The UAE is home to rich biodiversity and breath-taking natural beauty that often goes unappreciated. While this country is known for its malls and skyscrapers, there is so much more to explore. Whether you’re just visiting the UAE, or you live here permanently, this country has so many great natural, and man-made, spots to offer, where you can get up close with nature and wildlife, and have a great time without hurting the environment. So here are some of the top ecotourism places in the UAE.
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1. Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
This expansive wetland reserve serves as a haven for tens of thousands of birds each year. Apart from the stunning flamingos, you might also spot grey hero , reef herons, black-winged stilts, sandpipers, osprey and so much more. There are three bird hides located on the perimeter of the sanctuary which are free for the public to access during set daylight hours. The sanctuary features a variety of salt flats, mangroves, and lagoons for the birds to use for their nests and individual habitats.
2. Hatta Mountains Kayak
For those looking to try out kayaking, the Hatta Kayak, located in the Hatta Dam is one of the most in-demand destinations offering the sport. The Hatta Kayak offers visitors the opportunity to kayak around the vast lake formed by Hatta Dam and its surrounding mountains. You can also go cycling or hiking in the Hatta mountains.
3. Al Qudra Lake
Al Qudra Lake is a man-made desert oasis, comprising of multiple artificial lakes, surrounded by sand dunes and fauna. Initially, just a camping spot, this part of Al Qudra Desert has expanded to include a range of activities that offer visitors the chance to explore the wilderness and all that it offers. Al Qudra Lake also remains popular among campers and ranks amongst the best barbeque spots in the UAE.
4. Dibba Rock Diving and Snorkeling
With its colorful corals, a high population of green turtles, clownfish, and even black-tipped reef sharks, Dibba Rock in Fujairah has something for every diver. This small rocky island has long sloping sides that are covered by a reef formed by a variety of soft and boulder corals. The seaward side has a long sloping rocky reef with many green and purple whip corals that make it a very attractive dive site. This is one of the best snorkeling sites around too, especially for turtle sightings.
5. Mangrove National Park
Just outside Abu Dhabi city center, the sprawling Mangrove National Park is a jewel in the UAE capital’s crown. An ideal place for families, bird watchers and photographers looking to escape the hustle of the city for a few hours, this beautiful and surprising park continues to be one of the emirate’s most important ecological assets, protected by the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD). Mangrove National Park constitutes about 75 per cent of the total mangrove forest area in the UAE and is a biodiversity hotspot that includes mangrove forests, salt marshes, mudflats, and algal communities.
6. Hawksbill Turtles At Saadiyat Island
Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island’s original ‘guests’, hawksbill sea turtles continue to nest on this pristine island’s sweeping beachfront, thanks to incredible conservation efforts by Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC), who began its Hawksbill Turtle Conservation Programme – the only one of its kind in the Arabian Gulf – in early 2010. While no one knows just how long these turtles have been nesting on Saadiyat, breeding hawksbill females continue to return to their birthplace to lay their eggs after 30 years.
7. The Green Planet
The Green Planet is Dubai’s very own tropical rainforest. With more than 3,000 species of plants, animals, and birds, this green oasis is a sanctuary of exotic flora and fauna, with creatures roaming and waterfalls running. Appealing to visitors of all ages, this spot is perfect for a family outing. The bio-dome is made up of four levels: the Canopy, the Midstory, the Forest Floor, and the Flooded Rainforest. Each level discusses the role and the importance of every part of a rainforest.
8. Desert Experiences
If you fancy going on a safari and exploring the desert’s flora and fauna, Dubai Desert Conservation Renter (DDCR) is a great place. Platinum Heritage tour operator organizes some interesting desert experiences at DDCR like a wildlife drive, overnight safari, and Bedouin experience. If you don’t want to go for a desert safari but still want to experience desert beauty, there is another way. You can visit desert resorts like Al Maha resort or Qasr Al Sara.
