World Traveller March 2019

WORLD TRAVELLER X DCT ABU DHABI
THREE WAYS TO EXPERIENCE ABU DHABI...
Immersed
in nature
Swap the concrete jungle for the great outdoors
by exploring these stunning natural attractions
Photo: Abu Dhabi Mangroves
1
The mangroves. A mega
eco asset, the capital’s
Mangrove National Park
is a biodiversity hotspot,
with lush mangrove forests,
salt marshes, mudflats
and algal communities
to discover. In addition
to its tropical vibe, the
mangroves act as a natural
windbreak, and guard
against tidal surges, while
the body of water helps
remove carbon dioxide from
the atmosphere. Eastern
Mangroves Hotel & Spa
by Anantara offers guided
kayaking tours for guests.
You’ll likely spot herons,
foxes and turtles as you
paddle and, if you’re really
lucky, you may even catch a
glimpse of dolphins.
2Al Wathba Wetland
Reserve. It may be
famous for its pink
flamingos, but there’s much
more to these wetlands than
pretty pink birds. More than
250 avian species, 37 plant
species and a variety of
dragonflies and damselflies
call the five-squarekilometre
landscape home.
Break out the binoculars
and explore on foot, or join
one of the tours hosted
by local nature fan and
photographer Sultan Karrani
(see visitabudhabi.ae).
3Al Ain Oasis. Rewind
some 4,000 years to
when the people who
lived here started taming the
desert and you’ll get an idea
of the historic significance
of this sprawling oasis. A
UNESCO World Heritage
Site since 2011, it is shaped
by a complex shared water
supply based on wells and
falaj (the UAE’s traditional
irrigation system), and
you can wander through it
under the shade of myriad
date palms. Make it an
educational experience by
learning more about efforts
to preserve the delicate
ecosystem, and showcase
traditional farming methods,
at the Eco-Centre.
68 worldtravellermagazine.com