What do most people associate with Abu Dhabi? It will probably be the glittering skyline and superlative buildings or an unparalleled desert landscape. The focus here is on luxury and opulence. But very few people know that the emirate also offers land and water that is bursting with biological diversity. In addition to the bustling modern metropolis of Abu Dhabi, there are lush mangroves, flamingos, cheetahs, antelopes, turtles, hawks, fossils and huge green oases.
The color green is part of the Abu Dhabi cityscape. There are large parks, 3,500 plant species are native here – an astonishing number for such a dry area. In the oases, tomatoes, potatoes and oranges are grown on tens of thousands of hectares of arable land. But nature itself made the start, as Abu Dhabi stretches along a 400-kilometer coastline and several natural islands. While there are beautiful beaches on the seaward side of the islands, lush mangrove forests grow on all other sides. But the rest of the emirate also has some green wonders to offer. Here are some of the most extraordinary and surprising natural experiences in Abu Dhabi:
In a kayak through the Mangrove National Park
In addition to providing a safe, sheltered home for birds and marine animals, mangroves are also very effective at filtering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. They contribute to biodiversity and the fight against global warming and are rightly regarded as one of the most fascinating plant species. They grow in the seawater of tropical and subtropical coastal areas and act as natural wind protection, protect against tides and clean the surrounding water. In Abu Dhabi, these valuable plants are mainly found in the Mangrove National Park. A green oasis in the heart of the city, whose dense mangrove forests are protected by government regulation. A kayak trip offers the opportunity to glide through this fascinating green, glowing landscape. The city's towering skyscrapers provide a unique backdrop, when the only sound heard is the shallow lapping of the water. During the tour, it's worth looking out for flocks of flamingos passing by, or any of the other 60 species of birds, as well as fish and crabs that live on and in the peaceful waters. Book kayak tours through Mangrove National Park, or take a varied walk on wooden walkways through the mangroves.
Exploring the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve
Located just outside Abu Dhabi City, the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve was the first area in the region to be placed on the IUCN Green List of Protected Areas in 2018. The reserve is best known for its large population of flamingos, but it is not just an ornithologist's paradise. During a walk through the five square kilometer wetland, interested parties have the opportunity to observe more than 250 species of birds, 37 species of plants and a large number of dragonflies. But a visit to the year-round flamingos that live in the reserve is one of the highlights of the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve. During the winter months, the population grows to up to 4,000 flamingos – an amazing natural spectacle!
Encounters with over 17,000 wildlife on Sir Bani Yas Island
The island, 150 miles west of Abu Dhabi City, was abandoned by the Bani Yas tribe due to a lack of natural resources and brought back to life by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founder of the UAE. He provided decades of renaturation and afforestation, turning Sir Bani Yas Island into a home for thousands of animals and several million trees and plants. The island is now home to the Arabian Wildlife Park, which is home to over 17,000 wildlife. The island is a wonderful place to enjoy nature through various activities such as guided tours, mountain biking, safaris, kayaking through the mangroves or on snorkeling and diving trips. Arabian oryx, Somali ostrich, gazelle and deer, giraffes, dolphins and more than 200 species of birds are among the inhabitants on and on the coast of the island.
Explore the oasis of Al Ain
Al Ain is the second largest city and cultural center of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. In Arabic, the name Al Ain means “The Spring” and comes from the natural springs that spring from the surrounding mountains and feed the many thriving oases in the center of which the city is located. With its majestic palm plantations still under cultivation, the oasis city is one of the longest continuously inhabited settlements in the world. Places classified as cultural sites by UNESCO since 2011 also include the six oases of Al Ain. The largest of the six oases is Al Ain Oasis. It extends over 3,000 hectares and offers a unique insight into the life of the inhabitants of this region, who started taming the desert 4,000 years ago. It is a pleasure to walk the cool, shady paths that wind through some 147,000 date palms, to learn more about the management of palm plantations and to get to know the ancient irrigation system Falaj.
View endangered loggerhead turtles at Saadiyat Beach
More than eighty percent of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Turtle population has disappeared in the past three generations, falling victim to pollution and over-exploitation. In Abu Dhabi, the Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve (MBR) provides a protected habitat for this endangered turtle species. Popular with vacationers, the expansive coast of Saadiyat Island, with its white sand and turquoise water, offers marine animals the opportunity to lay their eggs undisturbed. The hawksbill turtles build their nests every year on the island's nine-kilometer-long beach. During the breeding season from May to August, guests of the adjacent hotels can access the beach via an elevated boardwalk, so they don't walk through the sensitive dune system and destroy the turtle nests. At night, all sun loungers are also removed from the beach and the night lighting is dimmed to help the young animals find their way.
Image © DCT Abu Dhabi
