ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)


The UAE has consolidated its position on the world ecotourism map, thanks to its varied topography that combines sand dunes, oases, rocky mountains, valleys, marshes and mangroves and salt plain. 

Recognising the benefits of ecotourism, the country has established a legislative system that ensures environmental sustainability and conservation of biodiversity, in parallel with the transition to a green economy, and minimisation of desertification and pollution. 

Over the past two decades, ecotourism has witnessed an exponential growth in the UAE, targeting travelers looking for tours with a minimal negative impact on the environment.

Ecotourism attractions are worth highlighting in line with the 4th season of the ‘World’s Coolest Winter’ campaign, which aims to promote the UAE’s natural resources, architectural treasures, and cultural landmarks. 

Natural Treasures

As part of efforts to promote ecotourism across the seven emirates, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment launched a three-phase national project titled ‘The UAE’s Natural Wonders’ in 2018. The project aims to preserve the environment, safeguard the country’s biodiversity and sustainability of natural resources, and position the UAE as a leading ecotourism hub.

In the project’s first phase, the ministry has compiled an extensive collection of information materials, photographs and videos to raise awareness about the country’s nature reserves. 

Marking the completion of the first phase, the ministry had launched an ecotourism microsite, an app titled Eco Tourism UAE, and an eBook with information and live footage available for tourists, travel agencies, embassies across the globe and national airlines to promote the UAE’s ecotourism attractions and encourage travel agencies to include these sites in their promotional packages for the UAE. 

In 2019, the second phase involved the addition of 85 locations with historical, cultural, and environmental importance to the microsite, app and e-book. Also included were archeological sites, eco-friendly sports sites as well as resorts, hotels and beaches that are recognized by international organizations for upholding high environmental standards. 

The third phase saw the ministry cooperate with environment bodies and travel agencies to promote ecotourism sites in the UAE and highlight the rich biodiversity across the country’s protected areas. 

Nature Reserves

The UAE has 49 natural reserves, which account for approximately 15.53 percent of the country’s total area, serving as major eco-friendly tourism destinations.   

Through the creation of natural reserves, the UAE seeks to improve the environment, protect the marine and wildlife in the country, as well as promote eco-tourism. The country has allocated efforts towards the protection of the environment, the conservation of natural resources, the safeguarding of biodiversity habitats, and prevention of the extinction of threatened species.

The nature reserves have played a pivotal role in boosting the UAE’s position on the map of global environmental action and in providing a safe environment for wildlife, which has helped in the preservation, breeding, and successful resettlement of species in suitable environments.

Abu Dhabi Reserves

In Abu Dhabi, the Marawah Biosphere Reserve, the region’s largest and first UNESCO-designated marine biosphere reserve, hosts a wide range of marine and coastal ecosystems, including seagrass beds, coral reefs, and mangroves. 

The first of its kind in the country, the biosphere reserve is home to more than 60 percent of the UAE’s population of dugongs. The waters are also a good place to spot bottlenose and humpback dolphins and seabirds. Four species of marine turtles, 70 species of fish, coral reefs and endless stretches of mangrove make up the unique environment of this must visit destination.

Located at the far end of Abu Dhabi, Al Yasat Marine Protected Area serves as a safe haven for coral reefs, seagrass, and unique marine creatures, including sea turtles, and dolphins, as well as an ideal environment for dugongs - which are endangered - to live, breed and forage. The reserve has a historical and cultural importance, playing a vital role within the efforts to safeguard biodiversity and natural heritage. 

Abu Dhabi is also home to numerous terrestrial protected areas including Al Bida’a Protected Area, Al Dilfaweya Protected Area, Al Ramlah Protected Area, Qasr Al Sarab Protected Area, Arabian Oryx Protected Area, Al Ghada Protected Area, Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, Jebel Hafit National Park, Yaw Al Dibsa Protected Area, Al Houbara Protected Area, Badaa Hazza Protected Area, and Barqa Al Suqoor Protected Area.

