Established in 1998 by the late Sheikh Zayed, Founder of the UAE, the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve is a nature reserve consisting of both natural and man-made bodies of water located 40 km southeast of central Abu Dhabi. Covering a total of five square km, the wetlands are comprised of wetlands, salt flats, fossilized sands, and dunes, and are densely packed with a variety of animal and plant species.

The reserve is particularly known for its remarkable population of Greater Flamingos – with as many as 4,000 living there during autumn and spring – but also hosts more than 250 species of birds, 37 plant species, and a wide range of aquatic life. There are two self-guided walking trails (1.5 kms or 3 kms) for visitors to explore and a bird-watching hide to observe the flamingos.

The Al Wathba Wetland Reserve is a great place to connect with nature. It is closed during the warmer months due to the breeding season of Greater Flamingos.