With COP28 on the horizon and the UAE taking massive strides towards strengthening its position as a global eco-tourism hub, here are some eco destinations to visit for your next getaway
ABU DHABI
Mangrove National Park
In the capital, for instance, you can’t miss out on the biodiversity hotspot that includes mangrove forests, salt marshes, mudflats and algal communities, and more. While a stroll in this park provides breath-taking sights, there are also plenty of activities for the entire family from stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking to hopping on a private boat tour.
For more information, visit ead.gov.ae
Jubail Mangrove Park
A mangrove sanctuary at its core, the park is also the first self-contained educational, nature and leisure destination of its kind in the emirate. Explore a haven for avian and marine species native to Abu Dhabi, and kayaking is definitely the best way to do that!
For more information, visit jubailisland.ae
Al Wathba Wetland Reserve
The UAE’s work towards the preservation of wetlands has long enabled the breeding and reintroduction of certain endangered species. Gather the family to take in sights of the majestic greater flamingo, now flourishing in Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, while the Arabian oryx, once extinct in the wild, has been successfully reintroduced in the Um Al Zumoul Protected Area!
For more information, visit ead.gov.ae
Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve
Or you could head towards Marawah, also a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you’re lucky, you can spot endangered species like the green turtle and the dugong. A major tourism draw lies just within, i.e., Al Batinah Island’s sea cows, Socotra cormorants and mangroves, to name a few.
For more information, visit en.unesco.org/ biosphere/arab-states/marawah
SHARJAH
Wasit Nature Reserve
Located in the heart of Sharjah, the award-winning reserve is an architectural wonder, transformed from a wasteland to a diverse ecosystem for indigenous flora and fauna.
For more information, visit epaashj.ae
Wadi Al Helou
Also known as the Sweet Valley, it is one of the most pristine natural reserves in the country, and home to an important archaeological site and a restored Islamic watchtower. Nestled between the Hajar mountains, the hiking trails here are simply surreal.
For more information, visit epaashj.ae
Mleiha
Now here is a story still being told. The ongoing excavation programme means there is something new every day, and the range of attractions offered seamlessly blend history, leisure and nature into one thrilling experience.
For more information, visit discovermleiha.ae
DUBAI
Peeling away the glamorous layers of Dubai reveals an array of sustainably driven spots. Flamingo spotting at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary and Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve has become popular in recent years. These expansive reserves serve as a breeding ground each year for crustaceans, mammals and fish, but the pink-feathered stars continue to steal the show.
For more information, visit dm.gov.ae/discover-dubai/ras-al-khor
Of course, successful eco-tourism relies on proper infrastructure and leisure amenities. Scenic landscapes need both easy access and availability of accommodation nearby, as well as nature-based recreational activities to enjoy it all.
Luckily, the UAE has no dearth of these, right from eco-tours, guided hiking trails, wildlife observation trips, bird watching, stargazing, wetland exploration and more! In addition to the fun factor, these activities also provide renewed respect for nature and a better perspective on travel that doesn’t hurt the planet.
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