7 of the best · Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Mangroves, Flamingos and Fossil Dunes: Abu Dhabi Outdoors
Mangrove National Park by kayak, the Jubail boardwalk, the flamingos of Al Wathba, four-million-year-old fossil dunes, and the city parks.
Our 7 favourites, listed A–Z · Updated November 2026
What's onThis week in Abu Dhabi
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Insiders' picks
Three Abu Dhabi moments we keep going back to: the Grand Mosque in the late afternoon, the light under the Louvre’s dome, and a kayak into the mangroves at high tide.
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Kayak at high tide
Mangrove National Park
The protected mangrove forest on the city’s eastern shore, explored by kayak or paddleboard.
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The 2 km boardwalk
Jubail Mangrove Park
A 2 km boardwalk through the mangroves of Jubail Island, between Yas and Saadiyat; book ahead.
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Flamingos
Al Wathba Wetland Reserve
The emirate’s first protected area: up to 4,000 greater flamingos in autumn and spring.
The full list: Parks, A–Z
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Parks
Nature reserves 4
Mangroves, wetlands and dunes.
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Four million years
Al Wathba Fossil Dunes
More than 1,700 fossil dunes over 7 square kilometres, with lit trails, 45 km east of the city.
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Flamingos
Al Wathba Wetland Reserve
The emirate’s first protected area: up to 4,000 greater flamingos in autumn and spring.
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The 2 km boardwalk
Jubail Mangrove Park
A 2 km boardwalk through the mangroves of Jubail Island, between Yas and Saadiyat; book ahead.
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Kayak at high tide
Mangrove National Park
The protected mangrove forest on the city’s eastern shore, explored by kayak or paddleboard.
Parks
City parks and islands 3
Lawns, sport and shade.
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Where the city gets moving
Hudayriyat Island
The sports island off Al Bateen: Surf Abu Dhabi, cycle paths, the Marsana waterfront and a beach.
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The low-carbon district
Masdar City Central Park
The central park of Masdar City, the sustainable district near the airport.
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The family park
Umm Al Emarat Park
One of the city’s largest and oldest parks, opened in 1982, with a botanic garden.
