Joanna James
The UAE has a knack for surprising travellers no matter how well you may think you know the area. Listed below is a collection of such places that promise to surprise and awe, from ghost villages to fossil dunes that are similar to Mars.
Starting off on a thrilling and historical point, the Ghost Town of RAK is pretty famous. A 'frozen in time' kind of place the town is located in Al Jazir Al Hamra and was once an old pearl diving village, the backbone of Abu Dhabi's economy in days of yore. The village is perfectly preserved to give one a taste of bygone lifestyles. Walk along the narrow alleys, explore the leftover shells of homes and maybe if you are brave enough, hang around after sunset!
Located in the capital city, the Eastern Mangroves are still a mystery to many, which upon discovery is an experience not to be forgotten. The huge mangrove forest is an awe-inspiring oasis of greenery where water sports are very popular. In fact, guests at Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara will also find kayaking thrills close by, with a variety of tours across the lush mangrove plantations on offer. Besides, there is no better location if you are seeking the best 5-star hotels Abu Dhabi has to offer. Check out the sunset kayak tours for a truly awesome and authentic experience.
Snoopy Island will be recognisable to all Peanuts fans, remember Charlie Brown's adorable beagle do Snoopy, well the island is an almost replica to its favourite stance lying on its back and gazing at the stars. Just Google it and see for yourself. The water around the island is home to a variety of marine life and is recommended for snorkelling and kayaking.
Nature in all its divine glory is seen at Al Ain, a far cry from the desert sands, the plantation in Al Ain boasts 147,000 date palms, and no wonder – it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The place stays true to its origins, still using the historic falaj irrigation system, deemed to be over 3000 years old. There is no better place to commune with nature and be utterly awed.
Enjoy a trip to Mars, or someplace similar, as you trek the Fossil Dune of Abu Dhabi. Easy to reach from your Abu Dhabi hotel the dunes are only 30 minutes from the city centre. The dunes, shaped by the wind over millions of years offer a strange and surrealist feel to the surroundings.
If you are done with the huge crowds of Hatta, head over to Wadi Shawka in RAK. The place offers nature lovers a range of allures from camping under stars to hiking along the rugged trails and swimming in the cool water holes. Do take along the cameras for shots of the stunning surroundings.
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