Relaxation isn’t always an easy thing to achieve, especially if your mind constantly wanders off towards work matters, even during a long weekend. Still, every effort you make to get some much-needed rest contributes to your overall well-being.
With that said, the key to making the most out of a long weekend is to figure out the kind of activities that could lead to optimal relaxation. And you can do just that when you visit the United Arab Emirates.
Here, you’ll find the top six Weekend activities in UAE that can help you experience the most relaxing long weekend in the UAE:
1. Experience zen in nature.
Relaxation is all about achieving the ultimate feeling of calm. And where better to do that than in the first five-star nature holistic and wellness resort in the UAE?
Surrounded by 12 kilometers of mangrove, you’ll find the 60-room establishment named Zoya Health and Wellbeing Resort in Al Zorah. This destination – the first of its kind in the UAE – offers a wide range of wellness treatments that revolve around improving your overall well-being, physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Zoya’s holistic treatments also come with a plant-based menu that complements the holistic health treatments, along with a wide range of leisure activities known to boost relaxation. The best part is that they are located in a place with endless greenery that is also home to a richly diverse ecosystem of 58 avian species.
2. Enrich your stay with a touch of culture.
Since you’re in the UAE, why not let yourself indulge in the country’s rich culture? Start with a trip to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, then proceed to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to learn the core of their culture and traditions.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Louvre Abu Dhabi is the largest arts and culture project in the UAE. Surprisingly, it is also one of the best places where you can relax and enjoy a long weekend as well.
The museum features pieces that let you walk through time, from the Stone Age to modern times. There’s so much information that the trip can get a bit overwhelming for the uninitiated. This is precisely why French architect Jean Nouvel designed the breathtaking dome: to help museum guests relax and process the information more easily.
After exploring the galleries, you’ll find yourself seated underneath the stars, in what appears to be a floating dome roof. Perforations let the light through, making the scene quite surreal. Add to that the mind-easing sound of the lapping waters of the Gulf nearby, and the recipe for contemplating life and humanity in a new light is made complete.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Once you’ve breathed in traditions and artifacts from all over the world, you can head to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to get to know more about the UAE’s Islamic culture.
Considered the largest mosque globally, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque was built during the late UAE President H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s regime. Incorporating multiple architectural styles from different Muslim eras, the whole place draws its heritage from Islamic countries across the globe, including Pakistan, Morocco, Egypt, and Turkey.
There, you can enjoy the peace and tranquillity offered by the awe-inspiring chandelier, reflective pools, and many interior details that depict the Muslim culture at its best.
You don’t have to believe in Islam to enter this place of worship. Anyone can visit the Grand Mosque, thanks to its open-door policy.
3. Try your hand at art.
There are many gorgeous artworks in and out of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, but there’s another way you can enjoy it and feel relaxed on your long weekend trip at the same time: Make your own art.
Since 1994, the Abu Dhabi Pottery class has been providing guests with a chance to accomplish a number of things: create their very own masterpiece, bring home a unique souvenir of their Abu Dhabi trip – all while feeling more relaxed in the process.
Dubbed as one of the longest-running classes in the UAE capital, the pottery class offers a sensually satisfying form of art. Of course, you don’t have to stay for weeks to get the hang of it. A long weekend in Abu Dhabi – or even a one-off lesson – is enough to help you get your zen going and create something marvelous in the process.
4. Bask in the beauty of the UAE.
There are very few other places that let you bask in the beauty of the United Arab Emirates than the Observation Deck 300 atop one of the tallest skyscrapers in the country.
Found on the 74th floor of Etihad Tower 2, the Observation Deck 300 offers you the most marvelous perspective of the Arabian Gulf, UAE skyline, and Corniche. Besides the bird’s-eye view of Abu Dhabi, you can also enjoy high tea at the Deck’s café – arguably one of the best ways to bask in the panoramic vistas of the country.
Of course, if you’re more of a Ferris Wheel kind of person, you might enjoy the view of the UAE capital better aboard the Marina Eye.
Built near the Marina Mall, this waterfront observation wheel offers a unique perspective of the Abu Dhabi skyline while riding one of 42 enclosed capsules in a massive Ferris wheel. You can also book a VIP capsule for a more luxurious experience.
5. Book a relaxing staycation.
Staycations are usually expected to be spent at home. But did you know that you can also do it somewhere you’ll feel more relaxed? After all, not everyone finds their own houses as relaxing as hotels in Abu Dhabi.
You may also consider spending your long weekend at Zoya as it doubles as a staycation resort for many travellers. While many guests check into the facility to spend anywhere between five nights and three weeks of residence for their health program, the resort also welcomes day guests and overnight visitors looking for a relaxing time.
6. Release pent-up tension by hopping onto thrilling rides.
Who says relaxation is all about quiet and calm? Sometimes, what you need is a way to release whatever pent-up tension you’ve kept bottled up inside. And you can do just that in Ferrari World.
Located in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the first-ever Ferrari-branded theme park offers lots of exciting rides, including the zippiest rollercoaster worldwide. It is also lauded as one of the best amusement parks in the world, offering different levels of excitement for different ages.
Yas Island also has other theme parks that cater to various guest demographics and relaxation preferences, including Warner Bros. World and Yas Water World. You only need to pick the best one for you, and you’re off to an exciting stress-releasing experience.
Relax, Emirati-Style
When it comes to long weekends spent with relaxation in mind, the United Arab Emirates has plenty of options for you. You only need to choose the kind that suits you best so you can go ahead and relax – Emirati-style.
Check out our exclusive blog on places to visit in Abu Dhabi.
