The best things to see and do in Abu Dhabi.

Designed to melt into the landscape, the pool at Al Sahel is freeform and reminiscent of a safari watering hole. Swim laps as gazelles come to water’s edge to greet you, basking on a lounger with a cocktail afterwards.  

There is a small gym on site where you can keep up your daily workout routine. Our guests also enjoy access to Desert Islands’ gym with a full array of cardio and weight machines and dazzling views of the ocean. 

Perfect your serve, with floodlights available for cooler, evening play. All equipment provided with our compliments.

At our Anantara cooking school, you can explore the exotic spices, aromas and textures of Middle Eastern cuisine. Make your favourite dishes with step-by-step instruction from the chef, then enjoy them for lunch. 

Playtime unfolds at our friendly kids' club, with multiple rooms and outdoor spaces providing games, books, movies and adventures.

The library at Desert Islands provides quiet moments of escape, with comfortable sofas and armchairs to sink into and books to browse.

An elegant boutique with locally sourced clothes, Bedouin jewellery and more. Purchase gifts for family and friends back home, or mementos for yourself. 

The mangrove lagoon on the east of the island is ideal for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Glide across still waters through flocks of herons and egrets, or head out to open sea. 

A serene way to savour the stunning views of Sir Bani Yas and the Arabian Gulf, paddleboarding also offers a full-body workout. 

The protected reefs off Sir Bani Yas are home to colourful corals, angelfish, batfish and vast schools of circling barracuda. Enjoy waters warm and calm, with both shore dives and boat excursions available. 

The island’s stables are home to over a dozen horses, from magnificent Arabian stallions to gentle mares. Beginners can try the sandy dunes, while more experienced riders will enjoy the open terrain of the savannah, beach and wildlife reserve. 

For more experienced riders who are confident controlling their horse in open terrain, trot along sandy paths and into the bush for encounters with free-roaming wildlife.

Canter through the wildlife park on an Arabian horse, the wind in your hair and herds of Arabian Oryx surrounding. Helmets, boots and chaps are provided. Weight limit of 85 kg. 

Only 8 km off the coast of Jebel Dhanna, set sail for unique island adventures at Sir Bani Yas. Dock your yacht at the island's Royal Bay with a mooring package. Explore the wildlife sanctuary, then retreat to a unique setting for savannah dining.

Open year-round, Royal Bay has all the facilities required for day visits or extended overnight stays. Ten water moorings allow for vessels up to 50 ft, with 7 m water depth. Guests have access to fresh drinking water, fuel (ADNOC card required, no cash facilities), fire protection and medical services. Yachts need to provide their own tender to shore, or arrangements can be made via our Water Sports Centre for a small fee.

Achieve your wellness goals when and where you need to with our tailored fitness videos – produced in partnership with Technogym. Download the Minor Hotels App to access our exclusive videos anytime, anywhere.