The United Arab Emirates stretches for over 650 kilometers along the Persian Gulf’s southern shore. Most part of the coast consists of vast salt pans which extend far inland. Dubai owns the largest natural harbor, though other ports are dredged at Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and elsewhere. A number of islands are found in the Persian Gulf. The ownership of some of these has been the main reason for international disputes with both Qatar and Iran.
When you are home to the tallest, it is fair to say you possess a wonder. What are the 7 Wonders of the United Arab Emirates? Is the list right? What should be replaced or what should be added?
Bu Tinah
Bu Tinah is a cluster of low-lying islands. The highest elevated point within the archipelago is three meters above the sea level. The shoals are surrounded by seagrass beds and coral reefs. A sheltered lagoon lined with mangroves is seen in the main island which opens to the south. For certain birds such as the osprey, this island has great importance as a nesting ground. A number of rare migratory birds like some species of tern and Socotra cormorant visit Bu Tinah. The favorable atmosphere makes it a hospitable place not only for a wide variety of birds but also for numerous marine creatures too.
Sir Bani Yas Island
The Island, Sir Bani Yas is located at a distance of 250 km southwest of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates’ capital. Sir Bani Yas Island, which was originally the dwelling place for the largest wildlife of Arabia, is located just off the shore of Abu Dhabi’s Western region. Several million plants and trees are found here and it is now home to a number of free-roaming animals too. With a wildlife reserve as well as a bird sanctuary, Sir Bani Yas Island showcases nature through various activities. Being Abu Dhabi’s own Desert Islands, it is a collection of eight pristine islands which is apt to be personal and close with wildlife and nature.
Jebel Jais Mountain
The cluster of Jebel Jais Mountain is located at about 25kms from the Ras Al Khaimah City. These mountains have significantly very low temperatures even in the peak of summer months. Occasionally, snow falls heavily on the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah, which left the mighty Jebel Jais range under a covering of a vast thick white snow blanket. The severe cold at times on the peak of the cluster of Jebel Jais mountain that is situated at a great height of 5,700 feet, brings down to an extremely low temperature of -3 degree Celsius when the snow blankets cover an area of over 5 km.
Khor Fakkan Beach
Khor Fakkan is the most popular tourist spot of UAE, surrounded by many natural wonders like attractive beaches and huge mountains. It also exhibits coral outcrops that are suitable for snorkeling and diving. The beach has splendid white sand and is also safe for swimming. According to one of the sources, the name of this beach is referred to the shape of an area. “Khor” is usually the land extended between the two water bodies. “Fak” has the meaning of jaw, which in turn is referred to the land’s shape where the water gets touched.
Wadi
Wadi is the Arabic term which traditionally refers to a valley. In rare cases, it may have the reference of a dry riverbed which contains water during the times of heavy rain alone or just an intermittent stream. In the dry summer months, it would be really exciting to drive a four-wheeler along the wadis and enjoy the natural and dramatic scenery of rocks, pools, and greenery.
Though the United Arab Emirates is not much vast in terms of area, the natural wonders that are present in these islands which include varied landscapes, sand dunes, oasis, mountains, valleys, beaches and many more, attract millions of tourists every year.
Discover the Seven Wonders of the United Arab Emirates.