Established by the late His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Al Wathba Wetland Reserve is the first area in Abu Dhabi designated for protection by law Initially a coastal salt flat, it has transformed into natural and man-made lakes, providing a haven for many of Abu Dhabi’s species. The reserve hosts a variety of plant and animal species, including the black-winged stilt and the indigenous spiny-tailed lizard.
One of the reserve’s highlights is its significant population of Greater Flamingos, with an average of 4,000 flamingos present during autumn and spring. Visitors can explore the reserve via two self-guided walking trails (1.5 kilometres or 3 kilometres) and a birdwatching hide for observing flamingos. It’s an ideal spot for families and children to reconnect with nature and witness rare sightings of flamingos and other wildlife.
Following the Abu Dhabi Flamingo Observation Tower architecture competition, winners ‘Bee Breeders’ and ‘ARCHHIVE BOOKS’ proposed a design called “Flamingo Dreams” for a flamingo observation platform and connecting boardwalk, with construction underway and nearly completed. This new architectural landmark will enhance the reserve’s existing visitor experience, which includes a network of trails and a bird hide. The platform, designed to be handicapped-accessible, will feature a boardwalk, a floor area of 400 square meters, and a height of 12 meters.
We eagerly anticipate the completion of this project, which will allow us to view these beautiful pink birds up close during the winter, ensuring safety for both visitors and the birds. When you do plan your visit pack re-usable bottles filled with water, a hat and sunscreens. The wetland reserve is kept as raw as possible, hence, there are no cafes available; make sure you stay hydrated and fed.
