Al-Ain Oasis is the perfect option to get away from the busy city life and relax in nature
Over the past few years, the United Arab Emirates has turned out to be a hub for travel and tourism, notably with Dubai emerging on the global stage as a major tourist attraction for a variety of reasons. Most recently, it exceeded all expectations when it successfully hosted Expo2020, defying the Covid-19 pandemic that had put a stop to global travel industry. In the end, the six-monthlong fiesta that Expo2020 was, pulled in over 23 million tourists from all corners of the world.
Adjacent to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, too, is now strongly implanted in the global tourist map especially with its Yas Island, which is a tourist magnet by itself, housing an F1 racetrack and numerous adventure and entertainment parks. Yas Island is all set to host IIFA Awards 2022 in a few weeks from now.
Yet, despite being a bustling centre of exciting travel opportunities and almost mystical tourism spots, UAE is also home to numerous hidden gems that are definitely worth exploring, especially by discerning tourists on the lookout for off-beat destinations. These tourist locales, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, nestled in some quaint corners of the country are indeed ideal for nature lovers.
Also Read – UAE tourism performance exceeds Q1 pre-pandemic growth rates.
UAE’s TIME Hotels celebrates 10th anniversary.
Al-Ain Oasis, Abu Dhabi
Located right in the centre of Al Ain, Abu Dhabi’s garden city and a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Al Ain Oasis is spread over an area of 1,200 hectares. Sprawling alleys shrouded by a canopy of fruit bearing trees on both sides, this oasis is the perfect option for people who want to get away from the busy city life and relax in the lap of nature. Home to an ancient irrigation system, this oasis gives travellers the once in a lifetime opportunity to witness how the Ancient Falaj irrigation system works. For an educational trip, Al Ain Oasis is also home to an eco-centre. Do not worry about costs as entry here is free. Be prepared to be mesmerised by the well preserved local ecosystem or how the Falaj system works. The Al-Ain oasis is also the home to over 1,47,000 palms and fruit trees so you will always be surrounded by nature.
Al Madam Village, Sharjah
Also called the ‘Buried Village,’ the once lively village is now a ghost establishment. Although no one knows about the origin of this mystery town, some believe that the Al Kutbii tribe inhabited the village. Other theories include this town being a part of the Shabi Housing Project of the UAE government. Some attribute the abandonment to the lack of electricity and infrastructure. However, the most widespread belief is pretty eerie. If anyone of you is interested in the occult or loves a good dose of horror movies, a trip to the Al Madam Village can excite your senses. According to locals, this ghost village is haunted by a pack of notorious djinns – a supernatural creature that is said to possess people and places. Even the sand is supposed to have a scary aspect that made the locals flee. Ghosts or not, a trip to this deserted village will definitely be one of the most memorable visits one can make.
Al-Ain oasis is also the home to over 1,47,000 palms and fruit trees so you will always be surrounded by nature
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, Dubai
A paradise for bird lovers, the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as the ‘Cape of the Creek’, is home to over 10,000 bird species. Despite being so close to the city, one will be surprised to see the abundance of over a thousand bird species in this sanctuary. A breeding ground for mammals and fish, the real stars of the show are the pink flamingoes in winter. A shift from the cluster of pink feathers, the travellers are also exposed to the views of grey herons, great egrets, reef herons, cormorants, blackwinged stilts, sandpipers, osprey, and more colourful species of birds. Officially declared a protected area in 1998, this sanctuary is fenced off to ensure the safety and security of its vibrant inhabitants. There are three bird hides across the premises which allow the curious travellers to have a look at the winged residents of the sanctuary without disturbing them. Lagoons, mudflats, and salt flats serve as permanent residential locations for the birds at the sanctuary. Ready to meet some of the finest and most vibrant birds in the country? Head over to this sanctuary and live the life of a bird watcher for a day.
Umm Al Quwain Mangrove beach, Al Quwain
With glistering clear stretches of water seeping through the intricate mangrove trees, the Umm Al Quwain Mangrove beach is truly a visual delight. Situated in Khor Al Yeefrah in Umm Al Quwain, the picturesque mangrove beach is the first of its kind project in UAE. It aims to promote eco-tourism in the region by highlighting the importance of mangroves.
From exploring to camping or just having a relaxing picnic, this mystical mangrove beach is a relief from the bright lights of the city. Located about 50 minutes from Dubai, this beach is equipped with a children’s play area, restaurants, and shaded spots to unwind and relax. Aiming to be an eco-tourism hub, the Al Quwain Mangrove beach will soon accommodate other attractions. A wonderful place to stop by on your road trip across the UAE, the Al Quwain mangrove beach is a hidden spot that both adults and children will equally enjoy.
Also Read – Russia now 2nd largest source market for UAE tourism.
ATM 2022 changes dates for new working week in UAE
Hatta Secret Pool, Dubai
Imagine this, a clear stream of water escaping between narrow rock openings. Go further down the rocks and you will see the water getting deeper and much clearer. A swim to the deepest section of the pool reveals a network of rocks forming a crevice underneath the glittering water. The pool ends with a mini waterfall at the end. Sounds like a place right out of a page from a fairy-tale right? This mystical place actually exists in the heart of the UAE and is called the Hatta Secret Pool. A word of caution, the swimming is unsupervised with sudden crevices across the pool. Hence, for your own safety, you need to be an experienced swimmer to swim across the Hatta Pools. The water levels may rise during rains so if you spot one grey cloud or predict any chance of rainfall, it is suggested to leave the pool site immediately. If the safety rules are followed effectively, you will have the greatest time swimming and chilling in a pool situated in the middle of scorching desert terrain.
