- Jan 08, 2021
Natural Wonders Of The UAE
The longing to be one with nature is an undeniable feeling. We all, from time to time, feel the need to witness first-hand the marvels that nature has created. Indescribable views that inspire you from within, places where you can disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with the world itself. This list includes such places, read on and choose your next destination.
1. Jebel Jais
At an altitude of almost 2,000 meters, the Jebel Jais Mountain in Ras Al Khaimah is the tallest peak in the UAE. This rocky mountain is a popular weekend destination for many residents and has a lot of activities for adventure buffs to try. Marked with deep canyons, barren cliffs, eroded landscapes and steep slopes, the Jebel Jais Mountain provides the perfect natural setting for outdoor thrills. Capitalising on that, the mountain has been developed into an adventure zone that provides the ultimate mountain experience complete with a zip line, panoramic views of the mountains and much more. The Jebel Jais zip line or Jebel Jais Flight as it is officially known, has been certified by Guinness World Records as the world’s longest zip line, you get to literally fly across the mountain at speeds of up to 150kmph over a distance 2.8km, which is equivalent to 28 football pitches!
Dubai to Jebel Jais:- click here to see on map
Abu Dhabi to Jebel Jais:- click here to see on map
2. Hatta, Hajaar Mountains
Hatta Heritage Village is a mountain village which is reconstructed and extensively renovated to give visitors an insight into what ancient Emirati villages looked like. Amidst the Al Hajar Mountains in Hatta, the village is almost 3000 years old but in a perfectly revamped condition. The rural landscape is flecked with a cluster of farms chiselled by a freshwater canal, quaint shops selling customary heritage collections and an archaeological cemetery.
Dubai to Hatta, Hajaar Mountains:- click here to see on map
Abu Dhabi to Hatta, Hajaar Mountains:- click here to see on map
3. Fossil Rock - Sharjah
70 million years ago volcanic activity formed Hajar Mountains that stands at nearly 2,000 metres above sea level. These mountains were still partly covered by the sea and the evidence is found in the beds of sedimentary rocks, in particular limestone. In the shallow bays of warm sea between the mountain tops, a unique diversity of invertebrate animals existed, ranging from sea urchins to gastropods and corals. Many of these animals that once inhabited the region of United Arab Emirates have become extinct. That is why Fossil Rock in Sharjah has such a huge importance. There are numerous hiking route options that will allow you to reach the plateau at the top. The summit is a rugged cliff that begs for you to stand on it and experience nature’s sheer beauty and power, surrounded by breath taking views of the desert.
Dubai to Fossil Rock:- click here to see on map
Abu Dhabi to Fossil Rock:- click here to see on map
4. Al Ain Oasis- Abu Dhabi
The Al Ain Oasis is the UAE’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can find different types of date plantations in this oasis. Currently, there are 147,000 date palms trees and over 100 different varieties of vegetation around it. One of the attractions at Al Ain Oasis is walking through the serene and wide pathways along the endless row of palm trees. You can spend a good 90 minutes or more walking around the oasis. Even after 3000 years, the ancient falaj irrigation channel (the two main falaj systems serving the oasis namely, Al Aini and Dawood) is still used to water the trees in this Oasis. Despite being centuries old, the irrigation system is efficient enough to keep the plantation fresh throughout the year. The Eastern Fort, also called Sultan Fort, is one of the most popular attractions at the Al Ain Oasis and was constructed in 1910 by Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed the former ruler of Abu Dhabi. The fort was once the central part of the Hara of Al Ain or the Haret al Hisn City. The historical Eastern Fort is one of the main buildings associated with the ruling Al Nahyan family and their rising influence in the 19th Century.
Dubai to AL Ain Oasis:- click here to see on map
Abu Dhabi to Al Ain Oasis:- click here to see on map
5. Jebel Hafeet
Right from gravity-defying thrills to more sedate historic adventures there are many things to do at the highest peak in Abu Dhabi - Jebel Hafeet. Considered among the world’s greatest driving roads, the highway will offer you an opportunity to enjoy the magnificent views of Al Ain. The drive up to the mountain has plenty of scenic viewpoints and once you reach the summit, you can literally see the entire region beneath you. The panoramic views of the city from the top are truly breathtaking. You will be surprised to know that there are over 500 tombs that can be traced back to 5000 years in the Jebel Hafeet foothills, marking the beginning of the Bronze Age in the country. The entire world was taken by storm when Danish archaeologists explored the site and they found copper and ceramic vessels in these tombs. Now people come from various places to take a look at these single-chambered tombs comprising of roughly cut stones that still speak volumes about the Jebel Hafeet archaeology. If you’re curious to know about the philosophy and heritage of the city, the Al Jahili Fort will offer you a lot to explore. It is surrounded by a lush green park so once you’re done looking at the cultural and historical objects, you can unwind at the park.
Dubai to Jebel Hafeet:- click here to see on map
Abu Dhabi to Jebel Hafeet:- click here to see on map
6. Wadi Shawka, Ras Al Khaimah
This is a location where you will be surrounded by hills and small mountains from all sides - a sight you don’t get to see every day in the UAE. There are lonesome palm trees scattered around the narrow pebbly paths, small ponds, and natural springs that are full of water all year long. It’s very common to encounter camels, goats, donkeys and lots of birds. If you choose to hike, cycle, run or just walk, you have 10KM of somewhat challenging terrain at the Shawka dam loop.
Dubai to Wadi Shawka, Ras Al Khaimah:- click here to see on map
Abu dhabi to Wadi Shawka, Ras Al Khaimah:- click here to see on map