14 Breathtaking Natural Wonders in UAE: Discover Hidden Gems (2024)

Somewhere in the middle (or corners) of the bustling cities of UAE lies the beauty of natural wonders. When the historical entities and concrete jungle of UAE get overwhelming, there’s nothing better than escaping into nature. The United Arab Emirates is blessed with an array of breathtaking landscapes that aren’t just picturesque but can steal your breath away, quite literally. When the summer bids goodbye and the temperature drops, it is the best time to discover the natural spots in the UAE.

Spending time in UAE’s natural spots has profound benefits mental benefits. Thankfully, the UAE plays host to a diverse range of captivating natural wonders, from pristine beaches to towering sand dunes, rugged mountains, expansive deserts, lush mangrove forests, and whatnot.

The Most Beautiful Natural Spots in UAE

Join us as we list down the best of UAE’s astounding natural tapestry. Here are UAE’s 14 Most Beautiful Natural Spots.

1. Hatta

Hatta is an amazing natural spot in UAE, boasting beauty beyond your imagination. Hatta is an exclave of Dubai high in the Hajar Mountains. As Hajar surrounds this beautiful jewel of glistening water, it creates the most beautiful scenery. The turquoise waters calmly rest between the Hajar Mountains, boasting recreational opportunities like kayaking, hiking, paddle boating, biking, camping, and more. Due to less light pollution, Hatta also offers opportunities to witness star-studded night sky, a very rare occasion close to Dubai otherwise.

2. Half Desert Road

Dubai’s most Instagrammable location, the Half Desert Road, is beyond stunning. Located 20 minutes east of Dubai, this place has yielded to the powerful forces of nature. The road is covered in sand dunes blowing in from the desert, almost always. Although the road is a manmade effort, the natural phenomena from dunes add a beautiful natural touch to it. This place of mystery and beauty is, in fact, one of the most photographed natural spots near Dubai. What adds more beauty to this place are the awe-inspiring views of towering sand, stunning city skyline, and ample open spaces.

3. Fossil Rock

Sharjah’s Fossil Rock is impressive and rugged and boasts stunning natural scenery. This place of breathtaking beauty is basically a hostile and barren landscape; however, it is truly astonishing. Fossil Rock, also known as Mount Meliha, is dug deep into history, geology, archaeology, and different civilizations. The fossils here are around 70 million years old and reveal information about the planet and early species. A hike to the plateau at the top of Fossil Rock unfolds the sheer beauty and power of this deserted nature.

4. Jebel Hafeet Mountain

Jebel Hafeet Mountain is undoubtedly the most beautiful natural spot in the UAE. This beautiful limestone mountain is the second highest in the UAE and the highest in Abu Dhabi. As Jebel Hafeet towers 4,000 feet over Abu Dhabi, close to the Oman border, it attracts tourists all around the year. The mountain peak dominates Abu Dhabi’s magnificent skyline, boasting mesmerizing night views. The top of Jebel Hafeet can be reached through the most dangerous roads. However, once you are at the top, some of the views of the entire Abu Dhabi will unfold like never before. Driving through the roads of Jebel Hafeet is also a popular activity amongst off-road enthusiasts.

5. Wasit Wetland Reserve

For many new UAE visitors, finding a place that is green and beautiful is a task full of difficulty. But if you are close to Sarjah, the diverse ecosystem of Wasit Wetland Reserve is your answer. This beautiful area is full of connecting ponds and open lakes. It is an excellent place for wildlife spotting. You can easily spot reptiles, birds, small mammals, and a lot of vegetation here. The natural reserve is also popular for spotting UAE’s national animal, the endangered Arabian Oryx, in its natural habitat.

6. Jubail Mangrove Park

The natural landscapes of the UAE have also kept a special and important place for Mangrove ecosystems. This one-of-a-kind educational, nature, and leisure destination in Abu Dhabi is popular amongst locals and tourists alike. The boardwalks here allow visitors to walk among the mangrove forests for a deeper understanding of the biodiversity. Walking across the site is around 2 kilometres. There are multiple picturesque spots to stop at and adore. The mangrove park is also popular for wildlife spotting, and you can expect sea turtles, flamingos, grey herons, and gazelles.

