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 breed here, the first recorded breeding in the country, and Sheikh Zayed declared the site Abu Dhabi's first protected area in 1998. It has been a Ramsar wetland since 2013. Trails and hides run around part of the lake.

What you'll find

• 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 lakes - water in a desert depression, now a Ramsar wetland.
• 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.

Things to know

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.

Key facts