Al Wathba Wetland Reserve

The lakes at Al Wathba formed when treated wastewater was discharged into a depression in the desert, and birds found them: greater flamingos began breeding here in 1993, the first recorded breeding in the country, and the site was declared Abu Dhabi's first protected area in 1998. It is now a Ramsar wetland holding well over two hundred and fifty recorded species along with fossilised stromatolites in the surrounding sabkha. Trails and hides run around part of the lake.

What you actually see

• The breeding flamingos - the first recorded flamingo breeding site in the country.
• The hides and trails - marked walking routes and watching points around the lakes.
• The stromatolites - fossil microbial mounds in the sabkha around the reserve.
• The migration - waders and wildfowl passing through in autumn and spring.

When to go

November to March, when numbers are highest and the walking is bearable; the reserve closes to visitors for part of the summer. Early morning is best. Opening days are limited and should be checked.

Honest expectations

Opening is restricted to certain days and seasons, and the reserve shuts for much of the summer. There is no public transport and the trails are exposed. Flamingo numbers vary a great deal through the year.

Nearby

Al Wathba Fossil Dunes are east, and the camel race track is nearby.