Roam around the UAE's different natural sites and hotspots. Discover hidden gems in the UAE and find your next hangout spot! We have provided you with a list of must-visit sites in UAE. Not only are they fun but you also get to connect with nature on your way. While discovering our sites you will get to see UAE's highest peak, experience the tranquility of the Eastern Mangroves, learn about the wildlife in the reserves, and explore the vast number of wadis and beaches.
Check-in in at least 3 different sites around the UAE to earn your Explore badge. Earning Explore badges makes you eligible to apply for Connect with Nature’s leadership programme. Read below for the sites we have in mind and their locations.
Al Saadiyat Island
Visit the UAE’s most amazing beach, with pristine white sands stretching along its shore. Saadiyat Beach is a protected area, preserving the natural environment and the wildlife that calls it home including the Hawksbill Turtles. Eco-friendly water sports activities such as paddle-boarding, and kayaking are available along the nine-kilometer stretch of beach.
Eastern Mangroves
The Eastern mangroves offer outstanding views of the National Park and its inhabitants. The marina which has a variety of cafes and restaurants with outdoor terraces looking over the water, plus several water-sports operators that provide water sport activities such as kayaking and equipment rentals.
Wadi Shawka
One of the most popular trails in Ras Al Khaimah, due to its accessibility, stunning scenery and somewhat challenging route. Once you get into Wadi Shawka you’ll be surrounded by hills and small mountains form all sides - a sight you don’t get to see every day in the UAE. Whether you choose to hike, cycle, or just walk, you have 10KM of exciting ground to cover. Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat and water in a reusable bottle!
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Reserve
The wildlife reserve is a wetland of global importance under the Ramsar Convention and documented as an Important Bird Area by Bird Life International. Ras al Khor is a breeding ground and home for mammals and fish, but it is the flamingos that are the stars in the winter. Look closer among our feathered friends and see if you can spot reef herons, grey herons, sandpipers, osprey and more. There are three (free to the public) bird hides positioned on the border of the reserve.
Al Zorah Nature Reserve
The new development includes 12KM of waterfront and 1.6KM of sandy beaches, the nature reserve is made for waterborne activities. The best way to explore the mangroves is by kayaking, and the calm waters and network of channels make it suitable for beginners. Al Zorah Nature Reserve is a pulsating ecosystem made up of lagoons, mangroves, beaches, and home to nearly 50 species of bird.
Jebel Jais
Jebel Jais is part of the remarkable Hajar mountain range that were shaped over 70 million years ago in Ras Al Khaimah. Soaring at 1,934 m above sea level, the mountain provides breath-taking landscapes and exhilarating adventures. Ras Al Khaimah has multiple ecosystems across its coastal strips, sandy deserts, salt flats, and mountains, making it the perfect place for nature enthusiasts. The mountain is home to a number of mountain goats, camels, foxes, jerboas or wildcats, and the perfect place for thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies.
Wasit Nature Reserve
Wasit Nature Reserve is the perfect place to embrace nature and spend quality time with more than 200 bird species. The reserve is located on the borders of Sharjah, the 0.9KM reserve is enriched with shoreline sand dunes and salt lagoons.
Khor Al Beida
Khor al Beida is a tidal wetland in Umm al Quwain that hosts several species of crabs, mollusks and shorebirds and surprisingly the home of an abandoned aircraft in the desert. The mysterious of the abandoned Russian aircraft is not yet discovered, any theories in mind?
Sustainable City
The first net zero energy development in Dubai, UAE. Sustainable city had 11 natural ‘biodome’ greenhouses, an organic farm and individual garden farms for local food production. The City works on 10 MW peak solar production, and also include an equestrian centre and shaded biking and jogging trails. We challenge you! How many sites can you get?
Al Ain Oasis
Al Ain oasis is one of the heritage gems of the UAE, it has more than 147,000 date palms and houses up to 100 different varieties of vegetation. The oasis is also based on “ Al Falaj” watering system which demonstrate how our ancestors used to share the water supply efficiently across plants. The oasis is located in the middle of Al Ain City and is free for the public to access.
Zakher Lake
Zakher lake is a man-made lake which was created from treated waste water and eventually was released onto land. The location provides a very unique combination of a lake, desert and mountains view in the same area. It is a great location for over camp, watching birds and connecting with nature.
Al Rabi Hiking Trail
Hidden in the city of khorfakkan, full of greenery and heaps of wildlife. Al Rabi hiking trail is one of the must visit hiking trails in the country. This earthy hike is located at the highest peak of the eastern mountains with a stunning elevation of 1290 ft and a distance of 2.3 Km. The trail is also home to Al Rabi Tower which dates back to 1915 and is the primary tower of a series of watch towers along the mountain. The earthy hiking trail is also home to Al Rabi Tower which is the primary and foremost tower of a series of watch towers along the mountain. The tower was built in 1915 A.D. and now welcomes public access with breathtaking panoramic views overlooking the city of Khorfakkan as its landmarks blend seamlessly with the sea horizon.
Jubail Mangrove Park
Latest Attraction spot in Abu Dhabi, The mangrove park offers UAE citizen a spot where they can immerse themselves in mangrove habitat while also providing rich ecological and environmental information on the habitat. The boardwalk as three different routes, the longest one is 2 km, the mid ranges is 1.6 km and the shortest is 1 km. Its free of charge and open daily from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM.