iBestTravel

Your Gateway to the Best Travel Experiences

Reviving Nature: UAE’s Restoration of Desert Wetlands

Debbie Kelly05 mins

Discover the Breathtaking Wetland Centers of UAE

Wasit Wetland Centre in Sharjah

The Wasit Wetland Centre, located in Sharjah, UAE, is an exemplary project that transforms a wasteland into a stunning oasis. The architecture of this center, designed by Dubai firm X-Architects, creates an environment where ecological conservation meets aesthetic beauty.

A bird's eye view of the architecture of the Centre, which blends with its' surroundings and uses the existing topography to minimize the visual impact on the natural scene.
A bird’s eye view of the architecture of the Centre, which blends with its’ surroundings and uses the existing topography to minimize the visual impact on the natural scene.

Visitor Experience

Upon arrival, guests are escorted along a unique underground pathway into a linear gallery. This gallery features a transparent wall, providing an unobscured view of the beautiful birds inhabiting the wetland in their natural habitat.

Upon arrival, visitors are led underground along a pathway into a linear gallery with a transparent wall that allows them to view the birds of the wetland in their natural habitat.
Upon arrival, visitors are led underground along a pathway into a linear gallery with a transparent wall that allows them to view the birds of the wetland in their natural habitat.

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

This sanctuary is remarkable, as it is the only desert wetland in Dubai, encompassing approximately 621 hectares along the banks of Dubai Creek. Recognized for its rich biodiversity, Ras Al Khor is vital in supporting migratory birds, including stunning pink flamingos.

Pink flamingos are pictured as they catch flight at the Ras al-Khor Wildlife Sanctuary on the outskirts of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. The sanctuary which is Dubai's only desert wetland occupies about 621 hectares on the banks of Dubai Creek.
Pink flamingos are pictured as they catch flight at the Ras al-Khor Wildlife Sanctuary on the outskirts of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. The sanctuary which is Dubai’s only desert wetland occupies about 621 hectares on the banks of Dubai Creek.

Other Notable Wetland Locations

Moreover, the rejuvenation initiatives in Wasit are part of a larger project dedicated to the restoration of ancient wetland chains along the Gulf coast.

Wasit isn't the only important wetland habitat in the UAE. It's rejuvenation is part of a much larger project to clean up and rehabilitate an ancient chain of wetlands along the Gulf coast.
Wasit isn’t the only important wetland habitat in the UAE. It’s rejuvenation is part of a much larger project to clean up and rehabilitate an ancient chain of wetlands along the Gulf coast.

Khor Kalba Nature Reserve

In Sharjah, the Khor Kalba Nature Reserve represents another significant conservation area where local authorities collaborate with organizations such as Emirates Nature and WWF. Their research focuses on better understanding the ecology of juvenile green turtles.

The Khor Kalba nature reserve in Sharjah, UAE, where local authorities are working with Emirates Nature and the WWF in a strategic research collaboration to better understand juvenile green turtle and the ecology they live in.
The Khor Kalba nature reserve in Sharjah, UAE, where local authorities are working with Emirates Nature and the WWF in a strategic research collaboration to better understand juvenile green turtle and the ecology they live in.

Hatta Mountain Reserve

Lastly, the Hatta Mountain Reserve sits majestically in the Hajar mountains. This site has recently achieved recognition as a Site of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.

Dubai's Hatta Mountain Reserve has recently been named as a Site of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.
Dubai’s Hatta Mountain Reserve has recently been named as a Site of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these wetland centers exemplify successful conservation efforts and architectural brilliance in the UAE. Whether it’s exploring the diverse wildlife at Ras Al Khor or appreciating the serenity of Wasit, visitors can engage with nature in profound ways.


Related Posts

Back To Top