Glistening skyscrapers, luxury shopping and the Formula 1 Grand Prix might first come to mind Abu Dhabi. But the emirate’s ecological sites draw travelers, citizens and expats alike. In honor of World Environment Day – June 5th – take a look at these natural and green sites of Abu Dhabi and start planning your trip. Abu Dhabi will be open to quarantine-free travel from the US from July 1st.

View of Abu Dhabi City

Ministry of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi

Eco sites near the capital

Whether you live in Abu Dhabi or are just visiting, you don’t have to travel far to see the emirate’s less developed side. Several attractions are close to the capital, both on the mainland and on islands.

An aerial view of green mangrove trees in the bright green water; A wooden walkway runs through the middle of the frame and winds through the mangroves at a right angle.

Al Jubail Mangrove Park, Abu Dhabi.

Ministry of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi

For example, there is a mangrove sanctuary on Al Jubail Island. Stroll through the green on wooden walkways Jubail Mangrove Parkwhich opened in January 2020. You’ll see lots of birds, including herons, and maybe turtles and other marine life. The best time to visit is when the tide is high.

Just 40 minutes outside the capital is Al Wathba, which has both wetlands and desert dunes. Al Wathba Fossil Dunes can be seen in films – including Star Wars: The Force Awakens. They are rare and unusual sand formations that were created thanks to wind and calcium carbonate. The dunes are also an important habitat for wildlife. See nocturnal desert mammals and lizards avoiding the heat of the day on a nighttime safari in Al Wathba. Thanks to infrared light, you can even (safely) spot a scorpion.

Natural, windswept sand sculptures against a blue sky

Fossil dunes at Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi

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Between the dunes and the city is Al Wathba Wetland Reserve. About 250 different species of birds as well as some reptiles and mammals live here. In spring and fall, 4,000 pale flamingos with bright pink and black wings enjoy the wetlands – the only regular breeding ground for greater flamingos in the Middle East. Choose between two hiking trails: the red trail will see flamingos and the green trail will give you a good chance of spotting lizards. The reserve was added to the IUCN’s Green List of Protected Areas and Conservation Areas in 2018, the first site in the region to be awarded this designation.

The longhorn gazelle stands in front of some pale green trees and a mountain.

A rare Arabian oryx.

Ministry of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi

Eco sites in Al Dhafra, the western region of Abu Dhabi

The western region of Abu Dhabi, Al Dhafra, makes up about two thirds of the entire emirate. It includes beaches, islands, desert and sand dunes, and there are several ancient archaeological sites to explore in the area.

Why not go on an Arab safari? Sir Bani Yas Island? It has a huge nature reserve that is home to more than 17,000 wild animals, some of which are native and some of which are imported. You will see desert animals such as the endangered Arabian oryx, various gazelles, and carnivores such as hyenas and cheetahs. The island also features the ruins of a Christian monastery that was built around 700 AD and rediscovered in 1992.

There are three for luxury stays on Sir Bani Yas Island Anantara Resorts to choose from: right on the beach at Anantara Al Yamm Villa Resort with mangrove kayaking, snorkeling, and horseback riding; in tent luxury with gazelles passing through at. strip Anantara Al Sahel Villa Resort; and in hotel suites with views of the gulf and in pool villas Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara.

Extensive sand dunes with fog and clouds.

Heavy fog covers desert landscape, early winter morning, Abu Dhabi.

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Al Dhafra is also home to Rub ‘al Khali – the empty quarter– the largest uninterrupted strip of sand in the world. The huge sand dunes here change with the winds. You can walk in the desert at dawn (maybe even find a geode crystal), look at the stars without light pollution, and learn more about Bedouin culture and traditions.

Eco-sites in Al Ain, the eastern region of Abu Dhabi

A tiled and walled walkway surrounded by date palms

Palm trees in the Al Ain oasis, Abu Dhabi emirate, United Arab Emirates

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A popular attraction in the eastern region of Abu Dhabi is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Al Ain Oasis. It is about 90 minutes from the capital and close to the border with Oman. The six oases are surrounded by desert and are among the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world.

Al Ain is known as the garden city. It exists because of the falaj – the ancient irrigation system that still works today – that nourishes the city’s 147,000 date palms and other lush shade trees. You can also visit historical sites like Al Jahili Fort and Hili Archaeological Park, a UNESCO site of ancient tombs.

A black-paved road winds up a rocky, golden mountain with a white building near the summit.

Jebel Hafit, Abu Dhabi.

Ministry of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi

Near Al Ain is Jebel Hafit, Abu Dhabi’s highest mountain and the second highest in the United Arab Emirates. It is the site of the fossil record, which is 5,000 years old Jebel Hafit graves, as well as breathtaking views of the sunrise and sunset. On the way back from Jebel Hafit to Al Ain, stop at Green Mubazzarah Hot Springs – it’s a great place to dip your feet in after a winter hike.

Underwater Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi has several marine protected areas and many places for diving, freediving and snorkeling. If you don’t want to get wet, you can admire the marine life from above while paddling through the mangrove forests.

A woman with long hair in black and white swimsuits sits on the white sand beach with her back to the camera. In the background you can see the blue-green sea and a blue sky with fluffy white clouds.

White sand beach in Abu Dhabi

Ministry of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi

You can see dolphins, endangered hawksbill turtles and green turtles, Arabian angelfish and butterfly fish swimming near colorful coral. The Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve has the world’s second largest community of dugongs, who are manatee cousins. Ras Ghanadah is the site of one of Abu Dhabi’s largest protected coral reefs. There are even several shipwrecks for diving; The Old Cement Barge wreck is also a top snorkeling spot.

Quarantine-free travel from the US from July 1, 2021

Abu Dhabi was reopened to international tourism in December 2020. As of July 1, 2021, more than two dozen travelers will travel “Green List” Countries can enter Abu Dhabi without the need for quarantine. New countries are regularly added to the list.

Check out the current Abu Dhabi Covid travel logs, including testing requirements Visit the Abu Dhabi website. Visa are available to U.S. passport holders upon arrival; Applications and fee payments can also be made in advance.

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