Joanna James
Apart from the modern cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the UAE is a treasure trove of wonders. Natural hot springs, stunning oases, and fossil beds are just a few of the fab environs to explore. Listed are some of the UAE's most impressive places to visit.
Located in the middle of the beautiful Al Badayer Desert, Big Red is an impressive sand dune. The perfect venue to enjoy some adrenaline pumping activities, this dune offers one a chance to enjoy hiking, dune bashing, and biking. Besides, the place is free from all those tourists as it is still one of the UAE's best-kept secrets and well worth seeking out.
Fossil Rock is where you can go to look at 80 million-year-old marine fossils buried deep in the bright red rocks. The place is also a popular campsite; hence most visitors choose to explore the area, look up the fossils and spend the night under a blanket of stars enjoying the cool magic of the desert after dark. Fossil Rock seems to reach to the skies and is accessible across the massive sand dunes of the UAE desert, so choose to go there in a sturdy 4WD vehicle.
Sir Bani Yas Island is a desert sanctuary of rugged environs and beautiful coastlines. The place was declared an animal sanctuary by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan who wanted to preserve the endangered desert wildlife of the UAE. Today the place is a fab holiday resort where guests staying at Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort can set off on 4WD tours across the rough terrain, mountain bike or hike and enjoy views of free roaming, Arabian Oryx, cheetah, giraffe and gazelle. And look forward to sightseeing in Abu Dhabi city via a short boat ride to the mainland.
Situated in the rough and tumble regions of Ras Al Khaimah the Wadi Al Bih is located at the top of the wild and uninhabited Hajar Mountains. A treasured oasis which is still a secret location in the UAE, this wadi is a nature lover's Eden, home to green fields dotted with fields of wildflowers, emerald green pools, and exciting walking trails.
Love mountain climbing and scaling heights? The Wadi Ghalilah, also known as the 'stairway to heaven' is ideal. Located in the middle of a mountain range to the far north of the UAE, the place was uncovered by a group of explorers about 25 years ago. This wadi is a real stunner, especially at the summit where one can enjoy birds-eye views of the rugged terrain below.
Located in Sharjah, this gorgeous nature reserve is made up of lush green surroundings and a glistening lake. Home to a variety of exotic wildlife such as reptiles, mammals and a wide variety of birds, the reserve is thought of as Sharjah's lifeline due to it being a green reserve.
A kind of souvenir to what the Arabian Peninsula would have looked like before it became a desert, the Umm Al Quwain Wetlands, are best explored in a small kayak or boat. Enjoy the pristine beauty of nature as you make your way through lush mangrove forests and verdant lagoons.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
