Set on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, Ghayathi is a tranquil town surrounded by lush palms and sun-baked desert. It's less than one hour from the Arabian Gulf, which makes it easy to access destinations like Sir Bani Yas Island and the Jebel Dhanna resort strip.
Things to do in Ghayathi
The UAE has a rich tradition of camel racing, and there's no better place to discover the sport than at the Ghayathi Camel Race Track. Most races are held on weekend mornings, with spectators cheering on camels as they gallop around the sandy track.
Drive 25 minutes north and you'll hit the Arabian Gulf. From here, you can catch a ferry to Sir Bani Yas Island to find golden beaches dotted with luxury resorts. You can also visit the Arabian Wildlife Park, a nature reserve founded by Sheikh Zayed. Inside you'll find free-roaming cheetahs, giraffes, sand gazelles, ostriches and rare Arabian oryx.
Golfers will jump at the chance to tee off at Al Dhafra Golf Club. With sweeping views of the desert and the Arabian Gulf, the nine-hole course boasts some of the UAE's most scenic fairways. After a day in the sun, cool off with a freshly-squeezed juice at the clubhouse.
Whether you want to splurge on jewellery or enjoy a day at the cinema, Ruwais Mall is perfect for contemporary entertainment and retail therapy. It's packed full of specialty stores selling everything from fashion to homewares. You can also visit the bowling alley, fuel up at the bustling food court, skate at the family-friendly ice rink and explore the FunVille play centre.
Getting around Ghayathi
The easiest way to get around Ghayathi is by rental car or taxi. Ferries to Sir Bani Yas Island depart from the Jebel Dhanna jetty, with the trip taking around 20 minutes. Al Hamra is the closest airport, around 50 minutes from Ghayathi.