Al Wathba Wetland Reserve
Ever seen a flamingo in Abu Dhabi? Even if you are one of the lucky ones who has, why not head to the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve and meet their extended family? Set up in 1998 by the late Sheikh Zayed as a protected zone for our wildlife and plants, the Reserve is home to more than 4,000 of these dazzling pink inhabitants during their migration between September and April.
The reserve covers five square kilometres and features a small visitor centre, walking trails, boards with interesting facts about the wild residents, and hides for birdwatching. Explore the longer trails to get a closer look at the birds, experience the different ecosystems within the reserve and connect with the 37 plant species and 250 bird species that can be found here; you can learn more about these from the Knowledge Hub.
All told, this is a pretty special place, having been designated a “Wetland of International Importance” by the Ramsar Convention, which was set up to protect wetland communities around the world.
Opening hours: October–April, Thursdays & Saturdays, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (last entry is at 2:00 PM).
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ZjoWVsS3y642
Entrance fee: Free. Wheelchair access: Yes.
What to bring: Water, sunglasses, binoculars, walking shoes, snacks, camera and notebook, sun hat and sunscreen.
Safety precautions: stay on the trails, do not disturb the wildlife.
Activities: hiking, bird watching, photography.
