Sometimes you need to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and discover the green side of the UAE. Especially when the weather is pleasant, it’s a sign to take advantage and explore!
Whether it’s by the waters or deep in a nature reserve or its sprawling desert, there’s no reason not to take some fresh air while you get into nature.
Here are the best nature spots in the UAE you need to visit:
Dubai
Love Lakes, Al Qudra
Love lake in Dubai is a heart shaped man made lake in the desert, located near to Al Qudra Lake. The interlocking hearts of the love lakes have attracted plenty of attention and visitors since they were revealed a few years ago.
The love lakes are mapped over an area of 550,000 square meters. Everything here revolves around love. So, what better name to call it than Love Lake? Even the trees here spell out the word ‘Love.’ You will also find different types of birds here, such as ducks, swans, falcons, etc. This location also allows visitors to camp.
Location: pleasant 10-minute drive away from Al Qudra Lake, just off Umm Sequim-AL Ain Road
Hatta Dam
Hatta Dam is a beautiful jewel of glistening water surrounded by the majestic Hajjar mountains. Located near the popular activity center Hatta Wadi Hub, this spot is best considered during the cooler winter months.
The Hatta Dam offers many fun activities like kayaking, hiking, peddle boating, and more. There’s a donut ride at Hatta Dam that is best suited for friends and families to spend quality time together and have some fun.
You might also like: You can now travel from Dubai to Hatta by bus for just Dhs25
Half Desert Road
There is a half desert road right here in Dubai that has yielded to the powerful forces of nature and is almost always covered in sand dunes blowing in from the desert.
While you can’t take this road as a route to your destinations, you and the family can go there for a bit of desert-themed fun. Sand-boarding, dune-bashing, and of course, Instagrammable photo-snapping are some of the cool things you can do there.
Location: Off Emirates Rd (close to Academic City)
Sharjah
Fossil Rock
Time from Dubai: Approx. 1hr drive
Drive or take a desert safari to Fossil Rock (also known as “Mount Meliha) for an unforgettable experience camping, trekking or hiking in the UAE. It is located 25 km away from the Sharjah city near Mleiha. The fossils in that area are around 70 million years old. The formation reveals information about the planet and early species, with marine fossils dotting the crevices.
The nearby Mleiha Archaeological Centre also offers guided treks, offering visitors a deeper understanding on the history of the UAE and early life in the desert.
Al Wasit Wetland Reserve
An eco-tourism hotspot in Sharjah, Al Wasit Nature Reserve is a conservative area with connecting ponds and open lakes, where visitors can find rare small mammals, reptiles, birds, and vegetation.
Another major attraction at the Al Wasit Wetland Nature Reserve in Sharjah is the massive coastal sand dunes besides the lush-green vegetation. This is the perfect area for visitors to spot the endangered Arabian Oryx, the national animal of the UAE, in its natural habitat.
Entry fee: AED 15 for adults | Children below 12 years of age can enter for free.
Location: Ramtha area near Al Wasit in Sharjah
Abu Dhabi
Jubail Mangrove Park
Jubail Mangrove Park is located on Abu Dhabi’s Al Jubail Island, which is a 22-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport.
The one-of-a-kind family-friendly park is a must-visit place for all nature lovers. Visitors can kayak through the mangroves, or enjoy one of the three walkways through the area. The longest walkway stretches two kilometers, the mid-range one is 1.6km and the shortest is 1km. The paths allow you to take a stroll through the mangroves, explore the natural landscape and go wildlife spotting.
Dhs15 (adults), Dhs10 (children), open daily, 7am-9pm.
Jebel Hafeet
The sole mountain in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and one of the highest mountains in the country, Jebel Hafeet, towers 1,249 m above sea level. Drive all the way to the top of the Jebel Hafeet mountain and click incredible sunrise and sunset photos, as well as get a glimpse of Abu Dhabi’s lush garden city of Al Ain.
At the foot of Jebel Hafit, occupying a nine-kilometre stretch, sits the family-friendly Jebel Hafit Desert Park. Boasting majestic natural surroundings, here you can hike, mountain bike or enjoy a horse or camel ride. It is also home to neolithic tombs, that were built 5000 years ago.
In addition to the mountain, Al Ain is famous for its hot springs. Jebel Hafeet Hot springs are located in the park area of Green Mubazzarah, which is around a 1.5 hour trip from Dubai. It is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the contrast between mountain air and warmth of the water.
Sir Bani Yas Island
Sir Bani Yas Island is one of the best and most beautiful places to take in the emirate’s scenic coastal views. It’s one of the region’s largest wildlife reserves home to more than 17,000 free-roaming animals, including Arabian oryx, gazelles, giraffes, hyenas and cheetahs.
They have around 25 different land and water activities on the island! These include adventure safari’s, kayaking, mountain biking, archery, hiking and snorkeling. To explore the area, you can go on a history and culture tour, a guided 4×4 safari.
Ras Al Khaimah
Jebel Jais
Jebel Jais is the highest peak in the United Arab Emirates at 1934m above sea level, which attracts thrill-seekers and nature lovers, providing adrenaline-pumping experiences and nature-appreciating activities.
Visiting Jebel Jais is one of the most popular things to do in Ras Al Khaimah. From taking to the skies on the world’s longest zipline to trying your balance at sky maze obstacle course, there are numerous adventurous activities offered at Jebel Jais.
Read more: Top 10 things to do in Jebel Jais
Stairway to Heaven – Ras Al Khaimah
Two hours north of Dubai, in Wadi Ghalilah, Ras Al Khaimah, lies the Stairway to Heaven.
Wadi Ghalilah is known for its steeper rocks and cliffs. If you are planning to hike, only experienced climbers should be attempting it, but if you can make it up 1,900 meters to the top, you will be greatly rewarded with incredible views!
Fujairah
Snoopy Island
Snoopy Island is named after the comic character “Snoopy” since it resembles the shape of Snoopy sleeping on his doghouse.
This is one of the most favourite snorkeling spots in the UAE. It is home to a variety of marine life which will dazzle around as you explore the sea. This island can be accessed easily from the shores of Sandy Beach.
You can also go Scuba-diving, Kayaking, Banana Boating, or rent a paddleboard in Snoopy Island depending upon your preference.
Wadi Al Hayl
Time from Dubai: Approx 1hr 30 drive
Wadi Hayl is a seasonal watercourse in the Hajar Mountains of Fujairah emirate. Wadi Hayl is well worth visiting because of its picturesque views of the mountains, archaeological sites and palm farms.
On the way to Wadi Al Hayl, you can also visit Al Hayl Castle, which was built in 1830 BC. The castle was once home to the ruling family in Fujairah. Currently, the Department of Antiquities and Heritage maintains the Al Hayl Castle in Fujairah.
You might also like: 12 best things to do in Fujairah
Umm Al Quwain
Mangrove Beach
Mangrove Beach in Umm Al Quwain opened in December 2020.
Nestled in Khor Al Yeefrah, Umm Al Quwain, the beach is around 55 minutes away from Dubai and is perfect for a weekend outing. In addition to enjoying the views of mangroves, you can chill on the beach at one of the cafes or swim, kayak and partake in other water-based fun activities.
The UAQ beach also offers a great sport for overnight camping. The location is easily accessible by any car after a 10-minute off-road drive on soft sandy terrain.
