The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is mainly distinguished for its record-breaking skyscrapers, modern architecture, and luxury. It may not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of nature, but the UAE is home to a wealth of natural attractions that are sure to please travellers with a hunger for adventure and the outdoors alike.
From tranquil deserts to lush oases, exquisite beaches, and rugged mountains, you can find it all within nature in the UAE. This article will introduce you to the best natural places to visit in the UAE, with a particular emphasis on locations in Dubai.
Desert landscapes are a classic in the UAE, and those in the region are especially known for their magnificence, bringing in travellers from all around the world.
The UAE's deserts are evidence of its commitment to preserving its cultural and natural heritage, and each desert has its character. Whether you’re looking for a more authentic desert camping experience or a luxury destination (like Al Wathba, which offers a desert resort and spa and a wetland reserve that gives you a look into the region’s biodiversity), you can find it all.
The Liwa Desert is an oasis crucial to the UAE's rural culture and is one of the country's key agricultural and grazing regions. If you want a completely authentic and immersive experience, you should consider it. Meanwhile, referred to as the “Great Sandy Desert,” the Rub' al Khali ranks the world's largest sand desert. The enormous oil and natural gas deposits hidden beneath this massive desert give it great significance. It’s said that the dunes in this desert are so tall that it is nearly impossible for a human to cross them.
The Al Badayer desert is widely considered to have the best dunes in the UAE, including the iconic "Big Red," which is a delight for adrenaline junkies. Adventurer seekers can take part in activities like desert driving, dune-bashing, and quad biking here, and as with all the other deserts in the region, experience the stunning golden sunset.
A short drive from Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah is a hidden gem for nature in the UAE. It’s home to the Hajar Mountains, which offer impressive hiking opportunities with awe-inspiring viewpoints. You can visit Jebel Jais, the UAE's highest peak, and dare to experience the world's longest zipline.
Jebel Hafeet, near Al Ain, is another popular spot for hikers and a must-visit spot for nature in the UAE, offering a strenuous, but ultimately rewarding, ascent to the peak.
If you’re looking to stock up on camping gear and other outdoor equipment, Ibn Battuta Mall (located in Dubai) is a marvel of a retail experience that offers an abundance of sporting goods stores. You can find high-quality hiking gear, outdoor and watersports equipment and camping essentials to prepare for your adventures within nature in the UAE.
The UAE's coastline lies along the Arabian Gulf and has beaches that offer a tranquil escape from the busy cities. There’s an endless amount of options to choose from, from the luxurious Palm West Beach, with its powdery sands and clear waters, to the less-visited (but no less stunning) Ajman Beach. Al Hamra Beach in Ras Al Khaimah is a beautiful beach with a calm atmosphere and breathtaking scenery.
Whether you’re looking to lay on the sands and take it all in or on the hunt for water sports, you can surely find what you’re looking for.
Dubai is a bustling and metropolitan city where people usually go for work opportunities, to enjoy a luxury experience, and to visit iconic skyscrapers and landmarks. For those of you who are seeking refuge from the hustle and bustle, you may be wondering, “Where can I enjoy nature in Dubai?” Well, the diversity of the options available to you will surprise you.
All these locations offer the chance to escape to nature and get a break from the city's dynamic landscape for a much-needed, refreshing contrast.
