Our trip to Abu Dhabi may have only lasted 19 hours, but believe it or not — that was plenty of time to pack in sightseeing, adventure, and a taste of desert life. It was short, sweaty, and completely unforgettable.
We touched down into a wall of heat and humidity — Abu Dhabi does not hold back when it comes to weather. Our first instinct? Head straight to Abu Dhabi Mall, and honestly, it was the best decision. Cool and comfortable, it was the perfect intro to the city and a much needed AC break before the desert madness began.
By afternoon, we were off to the desert for some proper adrenaline: sand bashing in a 4x4. If you’re going to do this, sit in the back seat. It’s wilder, bumpier, and absolutely hilarious as you fly over dunes and slide sideways down sandy slopes. Think rollercoaster, but on sand.
Next up was sand boarding. I wanted to get into it, but the sand was blowing straight into my eyes, and I quickly tapped out. Luckily, Dom jumped right in, and he absolutely loved it racing down the dunes like a natural. I, on the other hand, enjoyed being the designated cheerleader and eye-wiper.
We’d always wanted to try camel riding, and this was our chance. It was definitely one of those bucket list experiences, but I won’t lie mounting and dismounting had me holding my breath. Those camels are tall, and they lurch up like mechanical beasts. But once you’re on, the slow sway of the ride and the desert views make it all worth it.
As the sun began to set, we settled into the evening desert camp. It came with a delicious BBQ dinner, free-flowing soft drinks, and live entertainment think traditional music, dance, and a relaxed, joyful vibe.
The night ended with stargazing, reclining in the cool sand under a sky so clear it almost didn’t feel real. By 10 PM, we were back in the city, tired, dusty, and buzzing from the most action-packed layover we’ve ever had.
Abu Dhabi in 19 hours? Challenge accepted and conquered. If you’ve got less than a day, trust us: it’s still enough to make memories you won’t forget.
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