Into the wild: 7 must-see nature spots in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s unique nature, rare wildlife and restorative escapes rank among its most surprising and rewarding discoveries.
Words Harriet Shephard
In addition to its enticing sun and sand, glittering skyscrapers and luxurious hotels, there is another side to the UAE capital.
For nature lovers and outdoor explorers, the emirate offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from lush mangrove forests and protected coral reefs to sprawling wetlands and desert reserves—all located within or just beyond the city.
1. Jubail Mangrove Park
Spanning 5,000 hectares of peaceful mangrove forests and blue ocean estuaries, Jubail Mangrove Park shows off Abu Dhabi’s coastal beauty at its best. The two kilometres of zig-zagging over-water boardwalks allow you to get right up close to the different birds, fish, crabs, gazelles and other animals that call the area home, while kayaking tours, yoga classes and other activities are also available. If you can, visit during high tide, when the blue waters are at their deepest and most photo ready.
Jubail Mangrove Park spans 5,000 hectares (©Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi)
2. Sir Bani Yas Island
An entire island dedicated to a free-roaming wildlife reserve, Sir Bani Yas Island is one of the most special attractions in Abu Dhabi and can be reached via the Anantara resorts and the cruise terminal. Established in 1977 by His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE, it’s home to three luxurious Anantara resorts and more than 11,000 animals, including giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas and the largest herd of Arabian oryx in the world. Like stepping into the African savanna, safari drives, nature walks, snorkelling, horse riding and even annual triathlon races are just some of the many incredible activities on offer.
Sir Bani Yas Island plays home to some 11,000 animals (Tom Parker)
3. Al Wathba Wetland Reserve
Despite being one of the last animals that you might expect to find in the middle of the desert, Al Wathba Wetland Reserve is famous for its vast numbers of greater flamingos and welcomes some 4,000 of the bright pink birds from September and April for breeding and feeding. More than 200 different birds can also be spotted from the pretty walking trails and bird watching hides, while the nearby Al Wathba Fossil Dunes Reserve is equally spectacular.
See some 4,000 flamingos at Al Wathba Wetland Reserve (Shutterstock)
4. Ras Ghanada Protected Area
40 percent of all coral species in the Arabian Gulf are found here (©Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi)
Did you know that Abu Dhabi is home to the largest coral reef in the region, drawing snorkellers and scuba divers from far and wide? Found around an hour’s drive from the city, the Ras Ghanada protected area will blow you away with its abundance of colourful marine life. Visitors can discover it through tour operators and licensed tour guides. Teeming with turtles, dugongs, sea snakes, clownfish and other exotic fish, the 55 square kilometre site also contains around 40 percent of all the coral species in the Arabian Gulf.
5. Al Yasat Marine Protected Area
Few visitors to Abu Dhabi make it out as far as the Al Yasat Islands, but those who do are rewarded handsomely. Close to the border of Saudi Arabia in the very west of Abu Dhabi, the protected islands are home to ancient ruins and historical artefacts, while the clear blue waters that surround them are brimming with thriving coral reefs and seagrass beds. A top spot for diving, snorkelling, kayaking and dolphin watching, the rugged and untouched islands are also important nesting sites for turtles, Socotra cormorants, ospreys and other rare birds.
Al Yasat is an important turtle nesting site (©Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi)
6. Qasr Al Sarab Protected Area
Open exclusively to guests of the palatial Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Resort, this awe-inspiring desert reserve is one of the few places where you can see Arabian oryx in the wild. Once on the verge of extinction, Abu Dhabi has worked hard to protect these majestic creatures, and watching them roam over the towering golden-red dunes is nothing short of extraordinary. Part of the Empty Quarter, the world’s largest uninterrupted sand mass and the filming location for Hollywood hits Dune, Star Wars: The Force Awakens and others, camels, gazelles, lizards and many other different animals can also be spotted in and amongst the waves of sand.
See Arabian oryx in the wild (Shutterstock)
7. Mugheirah Bay
Just 90 minutes by car from the city, and you will find yourself in Mugheirah Bay. Part of the UNESCO-declared Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve, stopping by Al Mugheirah Bay is a must for active types. On land, the destination is home to another long boardwalk that winds through the mangroves, horseriding facilities, as well as many fun and funky restaurants. Meanwhile, the ocean is filled with seagrass meadows and coral reefs, plus populations of dugongs, hawksbill turtles and rare sea birds. If you want to stretch out your visit, book into one of the trendy converted airstream caravans or eco cabins at Bab Al Nojoum Al Mugheirah glamping site.
