Though famous for its intriguing and stunning hi-tech architectures, the capital city of UAE, Abu Dhabi is also well renowned as site of some of the most beautiful natural attractions in the world.

Capital city of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is known for its busy business hubs, stunning skyscrapers, and world-famous sports facilities and events.

However, this city isn’t only home to numerous impressive human-made landmarks and structures but also several wonderful, beautiful natural attractions that one definitely needs to visit and see at least once in their lifetime.

Here is a list of Abu Dhabi’s must visit natural attractions:

Sir Bani Yas Island

Aside from the pristine beach, Sir Bani Yas Island is also home to the Arabian wildlife (Photo: Visit AbuDhabi)

Sir Bani Yas Island is one of the best and most beautiful places to take in the emirate’s scenic coastal views and to try various fun activities. Boasting several gorgeous beaches and private resorts with amazing facilities the emirate is perfect for a lovely beach day.

Though set in a private resort, there’s a chance one might get to see dolphins swimming in the nearby waters and hawksbill turtles making their nest on the protected sandy area.

In addition to this snorkelling, scuba diving, pearl diving, and kayaking through a mangrove forest are one’s to-do list for a more enjoyable and amazing visit to this island.

Aside from the pristine beach, Sir Bani Yas Island is also home to the Arabian Wildlife Park, a wildlife sanctuary where one can find rare oryxes, gazelles, cheetahs, ostriches, and giraffes.

Don’t be surprised when you see these animals free-roaming in the dunes or inside the park as you explore the area while on horseback riding, mountain biking, or on a guided 4×4 tour.

Jubail Mangrove Park

One of the most unique, fascinating, and scenic ecosystems that one will love exploring in the UAE capital are mangroves. Home to several natural parks featuring these plants, the most popular is the Jubail Mangrove Park in Abu Dhabi.

The Jubail Mangrove Park is the first self-contained nature, leisure, and educational destination in Abu Dhabi.

It is home to a strategically placed winding boardwalk that lets one explore several serene mangrove forests and lagoons full of fascinating native wildlife, such as herons, flamingos, turtles, and various species of fish and crustaceans.

Aside from the mangrove forests, the 2.6 km boardwalk, will take one through different ecosystems, including salt marshes, intertidal mudflats, and unique sandstone geological formations.

Whether an avid birdwatcher, nature photographer, or nature lover, visitors are sure to love every minute of the time spent at the Jubail Mangrove Park.

Jebel Hafeet

Jebel Hafeet is Abu Dhabi’s tallest mountain peak and the UAE’s second highest. Looming over Al Ain and the borders of Oman, it gives guests fantastic views of these two places.

The craggy limestone mountain carved and weathered for centuries is a veritable treasure trove of fossil deposits, that is sure to delight fossil enthusiasts.

The best time to climb Jebel Hafeet is just before sunrise or sunset when one can get to see many breath-taking views at the perfect moment.

One can reach the summit by car, motorbike or bicycle.

The park is also a crucial part of the World Heritage Site of Al Ain, that is Abu Dhabi’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

One can go hiking, mountain biking, or horse or camel riding to explore various fascinating archaeological and historical remains at Jebel Hafeet Desert Park.

One of the popular archaeological wonders one will get to see here are the 5,000-year-old Jebel Hafeet tombs and remnants from the Neolithic period.

 

Al Wathba Fossil Dune Protected Area

If you are up for stunning natural features that just looks out-of-this-world, then you are in for a treat when you visit Al Wathba.

A suburb of Abu Dhabi, Al Wathba serves as home to several natural attractions, including the Al Wathba Fossil Dune Protected Area. This unique park features around 1,700 rare, artfully moulded fossil dunes and structures.

The park also features 3 km of trails and an eco-tourism programme that gives one an insight about the scenic natural landscapes. In addition to this there is also a visitor centre, viewing area, amphitheatre, and hiking trails.

The Al Wathba Fossil Dune Protected Area has already been featured in various popular movies, making it a must-visit place for everyone.

The best time to get striking views and amazing photos is to visit the destination during sunset. Also the sand dunes here make for an exceptional backdrop for the setting sun, giving one a breath-taking sight that one won’t likely see anywhere else.

Al Wathba Wetland Reserve

Another note-worthy site besides Al Wathba Fossil Dune in Al Wathba, is the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve.

This area is a popular resting area for flamingoes during fall and spring, which is why it is also known as Flamingo City.

Home to various natural wildlife habitats, including freshwater and saline lakes and dunes, Al Wathba Wetland Reserve is a treasure trove with over 250 bird species, 37 plant species, and an array of marine life.

With variety of endemic and migratory avian species in the wetland it is a popular destination for bird lovers anytime of the year.

The Al Wathba Wetland Reserve offers two self-guided walking routes to explore the area.