6 Natural Attractions in Dubai Perfect for Outdoor Lovers
Dubai has a reputation of being completely artificial but that’s not exactly true. Yes, this city is home to all sorts of engineering feats, like the world’s tallest building and a massive palm-tree-shaped island. But if you’re wondering if there are any natural attractions in Dubai, the answer is yes.
Believe it or not, you don’t have to go far to find a little bit of nature in Dubai. You can spot flamingos in the wild in the city’s mangroves, go hiking in the rugged mountains, or ride an abra (a traditional boat) on the creek that snakes through the heart of the city. And that’s not even taking into account Dubai’s long stretches of beaches and vast swathes of desert!
If you’re wondering where to find all of these incredible Dubai natural attractions, here’s my guide:
1. Take a Hike in Hatta
When it comes to getting out in nature in Dubai, a visit to Hatta is your best bet. Hatta is located in the emirate of Dubai, but do note it’s about a 90-minute drive from Downtown Dubai. It’s well worth it, though, to see a totally different side of Dubai.
This relaxed and ruggedly beautiful town is one of the most popular places in Dubai for outdoor enthusiasts who need a reprieve from the city.
Make a weekend of it, and you can go hiking or biking along one of the many mountain (yes, mountain!) trails, paddle around the aquamarine waters of Hatta Dam in a kayak, take in the views from the hilltop tower in Hatta Hill Park, and even camp under the stars in a luxury dome at Hatta Dome Park!
You might be interested in: 10 Totally Unique Things to Do in Hatta
2. Spot Wild Flamingos at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
Did you know that Dubai is actually home to over 10 square kilometers of protected natural wetlands? Well, it is!
Located just minutes from Downtown Dubai and the Burj Khalifa, the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is a highly protected area that is actually closed to the public (for the most part).
But that’s a good thing, because these wetlands play host to a huge range of plant, reptile, fish, and bird species – including tens of thousands of migratory greater flamingos. These flamingos make their way to the UAE each year during the winter months, between October and March. So if you want to see flamingos in their natural habitat, that’s the best time to visit Ras Al Khor.
It’s actually possible to view the flamingos from one of Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary’s designated bird “hides.” This allows visitors to get up close and personal with the wild “flamboyances” of flamingos while still keeping a safe distance. And the best part is, it’s totally free to visit.
So if you’re an animal lover who’s looking for natural attractions in Dubai, this place is a must! Check out my full guide to visiting Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary.
3. Stroll Along Dubai Creek
Strolling along Dubai Creek at sunset while the call to prayer emanates from the city’s mosques will always be one of my favorite Dubai experiences. There’s just something magical about watching the boats and abras crisscross the river while experiencing the hustle and bustle of Dubai life on the creek’s banks.
This natural saltwater creek snakes its way for 14 kilometers through the heart of the city – from Jumeirah Beach to the south to Deira in the north. This is one of the most impressive natural attractions in Dubai, and at its widest, it measures a whopping 1,200 meters.
Dubai Creek is long and there are plenty of places along its banks where you can relish a bit of nature in Dubai. For a taste of history and culture, my favorite place to enjoy the creek is with a stroll from Al Seef to Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood in Old Dubai.
If you’d prefer to be surrounded by greenery, you can always have a picnic or take a bike ride in Dubai Creek Park. Or head over to The Viewing Point in Dubai Creek Harbor to get views of Dubai Creek with the iconic Downtown Dubai skyline in the background!
4. See Dunes in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
The desert is obviously one of the most well-known Dubai natural attractions. And a visit to see the city’s incredible red sand dunes is a must on any Dubai bucket list.
The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is the UAE’s first national park. And what I love about it is that the objective is to protect the unique flora and fauna of the area. They only partner with companies that offer sustainable nature-based experiences, so you can rest assured your visit will be helping, not hurting, this unique ecosystem.
To experience Dubai nature at its best, you can choose from a range of desert experiences. From going dune bashing the sustainable way to spotting free-roaming wildlife on an eco-friendly drive to glamping under the stars, a visit to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is one of the most unique ways to enjoy a bit of nature in Dubai.
6. Spend the Day at Kite Beach
Dubai has its fair share of manmade beaches (I’m looking at you, Palm Jumeirah!), but this coastal city is also lined by naturally beautiful beaches and one of my all-time favorites is Kite Beach.
When it comes to free beaches in Dubai, Kite Beach is easily one of the best. As the name implies, this is a popular beach for kitesurfing. But as a non-kitesurfer, I love that when the wind picks up, there are gentle waves here. I love the vibe of Kite Beach. I suggest doing as the expats do by bringing supplies and making a day of it.
Aside from lounging and splashing around, there’s tons going on at Kite Beach. From food trucks and outdoor restaurants to beach volleyball and a 14-kilometer beachfront track, this is my favorite place to get outside and relish a bit of nature in Dubai.
6. Camp out at Al Qudra Lakes
OK, you got me. Al Qudra Lakes is manmade but I still argue that it belongs on this list of natural attractions in Dubai. While the lakes were manmade to look like a desert oasis, the lush setting in the middle of the Dubai desert is spectacular and teeming with nature.
You’ll find this gem in the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, roughly one hour from Downtown Dubai. Like Hatta, this is a popular place to escape from the city for the day. There’s even a campsite if you want to make a weekend of it.
The reason why Al Qudra Lakes is one of the top Dubai natural attractions is because all sorts of wildlife call this place home. Explore the area and you might spot desert foxes, oryxes, or one of 170 bird species, including flamingos and swans.
Bikers will love tackling the 86-kilometer Al Qudra Cycle Track, while couples should definitely visit the famous heart-shaped Love Lake!
