Today's Edition
HALA AL KHAYYAT (ABU DHABI)
Abu Dhabi attracts visitors from across the UAE and tourists during the winter months to enjoy its natural diversity, stunning landscapes, and the family-friendly atmosphere catered by its beaches, parks, and entertainment cities.
The UAE’s capital city is renowned for its unique destinations welcoming visitors throughout the year, however, winter is one of the key seasons. The moderate weather encourages many visitors to explore prominent attractions, discover the natural, geographical, and heritage of the Emirate, savouring in an exciting tourism experience.
As the largest Emirate in the country, Abu Dhabi is located on the border of the Empty Quarter, home to the highest sand dunes in the world. Tel Moreeb is the ideal destination for desert and oasis enthusiasts, as well as wildlife lovers.
Wathba Lake Camp
Wathba Lake Camp offers five reasons to visit and enjoy the winter atmosphere. The location provides an opportunity for camping in nature, spending quality time with family, making use of sports facilities for a healthy lifestyle, and creating lasting memories with family and friends at picnic and barbecue sites. The camp offers visitors a distinctive and safe destination for camping and recreation, adding to the various entertainment and natural destinations hosted by the capital, Abu Dhabi.
The camp attracts many nature lovers and families, whether adventure enthusiasts enjoying new attractions or visitors to the Wathba Lake Cycle Track who can connect with their surroundings through the breathtaking view that combines the golden desert sands with water.
The new camping site at Wathba Lake is a 45-minute drive from the heart of Abu Dhabi, offering 13 unique camping locations by the lake or in the desert, accommodating more than 120 people. It provides the opportunity to pitch tents or use recreational vehicles in a captivating natural environment.
Beaches
Abu Dhabi’s beaches attract visitors, citizens, residents, and tourists alike during this time of the year, as it is a favourite destination for swimming enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility, modern amenities, entertainment, and leisure in a family-friendly environment. In addition, various water sports are practised on Abu Dhabi’s beaches during this period.
Abu Dhabi’s beaches gain prominence both locally and internationally, with seven beaches in Abu Dhabi city being awarded the international Blue Flag. Reflecting the local and global status that Abu Dhabi’s beaches now enjoy, they are characterised by their advanced services, high standards of safety and positive environmental impact.
Abu Dhabi’s beaches have garnered significant attention as they fall under the framework of the Abu Dhabi City Municipality’s strategy to develop public and tourist facilities due to their importance in attracting tourists and beachgoers. Accordingly, Abu Dhabi’s beaches meet the required international standards, especially in terms of environmental education, water quality, environmental management, safety, and services and facilities provision, as well as providing protective equipment for beachgoers.
Natural Reserves in Abu Dhabi: A Haven for Wildlife and Tourists
Abu Dhabi hosts numerous natural reserves, providing visitors with the opportunity to enjoy leisure time while contemplating the capital’s natural life. One of the noteworthy reserves open to visits is Sir Bani Yas Island Reserve, considered one of the most beautiful natural reserves in the UAE. The reserve boasts over 23 species of animals, including giraffes, deer, Arabian oryx, marine creatures like dolphins and sea turtles in the surrounding waters, along with a variety of wild birds such as flamingos, seagulls, the rare Socotra cormorant, cormorants, wild ducks, and more.
Marawah Island: A Unique Marine Natural Reserve
Marawah Island is a distinctive marine natural reserve in the UAE, featuring a range of marine and coastal environmental entities, including marine grass, coral reefs, and mangroves. It is home to over 60% of dugongs. The island serves as a prime location for exploring bottlenose dolphins, humpback dolphins, marine birds, and three species of sea turtles. Moreover, it hosts more than 70 species of fish and coral reefs.
Al Qurum National Park: A Biodiverse Tourist Attraction
Al Qurum National Park is one of the largest and most beautiful tourist destinations in Abu Dhabi, renowned for its popularity and significance among those interested in plant, animal, and environmental sciences. The park stands out for its significant biological diversity, hosting rare bird and tree species not found in any other park. It is home to enchanting mangrove trees and attracts many visitors to observe its 60 bird species. The park offers guided tours with local guides to explore the history of the ancient mangrove trees, enjoy their systematically arranged scenic views, observe wild plants and aquatic forests, and take a kayak tour in the lake under the careful supervision of trained individuals to ensure visitors’ safety.
Tourist Landmarks in Abu Dhabi: Beyond Nature Reserves
Abu Dhabi is home to various tourist landmarks that attract visitors due to their cultural, historical, and entertainment significance. They include the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Emirates Palace, and the Presidential Palace, as well as cultural attractions like the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum. Additionally, famous entertainment destinations such as Yas Water World, Ferrari World, Warner Bros World, and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi provide visitors with a multitude of experiences. Visitors to Abu Dhabi can also explore numerous national attractions, and historical and cultural sites, including Qasr Al Muwaiji, the Heritage Village, and the Oasis of Dignity.
