Mid-semester breaks are an opportunity for much-needed rest after a demanding few weeks of classes and midterm exams. Under normal circumstances, these breaks at NYU Abu Dhabi are marked by students travelling to different countries or venturing outside the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

This year, however, things look a little different as students are confined within Abu Dhabi. Fortunately, Abu Dhabi and its surrounding areas provide several options for adventurous activities that you can undertake to destress, all while following the Ministry of Health’s Covid-19 restrictions.

Image courtesy of Ludien Yen

For those looking to escape from the busy city life, the sand dunes at the Liwa Oasis are enough of a reason to drive for hours across the Emirate. Located around three hours away from campus, the easiest way to get there is by car but you can also get on a bus from Abu Dhabi Bus Station to Bateen Liwa for 50 AED. On your way to Liwa, stop by the freshwater pools and date plantations to experience traditional Emirati culture.

Once in the desert, you can attempt to climb the 300 meter high Moreeb Dune. If that sounds too tiring, horse and camel trek tours can be arranged through the Liwa Hotel. The landscape provides many options for adventure activities — you can book a dune bashing tour, rent a quad bike or simply sandboard down the dunes for some thrill.

In contrast to the isolated Liwa Sand Dunes, the Jubail Mangrove Park is bustling with nature, known for its scenic views of crystal waters and vast mangroves. The park is located nearby, between Saadiyat Island and Yas Island, and has an admission cost of 15 AED.

Image courtesy of Cole Beasley

You can choose to take a leisurely stroll along one of its three boardwalks and explore the natural landscapes. The viewing tower allows you to gaze at the park from a higher vantage point, whereas the beach tower provides the opportunity to closely observe the sea and its marine life, ranging from crabs to turtles and herons. Rangers are also present on site to answer any questions visitors might have regarding the local environment and wildlife.

Kayaking at the Eastern Mangroves National Park is a relaxing venture where you can get a chance to spot several species of crabs, molluscs and migratory birds like the Western Reef Heron and flamingos, nesting in the mangroves. Kayaks can be rented for two and a half hours with a single kayak priced at 110 AED and a tandem at 160 AED. At Captain Tony's, a student discount of 40 percent, courtesy of the NYUAD Athletics department, is applicable for kayaks and paddle board rentals. Coming at the true cost of sore arms, kayaking is ideal if you want an opportunity to be left alone with your thoughts in a serene environment.

Image courtesy of Ansh Kachalia

Kayaking is also an option at the Louvre Abu Dhabi. At 126 AED, you can enjoy kayaking under the stars or, if you’re a morning person, watch the sunrise over the museum’s dome. The 60 minute tour lets kayakers marvel at the museum's architecture while weaving under bridges and through the narrow waterways. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, tandems can only be provided to family members. So, if you are going with a large group, you will have to split up into single kayaks.

Image courtesy of Alia Waleed

To spend some time near the open waters without the pressure of balancing yourself on a kayak, you can go to the Corniche Beach, a 15 minute cab ride from campus for 30 AED, especially if you are looking to soak in sunshine. The Al Sahil section of the beach, with its delightful seaside boardwalk and palm trees, has free entry and is ideal for large groups. Showers and changing rooms can be accessed for free, and sun loungers and umbrellas can be rented at an additional cost of 25 AED.

For the spontaneous souls, you might be pleased to hear that e-scooter rentals from the Corniche have resumed. These scooters are available at a base price of three dirhams and an additional dirham per minute. Hop onto one of these scooters and ride around the city after lounging by the beach to witness the sun setting over the horizon.

Also located on the Corniche, you can choose to head over to the Family Park to fire up a grill and cook dinner for an enjoyable time, which is particularly suitable for large socially-distanced groups.

For a ladies-only beach, the Al Bateen Beach is a short drive away from the Corniche and has a designated 200 meters women-only swimming area at an entry cost of 25 AED.

Closer to campus, Soul Beach is the newest attraction on Saadiyat Island. Located between the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Cultural District, at a 10 minute ride from campus, the beach offers one kilometre of shoreline as well as a 400 meters swimming zone. Tickets are priced at 50 AED on weekdays and 75 AED on weekends and include access to a sun lounger and a parasol.

Image courtesy of Warehouse 421

For art lovers who are interested in exploring the UAE’s ongoing transformations through an artist’s perspective, Warehouse421 — only a 20 AED cab ride from campus — hosts the work of emerging artists. Currently, the site has two running exhibitions. The Cup and The Saucer, exploring notions of unity and individuality, is running until Oct. 25, and The Stonebreakers, inspired by the importance of maritime trade, is on display until Dec. 31. Entry to the exhibitions is free but requires prior booking.

Are you someone who would rather relax by watching movies with friends in the comfort of air conditioning? If your answer is yes, Vox Cinemas at Yas Mall and The Galleria have introduced private screenings for up to 10 people per auditorium at a price of 450 AED per group. All you need to do is choose a film and book in advance. Cinema in the Park at the Umm Al Emarat Park has also returned since Oct. 8, and if you want to spend time outdoors watching some of your favorite childhood movies, this might be just the activity you were looking for.

While fall break this year may not be the same, it serves as an opportunity to get away from the Saadiyat Bubble and discover spots in Abu Dhabi that we can return to when in search of some peace and fun.