Get your bucket list ready and make 2020 the best year ever…

There’s still lots to see, do and discover in Abu Dhabi. This year make a point of getting to try some of them out — a lesson in Emirati cooking, perhaps, learning Arabic or discovering a new place.

Get your heart racing

CLYMB Abu Dhabi is the city’s latest attraction that lets you conquer new heights. It features the world’s biggest indoor skydiving flight chamber and the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall. From AED 100. Yas Island. Visit: clymbabudhabi.com

Soar above the sea donning a jet powered backpack from Abu Dhabi Marine. Corniche, across from Marina Mall. Visit: abudhabimarine.ae

Ride the world’s fastest rollercoaster, Formula Rossa, which zooms around the track at a heart-racing 240 km per hour in 4.9 seconds! From AED 295. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Island. Visit: ferrariworldabudhabi.com

The Yas Drag Night promises to fulfil your F1 aspirations. AED 320. Yas Island. Visit: yasmarinacircuit.com

Back to nature

Head for the Night Light Tour from Noukhada Adventure Company and get to paddle around the lush Eastern Mangroves on lit kayaks. AED 210. Eastern Mangroves. Visit: noukhada.ae

The Pearl Journey experience provides a glimpse of ancient Emirati traditions before the oil boom. From AED 150. Eastern Mangroves. Visit: adpearljourney.com

Go further afield and head to the hot springs at the base of Jebel Hafeet mountain in Al Ain. Free. Al Ain.

Indulge in local culture

You’ve probably seen them being strummed in cafes but why not learn to play the oud (an Arabic string instrument) with help from a virtuoso from Bait Al Oud. Villa 72, Malqatah Street, Al Nahyan. Contact: 02 641 5699

Get to say more than just ‘shukran’ by signing up to an Arabic language class at Eton Institute. Visit: etoninstitute.com

Catch a camel racing event and see them dash to the finish line. Free. Al Wathba Camel Racetrack.

Explore local landmarks

The Observation Deck at 300 is considered the highest vantage point in Abu Dhabi. AED 95 entry. Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Corniche West. Contact: 02 811 5666

Head down to the Children’s Library and theatre at Qasr Al Hosn and explore the various year-round cultural events. Visit: qasralhosn.ae

This famous landmark – Qasr Al Watan – houses a vast library well worth a visit. AED 60 adults, AED 30 children. Daily 10am-8pm. Visit: qasralwatan.ae

Give back to the community

Sign up to volunteers.ae for various opportunities to help the community.

Give a gift of life by participating in Emirates Red Crescent‘s blood donation drive. Visit: rcuae.ae