Bab Al Nojoum combines authenticity with luxury (Shutterstock)
For more information and inspiration, head over to the official Visit Abu Dhabi website
Into the wild: 7 must-see nature spots in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s unique nature, rare wildlife and restorative escapes rank among its most surprising and rewarding discoveries.
Words Harriet Shephard
In addition to its enticing sun and sand, glittering skyscrapers and luxurious hotels, there is another side to the UAE capital.
For nature lovers and outdoor explorers, the emirate offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from lush mangrove forests and protected coral reefs to sprawling wetlands and desert reserves—all located within or just beyond the city.
1. Jubail Mangrove Park
Spanning 5,000 hectares of peaceful mangrove forests and blue ocean estuaries, Jubail Mangrove Park shows off Abu Dhabi’s coastal beauty at its best. The two kilometres of zig-zagging over-water boardwalks allow you to get right up close to the different birds, fish, crabs, gazelles and other animals that call the area home, while kayaking tours, yoga classes and other activities are also available. If you can, visit during high tide, when the blue waters are at their deepest and most photo ready.
Jubail Mangrove Park spans 5,000 hectares (©Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi)
2. Sir Bani Yas Island
An entire island dedicated to a free-roaming wildlife reserve, Sir Bani Yas Island is one of the most special attractions in Abu Dhabi and can be reached via the Anantara resorts and the cruise terminal. Established in 1977 by His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE, it’s home to three luxurious Anantara resorts and more than 11,000 animals, including giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas and the largest herd of Arabian oryx in the world. Like stepping into the African savanna, safari drives, nature walks, snorkelling, horse riding and even annual triathlon races are just some of the many incredible activities on offer.
Sir Bani Yas Island plays home to some 11,000 animals (Tom Parker)
3. Al Wathba Wetland Reserve
Despite being one of the last animals that you might expect to find in the middle of the desert, Al Wathba Wetland Reserve is famous for its vast numbers of greater flamingos and welcomes some 4,000 of the bright pink birds from September and April for breeding and feeding. More than 200 different birds can also be spotted from the pretty walking trails and bird watching hides, while the nearby Al Wathba Fossil Dunes Reserve is equally spectacular.
See some 4,000 flamingos at Al Wathba Wetland Reserve (Shutterstock)
4. Ras Ghanada Protected Area
40 percent of all coral species in the Arabian Gulf are found here (©Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi)
Did you know that Abu Dhabi is home to the largest coral reef in the region, drawing snorkellers and scuba divers from far and wide? Found around an hour’s drive from the city, the Ras Ghanada protected area will blow you away with its abundance of colourful marine life. Visitors can discover it through tour operators and licensed tour guides. Teeming with turtles, dugongs, sea snakes, clownfish and other exotic fish, the 55 square kilometre site also contains around 40 percent of all the coral species in the Arabian Gulf.
5. Al Yasat Marine Protected Area
Few visitors to Abu Dhabi make it out as far as the Al Yasat Islands, but those who do are rewarded handsomely. Close to the border of Saudi Arabia in the very west of Abu Dhabi, the protected islands are home to ancient ruins and historical artefacts, while the clear blue waters that surround them are brimming with thriving coral reefs and seagrass beds. A top spot for diving, snorkelling, kayaking and dolphin watching, the rugged and untouched islands are also important nesting sites for turtles, Socotra cormorants, ospreys and other rare birds.
Al Yasat is an important turtle nesting site (©Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi)
6. Qasr Al Sarab Protected Area
Open exclusively to guests of the palatial Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Resort, this awe-inspiring desert reserve is one of the few places where you can see Arabian oryx in the wild. Once on the verge of extinction, Abu Dhabi has worked hard to protect these majestic creatures, and watching them roam over the towering golden-red dunes is nothing short of extraordinary. Part of the Empty Quarter, the world’s largest uninterrupted sand mass and the filming location for Hollywood hits Dune, Star Wars: The Force Awakens and others, camels, gazelles, lizards and many other different animals can also be spotted in and amongst the waves of sand.
See Arabian oryx in the wild (Shutterstock)
7. Mugheirah Bay
Just 90 minutes by car from the city, and you will find yourself in Mugheirah Bay. Part of the UNESCO-declared Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve, stopping by Al Mugheirah Bay is a must for active types. On land, the destination is home to another long boardwalk that winds through the mangroves, horseriding facilities, as well as many fun and funky restaurants. Meanwhile, the ocean is filled with seagrass meadows and coral reefs, plus populations of dugongs, hawksbill turtles and rare sea birds. If you want to stretch out your visit, book into one of the trendy converted airstream caravans or eco cabins at Bab Al Nojoum Al Mugheirah glamping site.
