The Top 6 Must-Visit Places for Nature Lovers in Dubai

Getting up close and personal with nature in Dubai is a thought that never comes to your mind often since the hot and humid climate makes it impossible to stay outdoors for long. However, you will miss out on a lot if you let the weather stop you from exploring the city’s natural wonders.

Discovering Dubai’s natural attractions, though, isn’t limited to its beautiful deserts. There are several places here that will amaze you, broaden your knowledge about our planet, and enable you to commune with nature.

Below are the seven places in Dubai you have to visit if you appreciate and love nature:

1. The Green Planet

Although this popular attraction is manmade, you will forget that it is once you set foot inside the biodome which effectively mimics a tropical forest.

The recreational and educational biodome, which opened in 2016, is home to more than 3,000 plants and exotic animals from different parts of the world. Once you enter the building (which is made of glass), you will feel like you are in a jungle and not in Dubai anymore.

This is because the temperature and humidity levels inside are regulated. As such, you won’t only see what a rainforest ecosystem looks like; you will really feel like you are in one.

Inside the Green Planet, you will see various species of snakes, porcupines, birds, bugs, reptiles, and piranhas. Its latest attraction, the exciting Australian Walkabout, showcases several animals from the Land Down Under. These include wallabies, an Australian carpet python, a goanna lizard, and other species of lizards and turtles native to Australia.

If you have always been curious about what a tropical forest looks like and want to forget that you are in the middle of a desert even for just a few hours, visit The Green Planet.  

2. Dubai Miracle Garden

Since Dubai is in the desert, numerous species of flowers in one place is the last thing you can expect to see here. However, the Dubai Miracle Garden makes it possible for you to see and be surrounded by millions of beautiful and fragrant flora in just one spot.

With an area of over 780, 000 square feet, the Dubai Miracle Garden is the world’s biggest natural flower garden. The whole place is teeming with over 109 million flowers and plants.

Additionally, this popular tourist destination houses the Dubai Butterfly Garden, the world’s largest indoor butterfly garden and reserve. This attraction houses over 15,000 butterflies from 26 species.

The Dubai Miracle Garden also has an eye-catching floral clock and an aromatic garden. You will also find numerous peacocks here, which are always fantastic photo subjects.

The Dubai Miracle Garden is only open a few months annually. It will be open to the public on the first of November this year.

3. Hatta

If you want to be truly immersed in nature, take a trip to Hatta, a village located at the foot of the Hajar Mountains.

Due to its location, the air is much cooler here. And since it is far from the city, you will also feel calmer and more relaxed, especially when you see the exquisite panorama.

Hatta is known for Hatta Lake where various water activities take place. These include kayaking, pedal boating, paddleboarding, and water biking.

While on the lake, you will have a hard time taking your eyes off the clear, blue waters and magnificent views of the mountain range. The area also has a number of local birds and fishes so keep your eye out for them, too.

While you’re here, visit the Hatta Hill Park. As one of the biggest parks in the city, it is the perfect place for barbecues and picnics. You will also enjoy some greenery while taking in the sights and enjoying your snack or meal.    

Hatta also has a bike trail, the Hatta Mountain Bike Trail. Bring your bicycle and choose from among the different paths. Whichever route you take, you will encounter scenic views of farmlands and hills. You will also get a glimpse of wadis or dry riverbeds or small streams.

4. Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

If you can’t get enough of clear blue waters, beautiful flamingos, and other avian species, head to the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. This vast area consisting of lagoons, mangroves, salt flats, and mudflats is one of the best unspoiled natural spots for nature lovers in Dubai.

More than 170 species of birds frequent the area, making it a paradise for bird watchers. Cormorants, black-winged stilts, great egrets, grey and reef herons, osprey, plovers, and sandpipers are some of the fascinating avian wildlife you can find here.

In the winter, exotic pink flamingos flock to this sanctuary. If you’re lucky, you may also catch a glimpse of great spotted eagles and raptors hovering above.

The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the nearest natural attractions you can visit in Dubai since it is only 15 to 20 minutes away by car or taxi from the central business area.

5. Al Qudra

A man-made desert oasis, this well-known camping spot has several beautiful lakes and is surrounded by fascinating plant life. It is also home to a variety of wildlife as well.

There are over 170 bird species and animals at Al Qudra. Black swans, ducks, and flamingos are known to live or frequent the area. If you are lucky, you may even spot a steppe eagle, an endangered species, or an Asian houbara.

Foxes, gazelles, and rabbits also call this desert oasis their home. However, they are more elusive, so you need to explore the area a bit if you want to catch a glimpse of them.

If you want to get some workout, you can run or go cycling in Al Qudra. It has a running and cycling track, both of which are considered two of the best in Dubai.

Lastly, since the area is far away from high-rise buildings and busy roads, you will have a superb view of the sunset over the lakes and sand dunes when the day ends.

6. The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

Finally, Dubai deserts are still must-visit places for every nature lover in the city. If you want to explore the widest arid wild land in this emirate, head to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.

Occupying about five percent of the total land area of Dubai, the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve or DDCR is one of the largest areas officially declared a protected nature reserve. It is surrounded by fences to protect the flora and fauna that naturally grow in the area.

Over 50 plant species, 120 birds, and 43 mammals and reptiles can be found in the area.  Aside from seeing the fascinating plant and wildlife, the gorgeous landscape will leave you awed as well.

You can also enjoy fun desert activities here such as safaris, camel riding, sandboarding, and falconry. Tour operators also offer barbecue, campfire, and camping experiences.

With each natural tourist spot offering a variety of activities and attractions, every minute you spend interacting with nature will be educational, fun, and definitely worth it.

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