Abu Dhabi resumes activities in zoos and parks

Our Correspondent

Al Ain Zoo in the emirate of Abu Dhabi has created mountain bicycle rides for adventure lovers amidst the rugged terrain of the Hafeet Mountain.

Guests can choose from two activity tiers. The first is dedicated to mountain bicycles with three unique tracks of varying lengths (3, 7, and 9 km) located by the main gate, allowing them to explore the slopes and rugged mountain terrain alongside the Al Ain African Safari. The second is dedicated to tricycles and is set near the Education Centre.

All experiences at the zoo are in line with the set COVID-19 precautionary measures. The external mountains experience is available from 10 am – 6 pm on weekdays and from 7am – 6 pm on weekends; the internal experience is available from 1 – 7 pm all week. There is a dedicated stand next to the main gate and the Education Centre to book them.

Al Wathba Wetland Reserve reopens

The Al Wathba Wetland Reserve has reopened for the public from January 1, 2021 and is open till April 30, 2021. The reserve gives free entry to public, and is open from 8 am – 6 pm on all days except Sunday and Monday. The last entry time every day is 4 pm.

The reserve was closed in mid-March last year following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has stressed that visitors adhere to set precautionary measures like face masks and social distancing. Visitors, with the exception of children under 12 years, must show a negative Covid-19 PCR test for a period not exceeding one month.

Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, one of the first natural reserves to be established in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, was officially declared as a protected area in 1998 by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan after it was found to be the ideal habitat for migratory birds and a breeding site for Greater Flamingos, which is the star attraction at the reserve now. The reserve is the only site in the Arabian Gulf region where flamingos have been regularly breeding since 2011.

The reserve is home to more than 260 migratory bird species, around 230 species of invertebrates, 11 mammals, 10 reptiles, and 35 plant species. Visitors can expect to see the Cuckoo Wasp, Black Fat-tailed Scorpion, Greater Spotted Eagle, Red Fox, Egyptian Spiny-tailed Lizard, Desert Monitor Lizard, Cape Desert Hare, and Purple-blushed Darter.

Since its opening to the public in October 2014, Al Wathba has attracted more than 20,000 visitors especially bird watchers and photography enthusiasts. The reserve has designated walking trails of 1.5km and 3km, a visitor centre, a Bird Hide and a viewing platform.

The reserve was recognised in the 2013 as a Ramsar site – one designated to be of international importance under the Ramsar Convention established by UNESCO. It was also the first site in the region to be added to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) green list in 2018, joining 40 other sites around the world. The reserve was recently nominated for the Middle East’s Responsible Tourism Award.