13 Amazing Natural Wonders You Can Visit in Abu Dhabi

Put these on your bucket list…

Abu Dhabi is a land of contrasts. Old and new worlds, deserts, island networks and lush oases contrast with ultra-modern towerscapes and futuristic tech-enhanced infrastructure. There are many wonders within its boundaries, but they are often inaccessible and stunning natural wonders are easily overlooked.

Here’s a guide to some of our favorite natural wonders of Abu Dhabi, and where to find them.

Al Mirayr Forest

Image credit: @wonguy974 via IG

Just a stone’s throw away from Anantara’s beautiful Qasr Al Sarab desert resort (location here), You will discover the striking sight of the desert forest known as Al Mirayr. It’s unlikely to be the largest wooded expanse you’ll ever see, but since it’s juxtaposed against the surrounding saffron-colored desert, it’s probably one of the most impressive. You’ll need a 4WD capable vehicle to get there, and if you want to extend your Wadi Roaming time, there are more exciting sights to explore on the surrounding sandy beaches.For more adventures off the beaten track, check out some of our guides Best Off Road Tours in Abu Dhabi.

Al Ain Oasis

If you’re looking for something green, Al Ain aka “The Garden City” is a great place to start. This 1,200-hectare desert oasis in central Al Ain was granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 2011. It has more than 147,000 date palms, as well as trees bearing mangoes, oranges, bananas, figs and dates. Whimsical shaded paths under fractal canopies contrast with the urban jungle of Abu Dhabi’s cityscape. There’s also an Ecology Center, which offers insight into the oasis’ conservation efforts and a look back at its history.

Al Ain, open daily from 9am to 5pm. Tel: (03) 711 8251take a virtual tour visitabudhabi.ae

Al Wathba Fossil Dunes

The UAE’s desert regions hold many wonders, but few match them Fossil Dunes of Al Wathba. These naturally occurring monoliths are prominent, jagged boulders forged over the past 120,000 years, a reminder of the emirate’s storied geological history. Not far from the Al Wathba Wildlife Sanctuary (also well worth a visit), this vast area covers more than 1,700 fossilized sand dunes and has been designated a protected landmark. The Al Wathba Fossil Dunes Reserve now houses a visitor centre, a viewing area, an amphitheater and 7 kilometers of hiking trails with educational signage explaining the origin and cultural significance of these magnificent sandstone remains.

Al Wathba Wetland Reserve

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This notable attraction is located next to the beautiful Al Wathba fossil sand dunes and is a popular flamingo resting place in autumn and spring. Known as Flamingo City, it has a variety of wildlife habitats, including both freshwater and saltwater lakes. The area is home to more than 250 species of birds and 37 species of plants, as well as an abundance of marine life. The wetlands are popular for bird watching, and there are even two self-guided walking routes to explore the area. In an effort to keep the area as natural as possible, there are no cafes here, so be sure to pack your reusable water bottles as the walk is quite long.

ead.gov.ae, visitabudhabi.ae

desert lake

That’s a bit of a problem with the entries…their location is a trade secret (and, well, the second probably isn’t “natural”, is it?). Both images were taken by talented and intrepid photographers (well before the current drone ban), @amarhabeebHe’s responsible for discovering another litsing further afield, but these discoveries clearly represent what happens when you follow a pioneer nomad spirit and explore the desert in search of hidden wonders. Of course, it could be a desolate place without modern luxuries. If you are going into the wild, tell someone, accompany, be prepared, bring more fuel, water and food than you need, and remember that all unauthorized drone flights are currently prohibited.

Jebel Hafit

Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jebel Hafeet is Abu Dhabi’s highest mountain and is located in Al Ain, about 90 minutes’ drive from the capital. There is a campsite offering tent accommodation and sites for those wishing to bring their own canvas and poles. You can also rent traditional Bedouin-inspired tents; Bubble Tents – complete with panoramic windows, perfect for stargazing; and Luxury Yurts with air conditioning, TVs and exciting telescopes. Prices start from Dhs650. Vacationers come here to hike, mountain bike (rental), ATV, horseback and camel rides, and enjoy the rare fresh air (and absence of light pollution), which contributes to the perfect conditions for astronomy. Up and down.