7. Al Wathba Fossil Dunes

Al Wathba Fossil Dunes are located about 45 kilometres east of Abu Dhabi. This surely natural spot in the UAE boasts flamingo-filled wetlands and turquoise salt lakes. Al Wathba Fossil Dunes is a seven-kilometre protected area featuring over 1,700 fossil dunes rising over golden sand. Every dune has its unique formation due to exposure to harsh elements of the desert over hundreds of thousands of years. Visiting this place in summer or on a hot sunny day isn’t a good idea. Instead, choose a time close to winter.

8. Snoopy Island

Known as Jazīrat al Ghubbah in Arabic, Snoopy Island is a stunning natural spot in the UAE. The island appears snooply lying down, and that’s where it got its name from. This small rocky island floating off the coast of Fujairah in Al Aqah is a couple of hours from Dubai and measures not more than 9,600 sqm. Snoopy Island draws nature lovers seeking peace and adventure enthusiasts all around the year. The beach here has a glistening golden hue, whereas the water here is azure blue. The beautiful vistas created altogether add to the popularity of this place.

9. Mangrove Beach, Umm Al Quwain

Beaches are one of the top-rated tourist attractions of UAE, and there are some stunning ones amongst the lot. The Mangrove Beach in Umm Al Quwain boast incredible coastal beauty and promotes eco-tourism. This natural wonder is around 2 hours away from Abu Dhabi and a 45-minute drive away from Dubai. Surrounded by Mangroves, the beach allows ocean water to flow freely through the dense mangrove clusters. The beach is popular for picnics, soaking under the sun and overnight camping. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches in the UAE.

10. Stairway to Heaven

Located close to the Oman Border, Stairway to Heaven is a mountainous hiking trail in the UAE. This exciting natural spot is in Wadi Ghalilah, Ras Al Khaimah, two hours north of Dubai. Stairway to Heaven is known for its dangerous routes and is a playground for experienced climbers. However, with the progress of adventure tourism here, this cliff with steep and loose rocks also attracts nature enthusiasts. One thousand nine hundred meters to the top of Stairway to Heaven rewards hikers with incredible natural views. However, until you are an experienced hiker or rock climber, do not attempt this adventure.

11. Al Qudra Lakes

Al Qudra Lakes in Dubai’s desert aren’t all-natural, but they are surely a must-visit spot for nature lovers in the UAE. This series of artificial lakes can be found in the vast Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve. This natural oasis amidst nature is popular amongst bird watchers since it consists of more than 200 species of birds. Some of the common and rare birds you can see here include ducks, swans, geese, flamingos, the Steppe Eagle and the Asian Houbara. Apart from bird watching, the area is also popular for picnicking, camping, and nighttime barbeques.

12. Al Henna-Sulphur Hike

Ready for another fun and rewarding hike in the UAE? Head to the Al Henna-Sulphur trail then. Also known as Wadi Dahir, this trail in the spectacular Hajar Mountains of Fujairah takes hikers through ancient farms, palm plantations, and wide rocky valley. Not only is it filled with adventure, but it also offers an opportunity to step into the past and discover the ancient UAE. What makes it a beautiful natural spot in the UAE are the gorgeous sulphur pools and extraordinarily steep canyons.

13. Abu Dhabi’s Milky Way

Night sky with millions of uncountable stars, does it sound unreal for the artificially lit UAE metropolitans? Well, then, you haven’t checked out the Al Quaa Milky Way spot yet. A 90-minute drive from Abu Dhabi toward the Al Quaa desert takes you to one of the darkest places in the UAE. This place, with negligible light pollution, makes it the best natural spot to witness the Milky Way. The best time to visit this spot is days before and after each new Moon. It is when the bright moonlight is absent from the sky. For astronomy enthusiasts, the best time is the Autumn and Spring seasons, perhaps.

14. Wadi Shawka

Last but not the least on our list is Wadi Shawka. This beautiful wadi is a seasonal watercourse in the Hajar Mountains of Ras Al Khaimah. A wild mountainside, it is popular for natural freshwater pools, camping spots, hiking trails, cycle paths, and much more. This area of natural beauty offers individuals access to the rare rain-soaked wadi and its ancient ruin. The best time to visit here is during winter since the chances of multiple and larger water pools increase. As rain falls over the mountains, the water pools here start to fill. Wadi Shawka boasts a strong agricultural history, breathtaking natural beauty, and many abandoned ancient settlements. The region is also popular for hiking and biking, and only experts should give it a try.