional Arabian and modern contemporary.
Museums & Exhibits: Houses multiple museums, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Cultural Programs: Offers a variety of cultural programs and events to engage visitors.

A stunning mountain with breathtaking panoramic views, offering hiking trails, a viewing deck, and a serene desert landscape.

Hiking Trails: Boasts several hiking trails suitable for various fitness levels.
Scenic Views: Provides spectacular views of the city, desert, and mountains.
Desert Landscape: Features a unique and tranquil desert environment perfect for photography.

A remote oasis offering an authentic desert experience with sand dunes, camel rides, and star gazing.

Desert Landscapes: Features vast sand dunes and dramatic desert vistas.
Camel Rides: Offers traditional camel rides for an authentic desert experience.
Stargazing: Provides dark skies ideal for stargazing and astrophotography.

A region known for its vast sand dunes, camel racing events, and annual Al Dhafra Festival.

Camel Racing Events: Features traditional camel races during various festivals.
Desert Landscapes: Offers stunning desert landscapes and sand dunes.
Al Dhafra Festival: Showcases Emirati culture, heritage, music, and dance.

An upscale island with world-class attractions such as Louvre Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Mosque, and pristine beaches.

World-Class Attractions: Boasts iconic attractions like the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Zayed Mosque.
Pristine Beaches: Offers beautiful, clean beaches with clear waters ideal for swimming.
Upscale Accommodations: Features luxury resorts and hotels catering to a high-end clientele.

A unique desert landscape with the famous 'Chocolate Hills', hot mineral springs, and Falaj Al Mo'alla ancient irrigation system.

Chocolate Hills: Features mysterious limestone formations resembling chocolate-colored hills.
Hot Mineral Springs: Offers hot mineral springs for relaxation and therapeutic benefits.
Falaj Al Mo'alla: Showcases an ancient irrigation system that supplied water to local farmers.

A remote and dramatic desert landscape with towering sand dunes perfect for dune bashing and sandboarding.

Dune Bashing: Allows adventure-seekers to explore the vast sand dunes by 4x4.
Sandboarding: Offers opportunities for sandboarding and desert sports.
Desert Silence: Provides an unforgettable, peaceful desert experience.

A protected wetland habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife, offering guided tours and birdwatching opportunities.

Wildlife Spotting: Home to numerous bird species and Arabian oryx.
Guided Tours: Offers guided tours for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.
Conservation Efforts: Supports conservation efforts to protect the wetland ecosystem and its inhabitants.

One of the largest zoos in the Middle East, offering a wide variety of animals, including endangered species and a rehabilitation center.

Animal Diversity: Houses over 4,000 animals representing 650 species.
Endangered Species Programs: Involved in programs to protect and breed endangered species.
Rehabilitation Center: Operates a rehabilitation center for injured wildlife.

A stunning architectural masterpiece showcasing Islamic art and design, with the ability to accommodate over 40,000 worshipers.

Architectural Wonders: Features intricate marble work, chandeliers, and the world's largest hand-knotted carpet.
Spiritual Experience: Provides a peaceful spiritual experience for visitors.
Tours & Guided Visits: Offers free guided tours to explore the mosque's history, architecture, and cultural significance.

An entertainment hub featuring world-class attractions like Ferrari World, Yas Marina Circuit, and Warner Bros. World.

World-Class Attractions: Boasts attractions like Ferrari World, Yas Marina Circuit, and Warner Bros. World.
Adventure Activities: Offers a wide range of adventure activities such as Formula 1 racing, theme park rides, and water sports.
Upscale Accommodations: Features luxury resorts and hotels for an upscale stay.

A picturesque lake surrounded by sand dunes offering picnicking areas, birdwatching opportunities, and stunning desert landscapes.

Nature & Wildlife: Provides a peaceful environment for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Photography Opportunities: Offers unique photography opportunities of the lake, sand dunes, and wildlife.
Picnicking Areas: Features picnic spots for a relaxing day out in the desert.

A protected mangrove ecosystem sheltering numerous bird species and marine life, offering guided tours and kayaking opportunities.

Wildlife Spotting: Home to diverse bird species, crustaceans, and marine life.
Guided Tours & Kayaking: Offers guided tours and kayaking trips to explore the mangrove ecosystem.
Conservation Efforts: Supports conservation efforts to protect the mangrove forest and its inhabitants.