Not far from Abu Dhabi's concrete, glass and steel architectural phenomena sits a natural treasure – the Marawah Biosphere Reserve, which hosts a wide range of marine and coastal ecosystems, including seagrass beds, coral reefs and mangroves.
The first of its kind in the country, the biosphere reserve is home to more than 60 per cent of the UAE’s population of dugongs. The waters are also a good place to spot bottlenose and humpback dolphins and seabirds. Four species of marine turtles, 70 species of fish, coral reefs and endless stretches of mangrove make up the unique environment of this must visit destination.
Historically, Marawah holds great cultural and archaeological significance in the UAE as more than 20 sites dating back to the Stone Age have been discovered on its islands.
"Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints," says a brochure at the island and this is exactly what we hope you will do at this reserve!