ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Parks, nature reserves and other patches of green come to life as winter arrives in the UAE.
The country stands out as a distinctive hub of natural diversity, blending a range of geographical environments in perfect harmony.
From vast deserts and enchanting coastal plains to towering mountains and lush oases, the UAE offers an extraordinary mix of landscapes.
Adding to its allure, the country boasts a remarkable collection of marine and terrestrial nature parks and reserves.
The fifth season of the ‘World’s Coolest Winter’ campaign, launched under the theme of ‘Green Tourism,’ emphasises exploring the UAE’s natural wonders, including islands, reserves, oases, mountains, and biodiversity hotspots that transform into lush green havens during winter.
Organised in collaboration between the Ministry of Economy, the National Agricultural Center and local tourism authorities, the campaign aims to promote sustainable tourism as part of the UAE’s domestic tourism strategy.
This strategy, initiated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, seeks to develop an integrated tourism ecosystem across the nation.
The campaign offers visitors and tourists a wealth of entertainment and educational opportunities, spotlighting the UAE's natural diversity and scenic beauty through unique experiences in nature parks and eco-attractions.
With cooler temperatures in full swing, there’s no better time to explore one of the many new areas or revisit an old favourite.
Here is a list of the best green spaces and parks around the country.
Jabal Hafit National Park
In Abu Dhabi, Jabal Hafit National Park, located in the Al Ain region, offers a serene retreat for tourists and visitors, set in a stunning natural environment.
Covering an area of 81 square kilometers, the park is one of the designated reserves within the Zayed Protected Areas Network.
Established by Amiri decree in 2017, the park is recognized as a national reserve according to the standards of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The park is renowned for its peaceful setting, where water flows from deep underground springs, creating a tranquil atmosphere.
It is home to a diverse array of plants, animals, and birds nesting in the rocky crevices, along with rich biodiversity.
Furthermore, the park is famous for its archaeological and historical sites, some of which date back thousands of years.
Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve
In Dubai, Al Marmoom Reserve stands as the emirate’s largest natural reserve, covering about 23% of the city’s total area.
Located in the vast desert expanse of the Saih Al Salam region, the reserve provides a delicate ecosystem for a variety of wildlife, including the Arabian oryx, sand gazelle, and the Arabian gazelle.
It is also home to an exceptional diversity of birds, reptiles, and invertebrates.
Al Marmoom is the first un-fenced desert reserve in the UAE open to the public, and its area has been expanded threefold.
The reserve hosts the largest plant nursery in the UAE, spanning 40 hectares and home to over one million native plant seedlings, aiming to preserve biodiversity in Dubai.
In addition to its ecological importance, Al Marmoom features more than 20 environmental, recreational, cultural, and sporting projects.
Among these are 10 wildlife and birdwatching platforms, stargazing and sunset viewing spots, yoga spaces, an outdoor theatre with a capacity for 350 people, and the world’s largest single-site solar energy complex, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.
The reserve also hosts over 20 sporting events annually, attracting more than 20,000 participants.
Hatta Mountain Conservation Reserve
Located in Dubai, Hatta Mountain Conservation Reserve is renowned for its towering peaks, which rise between 250 and 1,060 meters within the Hajar Mountain range.
The reserve offers an ideal environment to support plant and animal life, as well as various human needs throughout the year, thanks to its position in the highest mountain ranges of the Eastern Arabian Peninsula.
The reserve boasts a rich biodiversity, with over 133 plant species, 215 species of large mammals, birds, and reptiles, alongside freshwater reservoirs including Hatta Dam and its surrounding valleys.
Additionally, Hatta is known for its exceptional hiking trails, making it one of the best trekking destinations in the UAE.
Visitors can also enjoy a variety of other activities such as kayaking, mountain climbing, and mountain biking.
Wadi Al Helo Protected Area
Nestling in the Hajar mountains, Wadi Al Helo is touted as the Grand Canyon of the UAE, due to its rugged natural beauty.
Wadi Al Helo Protected Area provides visitors with scenic camping spots and hiking trails, allowing them to experience its spectacular landscapes.
Home to a wide variety of wildlife, the area shelters numerous bird species, reptiles, rodents, and freshwater fish, along with captivating rocky vistas.
Its ecological significance is highlighted by the diverse range of plants and animals found within, with approximately 200 plant species recorded in the area.
Of these, 140 species thrive in their natural environment, while around 100 species are cultivated in active farms.
Al Zorah Natural Reserve
In Ajman, Al Zorah Natural Reserve is celebrated as one of the most beautiful natural and tourist destinations in the UAE, known for its wide array of recreational and development projects.
Designated as a protected area in July 2017, the reserve spans over one million square meters and is covered by expansive mangrove forests, making it a natural haven for a vast number of birds, including year-round sightings of pink flamingos and herons.
The reserve provides an ideal environment for both resident and migratory birds to breed.
In addition to its rich wildlife, Al Zorah offers various family-friendly attractions, such as the "Fantastico" play area, a water park, a dinosaur exhibit, the UAE Pygmy Zoo, sports fields, and water sports activities like jet skiing, rubber boat tours, fishing trips, wakeboarding, climbing, archery, and cycling.
Wadi Wurayah National Park
In Fujairah, Wadi Wurayah National Park is recognised as the UAE’s first mountain reserve and national park, making it one of the country’s most treasured natural gems.
In 2022, it was included in the UAE’s preliminary list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The reserve features a sustainable and integrated freshwater system and is home to the country’s only natural, permanent waterfall.
Spanning 220 square kilometers, Wadi Wurayah serves as a vital sanctuary for numerous endangered plant and animal species, adding to its environmental significance and appeal.
Khor Al-Muzahmi Reserve
In Ras Al Khaimah, Khor Al Muzahmi Reserve, covering an area of 3 square kilometers, stands out as one of the emirate's and the UAE's premier biodiversity destinations.
The reserve is a vital habitat for numerous environmentally significant species, including the flamingo and the fish eagle, and serves as a nesting and feeding ground for the endangered green sea turtle, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List.
Jebel Jais Park
Jebel Jais, one of the highest peaks in the UAE, shines as a top adventure spot in Ras Al Khaimah, ideal for activities like mountain climbing, hiking, and camping.
Visitors can take in stunning views of the surrounding landscape while exploring the mountain’s many attractions.
Notable highlights include the ‘Jais Adventure Peak,’ which offers access to various thrilling experiences such as the Jebel Jais Viewing Deck and the Jebel Jais Flight, the world’s longest zipline, which set a Guinness World Record in 2018.
The park also features the Jais Sledder and Jais Zipline Tour; a 15-meter hanging bridge, and the Jais Sky Maze, where adventurers can navigate suspended paths and tackle obstacles like swinging rings, ropes, and wobbling bridges.
Siniyah Island
In Umm Al Quwain, Siniyah Island is home to a wealth of archaeological sites, including the Siniyah Monastery, the old city of Umm Al Quwain, a pearl fishing town, Islamic cemeteries, shell mounds, and towers, which have been uncovered over the years.
Located to the east of the city, Siniyah Island is the largest island in the emirate, stretching nearly eight kilometers in length.