11 places to encounter Abu Dhabi's amazing nature and wildlife

One of the top places to visit for families, the Emirates Park Zoo is home to hundreds of animals − including a 300kg-plus Siberian bear and a majestic pair of white tigers. Thanks to a park-wide misting system, you can stay cool while you wander around. Fun activities include feeding the hungry hippos and dining with elephants - a unique way to teach your kids how to care for animals! The park also has an aerial play area that spans across the Petting Zoo - with 2 circuits and over 50 obstacles for you to zip, slide and climb through.

Being an archipelago made up of over 200 islands, Abu Dhabi has an abundant marine life. Ranging from beginner to pro, there is no shortage of prime snorkelling and diving spots where you can discover sea creatures, coral reefs, shipwrecks and more. If you like to keep your head above the water, the city’s coastline is perfect for kayaking, SUP, sailing or jet skiing. 

A haven for birdwatchers, nature-lovers and photographers, Jubail Mangrove Park is a wholesome place to visit. Termed as a self-contained educational and leisure destination, take advantage of either of the three walkways for a closer look at the lush landscape. There is even a floating platform with a net that shows you the marine life below. For the best pictures, head to the viewing platform located at a higher vantage point, strike a pose or let nature be the main focal point. The best time to visit the park is during high tide.

An island of leisure, entertainment and cultural finds, the beautiful Saadiyat Island is just a seven-minute drive from downtown Abu Dhabi. Populated by free-roaming gazelles and gorgeous white sand beaches to laze on, the island is also home to the critically endangered Hawksbill turtles that use them as their nesting ground. Thanks to the Hawksbill Turtle Conservation Programme, some 650 eggs have hatched successfully on Saadiyat since 2010. The beach is carefully managed, even more so during nesting season, ensuring that the eggs are safe. You should also keep an eye out for dolphins frolicking in the bay.

Sheikh Zayed had a great fondness for falcons and was deeply passionate about their well-being. His vision was to rehabilitate them and release them into the world. The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital grew from that vision and today, the care centre treats over 11,000 birds. To meet the UAE’s national bird, visit the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, a 45-minute drive from the city. Go on a guided tour of the hospital and hold a falcon, under supervision.

Set up in 2001, the Arabian Saluki Centre is a special home and care centre for the incredible breed, whose relationship with the region dates back decades ago. Similar to greyhounds, this breed of Saluki dogs were used by Bedouins primarily for hunting, because of their ability to be swift, fearless and loyal. Trained to work as a team; the falcon would first hover over the prey and then the Saluki would catch it. Before visiting the centre, make sure to reserve or book ahead of time so you can interact with these loyal animals up close.