Top 10 Scenic Nature Spots in the UAE You Must Explore

Scenic Nature Spots in the UAE

The UAE is famous for sparkling skyscrapers and a glamorous way of life, but the country has many wonders of nature that people rarely pay attention to. From the beautiful mangrove swamps to the beautiful mountain ranges the country has a variety of beautiful sceneries that one would want to explore. These are nature sites in the UAE that provide beautiful sceneries, wild life and calm atmosphere that is very relaxing after a week’s work. Whether you are an avid bird watcher, a hiker or just someone who enjoys the beauty of nature, you have not seen the best of the UAE.

Apart from the active urban environment, the UAE has many beautiful places that represent its diverse and peculiar fauna and flora. One of such overlooked areas is the Al Zorah Natural Reserve in Ajman which is home to over 60 species of birds that include the Greater Flamingo that feeds on the green mangroves. In destinations such as Hatta and Sir Baniyas Island, the UAE’s great outdoors is on full display and visitors can go camping, kayaking or even on a wildlife tour. These destinations also indicate the country’s effort towards the conservation of its environment besides having numerous activities for the enthusiasts.

Starting with the picturesque Al Qudra Lake to the golfing greens of Siniyah Island, every one of the UAE nature places provides a different perspective of the country’s geography. Whether it is paddling through the mangroves of Jubail Island in Abu Dhabi or swimming around the marine life in Snoopy Island in Fujairah, these locations offer a unique return to nature. The UAE is a storehouse of natural beauty, and going for a hike to explore these locations will help to discover the other side of the country.

Here is the Top 10 Scenic Nature Spots in the UAE You Must Explore

1. Al Zorah Natural Reserve is in the emirate of Ajman

Scenic Nature Spots in the UAE

Al Zorah Natural Reserve in Ajman is one of the most beautiful natural habitats of the UAE, which is a tidal creek with a mangrove area. The fauna of the reserve consists of 57 species of birds and is of great interest for bird watchers, where you can observe the Greater Flamingo, herons and egrets. The mangroves found here are not only home to many animals but also serve to defend the shoreline. For the thrill-seekers, there is an opportunity for wind surfing and kayaking as you enjoy the serenity of the waters and the surrounding landscape. This reserve has been named as one of the best natural areas in the UAE where people can find calm and a little bit of wild life.

2. Umm Al Quwain – Siniyah Island

Scenic Nature Spots in the UAE

Siniyah Island is located 19km off the coast of Umm Al Quwain through a boat ride making it an easy yet thrilling escape from the busy world. Once you get there you will be met with clear sandy beaches, meadow like terrains and clear blue water. Wildlife enthusiasts can also watch flamingos, herons and other shore birds which makes this place one of the best bird watching sites. The island is unique among the Nature Spots in the UAE because of its untouched landscape and the lack of loud tourist attractions; visitors can relax and watch birds and scenic views.

3. Hatta (Dubai)

Scenic Nature Spots in the UAE

Hatta is a picturesque natural spot in the Hajar Mountains that is a part of Dubai. It is delightful for tourists who want to get away from the scorching sun and enjoy the Mountain climate and scenery. Hatta has many activities it presents including mountain biking, kayaking at Hatta Dam and camping among other exercises. The beautiful mountainous region, the calm water bodies, and the endless activities to indulge in makes Hatta to be one of the most visited by both the UAE locals and tourists. Regardless of whether you want to get closer to the Nature Spots in the UAE , trek over rough terrains or just want to escape the scorching heat and enjoy the beauty of nature, Hatta is one of the must visit Nature Spots in the UAE.

4. Al Qudra Lake (Dubai)

Scenic Nature Spots in the UAE

Al Qudra Lake is another artificial nature site but is situated in the middle of the desert of Dubai. It is a popular place for picnicking, cycling and wildlife viewing, although the latter is best done in cooler weather. This lake is situated in the middle of the desert and is a natural reserve for many local animals and birds such as the desert fox, Arabian oryx, flamingos, steppe eagles, etc. There are lots of opportunities for leisure including walking around the lake, cycling on the nearby cycling track or pitching a tent for the night. It is a perfect family destination since it provides natural scenery and adventurous experience which makes it one of the most popular Nature Spots in the UAE.

