Believe yourself to have seen everything to be offered by the UAE? Think again. Although the country is known to have the tallest skyscrapers and mega malls considered as the most breaking records, some of its most breathtaking scenes are nowhere near the tourist trail. This breath-taking destination may lead one to wonder whether he or she is not in the UAE any more -but yes, it is real.
1. Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, Dubai
You’ll think you’re on safari — but it’s 10 minutes from Dubai Mall
Sitting at the fringe of Dubai Creek, Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is a different world in comparison to the glass towers of the city. With more than 20,000 birds and 67 species, it is best known by the flamingos that create characteristic pink color in the water in winter.
Midnight method: View one of the three free viewing hides and look closely at the birds.
Location: Dubai creek, Dubai
2. Hatta Dam, Dubai
A blue-green lake hidden by rocky peaks
The most beautiful natural escape of the UAE is located in twenty minutes drive, or a bit more, outside central Dubai. Hatta Dam is famous due to scenery in its serene water that is surrounded by mountains. Hire a kayak or a pedal boat and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Must do, rent a kayak with Hatta Kayak and go on a picnic.
Location: Hatta Dam in Dubai
3. Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
A private island safari with giraffes and cheetahs
Indeed, it is possible to go on safari in UAE, and not only about desert dunes. The Sir Bani Yas Island is a wildlife sanctuary where the Arabian oryxes, giraffes, cheetahs freely run. And combine five star resorts and it is the dream escape to an island.
Must do: Sign up with Anantara resorts on a wildlife drive.
Location: Al Dhafra Region Abu Dhabi
4. Stairway to Heaven, Ras Al Khaimah
One of the most dangerous and beautiful hikes in the UAE
It is not the Grand Canyon; it is the most astonishing hiking path of the UAE. Stairway to Heaven in Wadi Ghalilah is reserved to experienced climbers only as the trail climbs to an altitude of almost 1,900 metres along high mountain scenic landscapes. but the sceneries up yonder? Unreal.
Must do: Just make sure that you have a guide and equipment when doing this hike.
Location: Wadi Ghalilah Ras Al Khaimah
5. Hanging Gardens, Sharjah
Yes, there’s a waterfall and over 100,000 trees in Sharjah
Family-friendly attraction in Al Hafyah offers waterfalls, flower gardens, tree-shaded paths as well as a little train ride through the park. It is one of the most ambitious green projects by Sharjah and one of the calmest ways to get out of the city.
Must do: Take in a picturesque train ride that has mountain views.
Location: E102, Al Hafyah, Sharjah
6. Khorfakkan Amphitheatre & Waterfall, Sharjah
Like stepping into ancient Rome — with sea views
This open-air amphitheatre resembles that of Italy as it is built at the base of Al Sayed mountain that faces the sea. It is a classical architecture that combines natural beauty and it is facing the Khorfakkan beach. Beside it there is a waterfall made up of rocks giving beautiful sceneries.
Must do: Take sea and waterfall views at the amphitheatre cafe and have a meal.
Location: Rughaylat Road, Sharjah
7. Snoopy Island, Fujairah
A snorkeler’s paradise shaped like a cartoon dog
Snoopy Island is one of the most documented snorkeling sites in the GCC as it takes its name after the famous Peanuts character. It is a coral heaven that is inhabited by sea turtles, reef fish, and white-tip sharks, too, all located close to Al Aqah beach.
Must do: Go snorkeling off of the beach without a boat.
Location: Jazīrat al Ghubbah, Fujairah