Camping Spots

Dubai’s natural reserves cover a total area of​​ 1,297 square kilometers, accounting for 31 per cent of the city’s total area. Three of the reserves – Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, Jebel Ali Wildlife Sanctuary, and Hatta Mountain Reserve – are listed as wetlands of international significance under the Ramsar Convention.

The reserves are home to an array of wildlife, including 342 species of birds, 46 species of mammals, 51 species of reptiles, 315 species of plants, 188 species of fish, and 582 species of invertebrates.

Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is one of the largest areas to be declared as a protected area, offering rich biodiversity and serving as a favorite destination for camping and safari trips.

The reserve is home to varieties of endangered species of desert animals and plants including the Arabian Oryx, Mountain Gazelle, Sand Gazelle, Lappet-faced Vulture, Asian Houbara, Gordon’s wildcat, as well as a glut of other unusual fauna like the Ethiopian hedgehog, side-winding vipers, Rueppell's Fox, Arabian hare, the pygmy shrew, and sand cats.

Visitors can also explore the beautiful landscape and experience the region’s culture, nature and history through the luxurious Al Maha Desert Resort.

Unforgettable Stories 

Nestling in the Hajar mountains, between Kalba and Sharjah, Wadi Al Helo is touted as the Grand Canyon of the UAE, due to its rugged natural beauty. 

The falcon’s eye view from the top of the stark hill where Wadi Al Helo forks; this is also home to many species of birds, reptiles, rodents, and freshwater fishes, in addition to the enchanting rocky wonders that makes Wadi Al Helo ideal for camping and hiking. 

Wasit Nature Reserve in Sharjah plays a vital role in boosting ecotourism as a home to a diverse ecosystem along coastal sand dunes, salt flats, ponds, and a large lake. The reserve also hosts various small mammals, birds, reptiles and insects, making it an important tourist place for animal lovers visiting Sharjah.

Characterised by its rocky mountain ecosystem, huge sand dunes and a rich presence of marine fossils, Mleiha Protected area is the cornerstone of biodiversity conservation in the region. Rare and important fossils are up for discovery in the protected area, where native wildlife species such as reptiles and wild bird species live. Additionally, the protected area is also an important archeological site in Sharjah, as treasures and findings from past civilizations have been discovered. 

Water Activities

Ajman authorities are committed to boosting eco-friendly tourism that enables visitors enjoy nature while protecting wildlife and achieving sustainable development goals.

A major eco-tourism attraction in Ajman is Al Zorah Nature Reserve, which also presents an ideal edutainment opportunity.

Spanning an area of over one million square metres, the mangroves of Al Zorah Nature Reserve is home to over 102 species of native and migratory birds including pink flamingoes, spotted throughout the year, as well as terrestrial and marine species. 

The nature reserve is part of Al Zorah Project, which houses a golf club that includes an 18-hole championship layout extending along a 12km waterfront and 1.6km stretch of sandy beach. The nature reserve provides an ideal environment for year-round water activities. 

Taking shape on the plains of Al Manama area in Ajman, Al Naseem Nature Reserve blends the region’s landscape with rare wildlife. The 1.1 million-square-meter plot houses Acacia tortilis trees, plants, and lush parks, as well as a variety of reptiles, animals and birds.

Umm Al Quwain stands out for its picturesque nature, captured in long beaches, various islands and charming natural reserves located on the eastern coast of the emirate. It is home to a diversity of plants and animals, adorned with mangrove trees in every corner. 

Al Siniyah Island in Umm Al Quwain serves as a nature reserve and a popular destination for nature lovers. 

Located within the Hajar Mountain range in Fujairah, Wadi Wurayah National Park in Fujairah features an extraordinary range of topographical variation, splendid surroundings of seaside and mountain views. Its beautiful waterfalls and unusual wildlife make it a popular day out for conservationists and tourists.

Khor Mazahmi Nature Reserve in Ras Al Khaimah is known for its captivating nature, which forms a habitat for various types of flourishing wildlife. It is home to a variety of wildlife including flamingos, seagulls, and fish eagles. It also offers a great habitat for the endangered green turtle to nest and breed.