Abu Dhabi is famous for its grand mosques, modern malls, and theme parks, but it also hides lesser-known gems off the usual tourist path. For extended stays and offbeat adventures, a monthly car rental is the perfect solution to discover Abu Dhabi beyond the typical itinerary. Travelers in Abu Dhabi are increasingly turning to long term car rental Abu Dhabi for extended stays, and Octane.Rent is part of this growing trend, offering flexible options for exploring hidden corners of the city. With your own vehicle for a month, you can venture into desert landscapes, mangrove sanctuaries, and cultural sites at your leisure. The freedom to drive anytime means you can catch a sunrise over the dunes or visit a secluded spot without worrying about tour schedules or taxi fares.
Al Wathba Fossil Dunes: Nature’s Desert Sculptures
Tucked about 45 minutes outside the city, the Al Wathba Fossil Dunes showcase an otherworldly desert landscape. The site features wind-sculpted limestone formations that have stood for thousands of years, creating natural sculptures that glow beautifully in the late afternoon sun. These fragile, eerie shapes rising from the sand offer a glimpse into Abu Dhabi’s prehistoric environment and are especially breathtaking at sunset — a dream for photographers and nature lovers.
Visiting the fossil dunes is only feasible with a private vehicle, as no public transport reaches this remote spot. Having your own car means you’re free to time your visit for golden hour or linger into the evening for stargazing among the dunes, without worrying about finding a taxi back. This flexibility turns a simple drive into an unforgettable journey to one of Abu Dhabi’s hidden natural wonders.
Jubail Mangrove Park: A Hidden Wetland Oasis
Amid the urban buzz of Abu Dhabi, Jubail Mangrove Park is a tranquil green oasis that many visitors overlook. Located on the fringes of the city, this peaceful reserve is a visual delight of lush mangroves threading through crystal clear channels. Wooden boardwalks wind across the wetlands, allowing you to walk among the mangroves and observe wildlife. It’s common to spot herons, fish, and even flamingos in this protected area, and guided kayak tours are available for those who want to paddle through the serene channels. The park offers a refreshing retreat into nature and a chance to experience Abu Dhabi’s coastal ecosystem up close.
With a monthly car rental, popping over to the mangroves is easy — it’s just a 15-minute drive from downtown. Public transportation or tour buses won’t conveniently take you to this quiet corner, but having your own car means you can visit early in the morning for a peaceful walk before the heat, or later in the day when the tides attract more birdlife. This flexibility ensures you enjoy the mangrove sanctuary on your own terms, without the crowds, and return to the city whenever you’re ready.
Al Hudayriat Island: Offbeat Beaches and Trails
Connected to the mainland by a causeway, Al Hudayriat Island is a newcomer on Abu Dhabi’s leisure scene and a hidden gem for those in the know. This formerly restricted island now welcomes visitors with uncrowded beaches, cycling and running tracks, and even kayak rentals for paddling in its calm waters. It’s a favorite weekend spot for locals seeking a relaxed atmosphere, where you can enjoy a picnic on the sand or grab a bite from a food truck while taking in views of the downtown skyline across the bay.
Having a rental car makes exploring Hudayriat Island truly convenient. You can drive right across the bridge with your bicycle or beach gear in the trunk, something not possible if you rely on taxis. There’s plenty of parking by the sports facilities and beach areas, and you’re free to stay after sunset when the city lights start twinkling over the water.
Liwa Oasis: Gateway to the Empty Quarter
For the ultimate desert adventure, plan a road trip to Liwa Oasis on the edge of the legendary Empty Quarter. Liwa is a historic oasis settlement about 200 kilometers southwest of Abu Dhabi city, and it sits at the gateway to Rub’ al Khali — the world’s largest uninterrupted sand mass. The oasis itself is a surprisingly green ribbon of date palm farms and small towns, a stark contrast to the endless dunes surrounding it. Visitors are treated to breathtaking desert vistas and a variety of experiences, from exploring a restored historic fort to watching farmers tend date plantations. The real allure, however, is the landscape: Liwa is flanked by some of the tallest sand dunes in the world, including the towering Tel Moreeb dune, offering dramatic panoramas for those who venture up its slopes.
There are no regular tours that cover the many nooks of Liwa, and public transport in this remote region is virtually non-existent. In your own car, you have the freedom to detour to tiny villages or take the scenic route along the crescent of dunes. It’s wise to rent a sturdy vehicle for desert driving, possibly a 4×4 if you plan to leave the paved roads, but the effort is worth it. You’ll be able to catch the sunset from a dune crest and maybe even stay overnight at a desert camp, then drive back under the open sky at dawn. This kind of immersive experience in the Empty Quarter is only feasible when you have the independence that a long-term car rental provides.
Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital: A Unique Wildlife Experience
For a glimpse into a fascinating aspect of Emirati culture, drive out near the airport to visit the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital. This facility is the world’s largest hospital dedicated to the care of falcons, having treated over 110,000 of these majestic birds since its founding in 1999. In a guided tour, you’ll learn about the tradition of falconry and see the state-of-the-art facilities where veterinarians examine and pamper their feathered patients. Falcons are a national symbol of the UAE, prized for their speed and hunting skill, and here you can witness them getting everything from routine check-ups to feather repairs.
The Falcon Hospital is tucked away on the outskirts of the city, so having a car is a major advantage. The drive itself is straightforward, and you can combine it with a stop at nearby sites (for example, the adjacent equestrian club or a ride into the desert) thanks to the flexibility your own vehicle provides. This freedom means you can include unique, educational stops like the Falcon Hospital in your itinerary, enriching your Abu Dhabi experience beyond the typical tourist checklist.
Hidden Places Accessibility by Vehicle Type
Even with a car in hand, not all hidden spots are equally accessible, as some require additional vehicle capability or planning. The table below compares how each of the five locations above can be reached by different means of transport:
| Hidden Place | Standard Car Access? | 4×4 Needed? | Public Transport? |
| Al Wathba Fossil Dunes | Yes (paved road access) | No | No |
| Jubail Mangrove Park | Yes (short drive from city) | No | No |
| Al Hudayriat Island | Yes (via bridge) | No | No |
| Liwa Oasis (Empty Quarter) | Yes (by highway, ~2 hours) | Optional (recommended for off-road dunes) | No |
| Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital | Yes (near airport) | No | No |
Note: “Standard Car” refers to a normal sedan or two-wheel drive vehicle. Even where a 4×4 is not required, it can be useful for exploring rougher terrain beyond the main access roads.
Unlocking Abu Dhabi’s Hidden Treasures
From desert dunes to mangrove forests, Abu Dhabi’s hidden places truly shine when you have the freedom of your own car. A monthly car rental transforms your trip into an open-ended adventure, allowing you to travel anywhere, anytime — a flexibility that public transport or short-term tours simply can’t match. Instead of being tied to tour schedules, you can savor a quiet sunrise at Al Wathba or take a spontaneous detour to a village in Liwa, making the journey just as memorable as the destination. This independence not only helps you reach offbeat spots, but also lets you experience them on a deeper level, whether it’s sitting peacefully amid the mangroves or chatting with locals at a rural café.
