11 places where you can experience the amazing nature of Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is more than a city. In addition to its sparkling architecture and rich cultural heritage, the UAE capital boasts amazing nature and wildlife, making the opportunity to enjoy Abu Dhabi's natural environment an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

Abu Dhabi has many natural places to visit; from stunning deserts, fertile oases and archipelago islands to stunning beaches, mysterious mangrove forests and spectacular wildlife sanctuaries. This can be enjoyed with experiences catering to all activity levels, from hiking and mountain biking to snorkeling, freediving, 4x4 safaris, horse riding and more.

Abu Dhabi's wildlife, carefully protected by the government, has always been the key to its prosperity. In line with the vision of the late founder of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi is deeply committed to preserving the environment and ecology of the emirate. The Sheikh Zayed Protected Areas Network, for example, consists of 19 protected areas. Some, such as the Marawa Marine Biosphere Reserve on Bou Tina Island, the region's largest UNESCO-listed marine biosphere reserve, are open only to researchers. Others, such as Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, Mangrove National Park and Jebel Hafeet National Park, are open to the public.

Here's our ultimate list of places to experience some of Abu Dhabi's most captivating nature and wildlife.

One of the world's best family holiday destinations, Emirates Park Zoo is home to hundreds of animals, including a Siberian bear weighing over 300kg and a majestic pair of white tigers. With a park-wide misting system, you can stay cool while you wander around the park. Fun activities include feeding hungry hippos and dining with elephants - a unique way to teach your children how to care for animals! The park also features an aerial playground that extends through the petting zoo - with 2 tracks and over 50 obstacles for you to jump, slide and climb.

A perfect example of Abu Dhabi's natural beauty is the stunning Sir Bani Yas Island, the largest island three hours' drive from Abu Dhabi. Founded by His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, this pristine reserve is home to giraffes, cheetahs, oryx and many other species. When visiting this private Abu Dhabi nature reserve, you can visit archaeological sites including a 1,400-year-old Christian monastery; hop on a 4x4 to discover wildlife; enjoy your holiday at the resort Desert Island Resort & Spa; or dive to see vibrant coral reefs at Al Mahara Dive Center.

As an archipelago of over 200 islands, Abu Dhabi has rich marine life. For beginner or expert, there is no shortage of top snorkeling and diving spots where you can discover sea creatures, coral reefs, shipwrecks and more. If you like to keep your head above water, the city's shoreline is ideal for kayaking, SUP, sailing or jet skiing.

A paradise for bird watchers, nature lovers and photographers, Jubail Mangrove Park is a rewarding place to visit. Dubbed a self-contained educational and recreational center, take any of the three paths to get up close and personal with the lush landscape. There's even a floating platform with a net that shows you the sea life below. To get the best photos, head to a higher vantage point, strike a pose, or let nature take center stage. The best time to visit the park is during high tide.

Feed budgies, relax with penguins or catch running cheetahs - experiences that will leave you spellbound. Founded in 1968 by the late Sheikh Zayed, Al Ain Zoo is a popular family destination that has welcomed millions of visitors over the years. The zoo, located an hour and a half from Abu Dhabi, is also a conservation center for endangered species such as the Arabian oryx.

With Jebel Hafeet as a backdrop, you can discover a wealth of wildlife in the vast 217-hectare park while exploring the world's largest man-made safari - Al Ain Safari. From lions to wildebeest, you can book a private 4x4 tour or take a truck tour that lasts about 45 minutes.

An island of relaxation, entertainment and cultural attractions, beautiful Saadiyat Island is just seven minutes' drive from the center of Abu Dhabi. Populated by free-roaming gazelles and stunning white sand beaches to laze on, the island is also home to endangered hawksbill turtles, which use them as a nesting site. Thanks to the Hawksbill Turtle Conservation Program, approximately 650 eggs have successfully hatched on Saadiyat since 2010. The beach is carefully guarded, especially during the nesting season, to ensure the safety of the eggs. You can also keep an eye out for dolphins frolicking in the bay.

The Al Wathbah Wetland Reserve highlights Abu Dhabi's natural beauty. The coastal salt flat was once called sabkha, and today the reserve is a mixture of natural and artificial lakes where many different species thrive.

A 30-minute drive from the center of Abu Dhabi, enjoy a leisurely stroll along two accessible paths where you'll get up close and personal with the island's main inhabitants - the great flamingos! There are also over 250 bird species, 37 plant species and a wide range of aquatic life that you can capture on camera.

Sheikh Zayed was very fond of falcons and cared about their well-being. His vision was to rehabilitate them and release them into the world. The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital grew from this vision and today the center cares for more than 11,000 birds. To meet the UAE's national bird, visit the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, located 45 minutes' drive from the city. Go on a tour of the hospital and keep the falcon under supervision.

Crossing the four borders of Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman and the United Arab Emirates is the vast Rub al Khali Desert, the second largest desert in the world. This sprawling area, usually visited from the Abu Dhabi side, is popularly known as the Empty Quarter. Under the guidance of experienced local guides, discover the earth's best companions - the camel - and learn why they are called the "ships of the desert". Visit a falcon and saluki show at a luxury hotel Qasr Al Sarab, where nine falcons of the super-fast species peregrine and saker falcon live.

Founded in 2001, the Arabian Saluki Center is a special home and care center for an incredible breed whose connection to the region dates back decades. Like Greyhounds, this breed of Saluki dog was used primarily for hunting by the Bedouins due to their ability to be fast, fearless and loyal. They also learned to work as a team; The falcon first hovered over the prey, and then the Saluki caught it. Before visiting the center, be sure to make a reservation or pre-book your visit so you can get up close and personal with these trusty animals.