Due to the UAE’s hot weather and fast-paced environment, you won’t often expect to see many people exercising outdoors. Most workouts done here are typically confined inside gyms.
However, if you love exercising outdoors surrounded by nature, or if you simply want to try doing so, you will be happy to learn that several places in the UAE are actually perfect for different types of workouts. These include various stunning mountains in the UAE, beautiful parks and gardens, spectacular nature reserves, and picturesque wetlands.
Which of the UAE’s natural wonders are the best places for working out with Mother Nature as your backdrop? Here are the top six locations you should check out:
1.) Hatta Mountain Conservation Reserve
Let’s start with one of the best natural wonders in Dubai that allows for various sports and activities that will help you stay fit: the Hatta Mountain Conservation Reserve.
Located in the southeast part of the UAE, Hatta is the ideal place for nature lovers. It has stunning views of the mountains, a calm, clear turquoise lake, and a number of interesting flora and fauna.
Cycling is the best activity to engage in here. Hatta has several easy-to-follow mountain bike trails for both beginners and advanced cyclists. Aside from helping you get your cardio exercise in and build your muscle strength and flexibility, the paths will take you through scenic untamed hills, wadis, and farmland.
If you love hiking, there are also several hiking trails to choose from, all of which will lead you to vantage points that offer impressive views of the Hatta landscape.
Kayaking is another must-try activity here. The lake is perfect for this relaxing sport that also builds your cardio fitness and muscle strength.
2.) Al Qudra
Located inside the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, Al Qudra is a human-made desert oasis. It is known as one of the best picnic and barbecue spots in Dubai.
Al Qudra is popular among nature lovers thanks to several artificial lakes inside which serve as homes to numerous bird species. These include flamingos, black swans, and ducks. If you come at an opportune time, you may even spot a Houbara bustard or Steppe eagle.
The area is also home to various species of fauna, which include gazelles, rabbits, foxes, and the ever-elusive Oryx.
Al Qudra is an excellent area for long runs and walks. There is a running route you can follow that will take you past the best spots and get up close and personal with nature as you shed off those unwanted pounds and strengthen your bones, muscles, and joint mobility.
In fact, Al Qudra Lakes was the first location selected for the Wild Workouts series as part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge. For this event, participants using the app can go on a guided 5.6km run around the lakes amidst the stunning Dubai sunset.
3.) Zabeel Park
Being one of Dubai’s biggest parks, Zabeel Park is a popular go-to outdoor entertainment hub in the city.
Zabeel Park has a children’s amusement complex and edutainment centre. It also has play areas and an adventure playground for kids, picnic and barbecue areas, and an amphitheatre.
Additionally, it has a lake where you can go on a boat ride. Its wide-open spaces are surrounded by beautiful flora, thereby making it an excellent place for participating in various types of games and sports. Zabeel Park also has an ice rink where you can enjoy ice skating and experience its health benefits.
Walking while exploring the area will enable you to get enough cardio exercise. The scenery will help improve your mood and focus as well.
If you’re looking for a more structured type of workout, Zabeel Park also has a jogging track that’s perfect for long runs and walks.
4.) Umm Al Emarat Park
If you’re in Abu Dhabi, make a beeline for Umm Al Emarat Park, one of the most family- and child-friendly parks in this emirate. It is the perfect destination for health and fitness buffs as well.
Through the Connect With Nature app, you can make the most of the area’s attractions including the Shade House, Botanic Garden, Great Lawn, Children’s Garden, and Animal Barn. As such, you will always have something fascinating to look at as you take your heart health-boosting and relaxing walks around the park.
If you want an outdoor workout that is brain-stimulating and enjoyable at the same time, take part in our Umm Al Emarat Park challenges. These challenges are made up of encounters or tasks you have to complete that will enable you to appreciate nature while giving you great exercise as you go around the grounds.
You have the option of completing these challenges in one go or spreading them out across different days or weeks.
5.) Al Wathba Wetland Reserve
This nature reserve, which can be found in Abu Dhabi, covers a total area of five square kilometers. It has fascinating wetlands, salt flats or sabkhas, and fossilized sands and dunes.
Al Wathba Wetland Reserve is known for its large number of majestic flamingos which can be seen here between September and April.
The reserve has various walking trails, ideal for long walks or hikes. If you want to observe the different ecosystems here and get a closer look at the birds and other flora and fauna species, it’s best to take the longer marked paths.
Don’t forget to bring your binoculars and camera so that you can spot and take photos of the fascinating wild and plant life here.
6.) Islamic Botanical Garden
Finally, if you live in Sharjah, you can get your regular exercise and healthy dose of nature by visiting the Islamic Botanical Garden frequently.
Located inside Sharjah’s Desert Park, the Islamic Botanical Garden is a stunning wide green space that boasts of nearly 100 different types of plants, including fruit- and flower-bearing ones. It has well-designed paved walkways, ornamental pools, and human-made waterways inspired by traditional irrigation channels or aflaj.
Taking frequent walks around the garden will allow you to boost your cardiovascular health and mobility. You will have better mood and cognitive function as well.
To make your walks more enjoyable, take up the Connect with Nature challenge by finding the 52 plants mentioned in the Qur’an and Sunnah in the garden.
With the various activities you can do in the UAE’s most beautiful natural wonders, staying fit and healthy here will be fun and fulfilling. You will learn to appreciate nature more as well.
Learn more about the different nature-based activities you have to try in the UAE on our Activities page.
References:
https://www.visitdubai.com/en/articles/outdoor-things-to-do-in-hatta
https://www.bayut.com/mybayut/activities-to-do-al-qudra-lake-dubai/
https://www.guide2dubai.com/directory/attractions/4660-zabeel-park
https://www.timeoutabudhabi.com/community/features/71233-umm-al-emarat-park-in-abu-dhabi
https://arabiannotes.com/wildlife-in-abu-dhabi-al-wathba-wetland-reserve/
https://www.visitsharjah.com/en/activities/nature/islamic-botanical-garden/