You can book accommodation now here or call (03) 711 8362.

Jebel Hafeet Beehive Tomb

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Located at the foothills of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the burial complex marks the beginning of the Bronze Age in the Middle East. 5,000-year-old structures have been found here, along with evidence of ceramic vessels and copper artifacts, suggesting that sea trade across the Arabian Gulf was important even then. Explore the park’s magnificent natural surroundings by mountain bike, horse or camel. Explore archaeological and historical sites that tell the story of the ancient settlements of this unique region.

mangrove forest

ubail mangrove park in January 2020, offering visitors the opportunity to explore one of the region’s most fascinating natural ecosystems. Discovered nestled on a quiet outcrop on Jubail Island – the mangroves are an immediate hit with locals, residents and tourists alike. It features a 2.3-kilometer winding boardwalk about 20 minutes from the center of Abu Dhabi. Residents of the park include herons, flamingos, turtles, gazelles, crabs, and some more mysterious creatures. There are many ways to explore this stunning turquoise expanse, including ranger-led guided boardwalks (from AED 50), kayaking (from AED 100), and mangrove electric canoe tours (From AED 80).

Dead Oasis and Lake Moreb

The Liwa Oasis is located on the northern edge of the Rub’ Al Khali (The Clearance), the ancestral home of the Nahyan family and the Bani Yas tribe. The Liwa Oasis region defines a desert that stretches for 100 kilometers, and the dark green date trees contrast sharply with the amber desert. This is all possible thanks to the elevated water table close to the surface.There are walled areas, reconstructed forts and watchtowers, and a series of truly massive dunes, including Tar Morebat 300 meters high, it is one of the largest in the world.

plant lake

Located on the eastern edge of Al Jubail Island, near Zeera Island, across the water from Khor Laffan, this river feature found in the mangroves was named “Botanical Lake” by its discoverers – Abu Dhabi-based photographer, Amar Habeeb (Insta handle: @amarhabeeb). The amazing depth of green is not a Photoshop trick, it’s really sharp. When the mesmerizing natural features appeared on the digital viewfinder of his drone remote, Habeeb recalls immediately thinking of “emerald green. I couldn’t believe my eyes.” As mentioned above, the private use of drones is currently banned in Abu Dhabi, so it’s unlikely you’ll be able to replicate this epic footage anytime soon.

saadiyat reef

The emirate’s coral reefs are currently undergoing a massive restoration project overseen by the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi (EAD). Even with the efforts in full swing, there are still many dive sites in the Abu Dhabi archipelago that allow safe and legal access to the reef. You can find a number of diving companies offering charter boat trips to places such as Phillip Reef and Saadiyat Reef (weather and number of people allow), the price of snorkeling is about Dhs300, and the price of scuba activities is about Dhs500-600. While the variety and vibrancy of coral reef color may not match that found in some of the world’s other more famous dive spots, the marine life you will find navigating through it is truly dazzling. Sea turtles, for example, are not uncommon.

salt lake

Abu Dhabi salt lake took Instagram by storm last year. Bloggers, influencers and the naturally curious headed to their location near the Al Wathba Wildlife Sanctuary to capture snapshots of the narrow pastel green lake filled with crystalline water lily features.you can find the exact location Google Map, but getting there is not easy. Take an SUV, pack snacks and spare supplies, tell people where you’re going, don’t litter, and make sure you’ve got gas. We promise it’s worth it.

Image: Instagram / @Christie / @perspectivesofjames / @vishnu.ae

Bunch of Hats

Surrounded by red rocks and erosion-sculpted cliffs, this beautiful and unique island has pristine beaches. Unfortunately, public access to the island is currently off limits due to littering and abuse. But if you do travel, you can enjoy the scenery from afar.

Photo: Instagram/Visit Abu Dhabi/What’s On Archive