Bab Al Nojoum combines authenticity with luxury (Shutterstock)
For more information and inspiration, head over to the official Visit Abu Dhabi website
Into the wild: 7 must-see nature spots in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s unique nature, rare wildlife and restorative escapes rank among its most surprising and rewarding discoveries.
Words Harriet Shephard
In addition to its enticing sun and sand, glittering skyscrapers and luxurious hotels, there is another side to the UAE capital.
For nature lovers and outdoor explorers, the emirate offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from lush mangrove forests and protected coral reefs to sprawling wetlands and desert reserves—all located within or just beyond the city.
1. Jubail Mangrove Park
Spanning 5,000 hectares of peaceful mangrove forests and blue ocean estuaries, Jubail Mangrove Park shows off Abu Dhabi’s coastal beauty at its best. The two kilometres of zig-zagging over-water boardwalks allow you to get right up close to the different birds, fish, crabs, gazelles and other animals that call the area home, while kayaking tours, yoga classes and other activities are also available. If you can, visit during high tide, when the blue waters are at their deepest and most photo ready.
Jubail Mangrove Park spans 5,000 hectares (©Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi)
2. Sir Bani Yas Island
An entire island dedicated to a free-roaming wildlife reserve, Sir Bani Yas Island is one of the most special attractions in Abu Dhabi and can be reached via the Anantara resorts and the cruise terminal. Established in 1977 by His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE, it’s home to three luxurious Anantara resorts and more than 11,000 animals, including giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas and the largest herd of Arabian oryx in the world. Like stepping into the African savanna, safari drives, nature walks, snorkelling, horse riding and even annual triathlon races are just some of the many incredible activities on offer.
Sir Bani Yas Island plays home to some 11,000 animals (Tom Parker)
3. Al Wathba Wetland Reserve
Despite being one of the last animals that you might expect to find in the middle of the desert, Al Wathba Wetland Reserve is famous for its vast numbers of greater flamingos and welcomes some 4,000 of the bright pink birds from September and April for breeding and feeding. More than 200 different birds can also be spotted from the pretty walking trails and bird watching hides, while the nearby Al Wathba Fossil Dunes Reserve is equally spectacular.
See some 4,000 flamingos at Al Wathba Wetland Reserve (Shutterstock)
4. Ras Ghanada Protected Area
40 percent of all coral species in the Arabian Gulf are found here (©Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi)
Did you know that Abu Dhabi is home to the largest coral reef in the region, drawing snorkellers and scuba divers from far and wide? Found around an hour’s drive from the city, the Ras Ghanada protected area will blow you away with its abundance of colourful marine life. Visitors can discover it through tour operators and licensed tour guides. Teeming with turtles, dugongs, sea snakes, clownfish and other exotic fish, the 55 square kilometre site also contains around 40 percent of all the coral species in the Arabian Gulf.
5. Al Yasat Marine Protected Area
Few visitors to Abu Dhabi make it out as far as the Al Yasat Islands, but those who do are rewarded handsomely. Close to the border of Saudi Arabia in the very west of Abu Dhabi, the protected islands are home to ancient ruins and historical artefacts, while the clear blue waters that surround them are brimming with thriving coral reefs and seagrass beds. A top spot for diving, snorkelling, kayaking and dolphin watching, the rugged and untouched islands are also important nesting sites for turtles, Socotra cormorants, ospreys and other rare birds.
Al Yasat is an important turtle nesting site (©Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi)
6. Qasr Al Sarab Protected Area
Open exclusively to guests of the palatial Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Resort, this awe-inspiring desert reserve is one of the few places where you can see Arabian oryx in the wild. Once on the verge of extinction, Abu Dhabi has worked hard to protect these majestic creatures, and watching them roam over the towering golden-red dunes is nothing short of extraordinary. Part of the Empty Quarter, the world’s largest uninterrupted sand mass and the filming location for Hollywood hits Dune, Star Wars: The Force Awakens and others, camels, gazelles, lizards and many other different animals can also be spotted in and amongst the waves of sand.
See Arabian oryx in the wild (Shutterstock)
7. Mugheirah Bay
Just 90 minutes by car from the city, and you will find yourself in Mugheirah Bay. Part of the UNESCO-declared Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve, stopping by Al Mugheirah Bay is a must for active types. On land, the destination is home to another long boardwalk that winds through the mangroves, horseriding facilities, as well as many fun and funky restaurants. Meanwhile, the ocean is filled with seagrass meadows and coral reefs, plus populations of dugongs, hawksbill turtles and rare sea birds. If you want to stretch out your visit, book into one of the trendy converted airstream caravans or eco cabins at Bab Al Nojoum Al Mugheirah glamping site.
Bab Al Nojoum combines authenticity with luxury (Shutterstock)
For more information and inspiration, head over to the official Visit Abu Dhabi website
