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Some may be surprised to learn that Abu Dhabi is an emirate with diverse landscapes and that, contrary to popular misconception, it is not only surrounded by deserts. You can start your day overlooking the verdant mangroves near the city, meander through the Al Ain Oasis in the afternoon in the shade of date palms, and end up venturing in the rugged, quiet but somewhat ethereal terrain of the Jebel Hafeet Desert garden. Abu Dhabi is also home to hardy plants and animals that have adapted to survive and thrive in the local climate.
Our first stop will take us to Jubail Mangrove Park, which has a fascinating tree known as the mangrove. These unique trees grow on the muddy shore and are easily identified by the visible root tips growing from the ground. It would be no exaggeration to describe Abu Dhabi’s mangroves as the guardians of the emirate—after all, these unique trees not only protect the coast from rising sea levels and storms, but also capture and store carbon from the atmosphere.
While Mangrove Park serves an important environmental function, it is also an ideal destination for those looking for time outside the city. Jubail Mangrove Park covers over seven square miles. The best way to explore the area and see the trees up close is by kayaking; roaming the tranquil waterways inhabited by the mangroves gives you the opportunity to fully explore the area from the most stunning vantage points. Although the park is primarily a mangrove reserve, depending on the time of year, you may also have the chance to see the various wildlife that inhabit the area, such as dolphins, dugongs and sea turtles. If kayaking sounds too physically demanding, you can also choose to walk the winding boardwalk and explore the trail.
For those who can’t get enough of this particular tree, there’s Mangrove National Park, a tranquil sanctuary where more than 60 species of birds can be seen. Similar to Jubail Mangrove Park, families, photographers, bird watchers and outdoor enthusiasts can explore the area by kayak or on foot. Those visiting during the hot summer months may choose to enjoy the view of the mangroves from afar rather than in one of the lounges at the nearby Anantara Oriental Mangroves Hotel in Abu Dhabi. While it may not be your typical outdoor experience, sometimes lunch with a view is nice too.
Our next stop is an oasis away from the capital which is believed to have been irrigated over 4,000 years ago and thus sustain one of the oldest permanently inhabited areas in the world. Al Ain Oasis, the UAE’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to more than 147,000 date palms that green the desert and provide respite for those craving cooler temperatures. The date palm has enduring significance in the United Arab Emirates and the region: able to withstand harsher conditions, the tree provides its famous fruit and leaves as a material for traditional homes and various household items. In 2019, the date palm and its associated traditions were inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List, further evidence of the importance of the tree in the region.
Wide, shaded walkways provide excellent opportunities to explore on foot or by bike.As you walk through the oasis, you may come across its greatest curiosity: a traditional irrigation system called a paralysis Consisting of narrow waterways carrying fresh spring water from neighboring mountains, the falaj is a perfect example of human ingenuity. The system uses gravity to draw water from wells, which is then funneled through a complex system of underground and surface channels to irrigate the oasis. This system was likely shared by the inhabitants of Ain thousands of years ago, so observing it up close in the Oasis, you can’t help but be impressed by the ingenuity that led to its creation. The Oasis’ education center is housed in an environmentally friendly building, giving visitors a glimpse into how the system works.
Nearby is our next and final stop, Jebel Hafeet Desert Park. Situated at the foot of Jebel Hafit, at approximately 3,800 feet, one of the highest peaks in the UAE, the park offers a rugged landscape to explore. There are so many ways to get around here, the choice is yours – you can go mountain biking, horse or camel ride, or go manual and hike the different trails on your own two feet.
Happen to be a history buff? Your efforts will be rewarded not only with an almost Mars-like landscape, but also with the chance to visit the 5,000-year-old mausoleum where Al Ain’s early inhabitants buried their dead. Artifacts discovered during excavations revealed trade links with ancient Mesopotamia, Iran and the Indus Valley.
A trip to Jebel Hafeet can be turned into an overnight adventure as camping is permitted here. You can bring your equipment or choose not, as full-service camping is also available here. But for so-called “campers,” a night in the park’s bubble tents is the ultimate treat.
If you still haven’t enjoyed enough of the outdoors by this point, you can add Sir Bani Yas Island to your itinerary. Accessible by car, bus or ferry, this nature-based destination is filled with animals that are easy to observe through lens. Some of the island’s free-roaming guests include the majestic Arabian oryx, giraffes, cheetahs, gazelles and hyenas. The island will certainly help to further dispel any lingering misconceptions you may have about the diversity of the emirate’s wildlife and landscapes.
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