5. Sir Baniyas Island

Sir Baniyas Island is a protected area and wildlife park situated in the sea near Abu Dhabi. This island alone accommodates over 11,000 animals most of which are free ranging and this makes it the best place for wildlife lovers. Here, you can go for the hunting tours to find some of the animals like the Arabian oryx, giraffes, cheetahs, and the blackbuck antelope that is on the verge of extinction. It has tropical forest, mangrove, and desert like vegetation cover on the island. Other activities that guests can engage in include horse back riding, mountain biking or even kayaking. For that reason, Sir Baniyas Island is one of the most interesting and valuable UAE Nature Spot due to its diverse and protected wildlife.

6. Snoopy Island (Fujairah)

Located off Fujairah, Snoopy Island is just a rocky isle with lots of clear water which is perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. The island was named after its aerial view that when looked at it resembled the position of Snoopy the cartoon character who lies on his back. The water is clear and, when you swim along the coast, you will see coral formations with schools of fish and turtles. It is a great place for a weekend getaway when you can either sunbathe on the fine sand or go snorkeling/diving. Snoopy Island is one of the most attractive places among other UAE Nature Spot as it is located on the coast and is full of marine beauties.

7. Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

7. Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary.

Sited close to the busy central business area of Dubai, Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is a wetland sanctuary and a nature lovers’ paradise. The sanctuary hosts more than twenty thousand birds and the famous pink flamingos which are sighted during the winter season feeding on the shallow waters. The visitors are able to spot various kinds of birds, mammals and aquatic life through bird-watching hides that come with binoculars. The sanctuary can be recommended to nature lovers who would like to take a short trip from the city to UAE Nature Spot. Being located near Dubai and due to the rich bird list, it is one of the most popular UAE nature attractions.

8. Jebel Ali Wildlife Sanctuary (Dubai)

Jebel Ali Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife protected area that includes mangroves, coral reefs and seagrass. The sanctuary is also a natural breeding ground for hawksbill turtle, green turtle and the Arabian gazelle which are all endangered species. It occupies 2,000 hectares of wetland area and also has the Ghantoot Marine Reserve where you can learn about its marine environment. It is possible to witness turtle release, BBQ or mangrove planting activities within the park. Due to the huge variety of its ecological areas, this sanctuary is one of the most valuable and beautiful nature sights in the UAE for those who are interested in the preservation of wildlife.

9. Al Qurm Nature Reserve – Sharjah

Al Qurm Nature Reserve in Kalba, Sharjah encompasses a 500 plus hectare mangrove forest. It is a habitat to some of the endangered species such as the Arabian collared kingfisher and hawksbill turtles. It is possible to organize a tour on the kayaks or paddleboarding through the mangrove forests, while enjoying the calmness of the area. The mangroves also provide a breeding ground for many birds thus making it a perfect place to go bird watching. Al Qurm is one of the most quiet UAE nature places with the untouched magnificent view of the nature.

10. Jubail Mangrove Park

Jubail Mangrove Park in Abu Dhabi is an emerging eco-tourism site established to provide visitors with an experience of walking on elevated plank ways through a Mangrove forest. It is a perfect time for bird watching enthusiasts as well as lovers of the UAE’s native mangrove forests to go out and about. Tourists can take a guided tour, rent a kayak for a ride through the mangroves or just take a leisurely walk on the trails. The park is one of the conservations areas in UAE and every visitor should take his or her time to explore the natural world in the country.

Conclusion

The UAE is much more than the stunning cities; it is a country with many beautiful nature sights that present the richness of the UAE’s geography. Starting from the mangrove forests of Al Zorah Natural Reserve up to the tranquil lakes of Al Qudra, each of the sites presents a chance to immerse with nature. From the adventurous water activities to the serene nature destinations where one can watch wildlife, these UAE nature destinations are friendly for every type of nature lover.

Visiting these offbeat places also brings a feeling of relief from conventional urban lifestyle and at the same time, it also shows the UAE’s commitment to maintaining its natural landscapes. When you get to these places you will have a better understanding of the environmental conservation measures in the country. Therefore, if anyone is willing to go beyond the routine and try something extraordinary, then the following UAE nature destinations should be on the list.

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