Abu Dhabi residents will soon have yet another cool place to hang around over weekends. One of the largest wetlands in the UAE, the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve in Abu Dhabi will open doors to the public on 1 January 2021. The reserve closed in March due to the pandemic. Al Wathba is home to over 4,000 greater flamingos, 230 species of invertebrates, 11 mammals, 10 reptiles and 35 species of plant.
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Walk Around & Encounter Fascinating Species At This Wetland
Since its opening to the public in October 2014, Al Wathba has attracted more than 20,000 visitors. The place is also frequent by bird watchers, photography enthusiasts, and those seeking to learn about the important species found in the reserve. The reserve’s designated walking trails (1.5km and 3km) allow visitors to closely observe its natural habitats and wildlife.
The reserve also includes a visitor centre, a Bird Hide and a viewing platform. Visitors can expect to encounter fascinating species including the Cuckoo Wasp, Black Fat-tailed Scorpion, Greater Spotted Eagle, Red Fox, Egyptian Spiny-tailed Lizard, Desert Monitor Lizard, Cape Desert Hare, and Purple-blushed Darter.
In 2013, the reserve was recognised as a Ramsar site – one designated to be of international importance under the Ramsar Convention established by UNESCO. It was also the first site in the region to be added to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) green list in 2018, joining 40 sites around the world. The reserve was recently nominated for the Middle East’s Responsible Tourism Award.
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What Is There To See/Do?
The reserve is particularly known for its large population of Greater Flamingos – with as many as 4,000 living there during autumn and spring – but also hosts more than 250 species of birds, 37 plant species and a wide range of aquatic life. There are two self-guided walking trails (1.5 km or 3 km) for visitors to explore and a bird-watching hide to observe the flamingos.
When Is It Open?
The wetland is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays every week, from 8 am until 6 pm. Last entry is at 4 pm.
How Much Does It Cost To Get In?
Free
How Can I Get There?
It is a 30-minute drive from Abu Dhabi city centre. Take the E22 Abu Dhabi-Al Ain road and connect with the E30 Abu Dhabi-Al Ain Truck Road, then follow signs for the reserve.
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Abu Dhabi Is All Set To Have World’s First-Ever Girandola, Fireworks Show
Well, when it comes to fireworks, the display is not going to be a regular one. As per the organisers, it will have the world’s first-ever Girandola fireworks show. Girandola is the Italian word for pinwheel- so beholders can expect a spinning, sparkling display.
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The Firework Display Will Start At Midnight At Sheikh Zayed Festival
For the world record, the organisers are looking forward to setting the world record for the largest straight-line fireworks display. And it’s not just the firework display that we are excited about- it’s also the other things that come with it. There is also going to be a special fountain, and laser shows, performances by local and international bands, and children’s activities at the Sheikh Zayed Festival to mark the end of 2020.
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If you are all set to enjoy this pompous display of nothing but glory, then you must know that while the gates to the festival open at 2 PM, the fireworks display will begin at midnight. And with a plethora of activities, you can enjoy the Sheikh Zayed Festival till then. The entry for the same costs AED 5. It boasts a wide range of attractions, from Emirati folk exhibits to live performances, at Al Wathba. Meanwhile, here are other places in the UAE where you can enjoy fireworks.