UAE: 10 hidden gems to explore for a nature escape

UAE is home to bustling cities which are active at all times, and sometimes it is necessary to pause and enjoy a different side of the country. Here we have compiled some beautiful hidden gems that can give you the perfect chance to detox from city life.

Mushrif Park: The park opened a hiking trail in June this year and it is perfect for all levels of hikers. The trail is accessible to all and goes through picturesque surroundings including trees, wooden bridges, and brooks - with ample opportunity to enjoy local flora and fauna.

Dubai Love Lake: This weekend, head on over to one of Dubai’s unusual offerings – a lake in the shape of intertwined hearts. Dubai’s Love Lake is perfect for barbeques and sunsets and so much more. You could barbecue of go for an evening stroll or engage in some bird watching. There are shaded areas, fire pits and of course washrooms on site.

Nad Al Sheba, Dubai: You’ll not feel like you’re in the city on this forest trail. The 2.5km long area is shaded with tall trees and makes you feel like you’re in an oasis far removed from the sheen of the city. Before heading there, confirm that this trail is still open to the public.

Kite Beach Centre, Umm Al Quwain: Want the Bali vibes without actually flying there? Head to the Kite Beach Centre Umm Al Quwain to enjoy a fun and beautiful day out on the beach. The area is best known for the Barracuda resort. The Kite Beach Centre is essentially a kite-surfing school so you can book classes and rent kayaks when there. You could also rent beach huts if you’re planning to spend a whole day there. Entry fee starts at Dh45 per person.

Al Faya Caves, Sharjah: Did you know about Mleiha’s ‘valley of the Caves’? Go pre-historic with your trip to the Al Faya Caves making for a fun and educational family day out at the Maleiha Archeogical centre. The centre which features structures from the Paleolithic period - around 150,000 years ago – is also a great place for a picnic and for camping. Activities here cost from Dh50 to Dh1,500.

Sustainable City's Sanctuary: A visit to the Animal Sanctuary in Sustainable City is a great idea for the soul and the eyes. In this community, where sustainability and love for the environment take centre stage, you will forget that you’re in the land of skyscrapers and world-record breaking attractions. With a kids’ play area, a duck pond, peacocks and rescued animals, the sanctuary is a great place to visit with family. Feeding goats and donkeys make for fun bonding moments.

Al Sinniyah Island, UAQ: Khor al Beidah is a super popular spot for wildlife and for bird watching. Located on the Al Sinniyah Island, the largest of the Umm Al Quwain islands, which is a marine life preserve as big as 90 square kilometres. If bird watching is your thing, the best time to visit would be in between November and March, which means that great bird species will be coming in. the Island’s shallow lagoons and mud areas make the perfect habitat for feeding and nesting for many birds.

Al Wathba Dunes, Abu Dhabi: The twisted shapes made by the golden sands of the desert make this area a film locale favourite. It’s got an ‘off-the-earth’ vibe and makes for cool photos – and camping out moments. The dunes are accessible at any time of day, although the best times to visit are at sunrise and sunset.

Masfout, Ajman: This region in the Hajar Mountains is one of the highlights for Ajman. Trekking, biking or hiking in the area is bound to give you some amazing experiences. The spot is around 90 minutes away from the city, so it's best to rustle up supplies for a picturesque picnic.

Al Heera Beach, Sharjah: Al Heera Beach stretches over 3.5km of shoreline in the Al Fisht area, and has a picturesque setting overlooking the Arabian Gulf. The beach, which is still adding more amenities, has two jogging and bicycle tracks, a gym, play areas for children as well as cafes and restaurants.