The journey from Al Ain to Abu Dhabi was fantastic and the desert truly delivered.
From Jebel Hafit, one of the highest peaks in the United Arab Emirates, we drove along the winding mountain road towards Abu Dhabi. Located near the border with Oman, the mountain offers magnificent views across the surrounding desert.
As we descended, we passed scattered sedges and yellow-flowering desert plants before the landscape opened into seemingly endless stretches of sand. Low dunes, towering dunes and broad sand flats extended towards the horizon.
There were no clouds or birds in sight. The sky was filled with dust and fine sand particles, creating a remarkable view of an apparently endless desert.
The scenery was a striking contrast to the Serengeti, with its vast plains of short grass, scattered shrubs, acacia trees and kopjes that provide habitats for thousands of birds. Nevertheless, we thoroughly enjoyed the thrilling experience of exploring the desert’s extraordinary natural surroundings.
My friend, Mr Bader Mehdi, accompanied me on the journey. He has extensive knowledge of arid lands and desert regions. He explained that drought and limited resources had once made life extremely difficult for communities in the United Arab Emirates. However, the discovery of oil transformed the country completely, turning it into what he described as a land of milk and honey.
We drove past barren mountain ranges, winding valleys and areas known for their natural hot springs. Beautiful parks and gardens have also been established for relaxation and picnics, creating a striking contrast with the otherwise rocky and arid landscape. The carefully maintained vegetation appeared to thrive despite the harsh desert conditions, reflecting Al Ain’s commitment to environmental conservation and landscaping.
At Al Ain Zoo, we met Mr Mark Craig, who explained some of the conservation work taking place in the UAE. He also introduced us to an Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx), a medium-sized antelope of considerable cultural and environmental importance in the Arabian Peninsula.
The Arabian oryx is remarkably adapted to desert conditions. It can survive for long periods without drinking water, obtaining much of the moisture it needs from the desert vegetation it eats.
The species was once hunted to extinction in the wild. However, successful captive-breeding and reintroduction programmes have helped restore Arabian oryx populations in protected areas.
Other birds we saw included the houbara bustard, sand partridge and Pharaoh eagle-owl, a formidable desert raptor.
Upon arriving in Abu Dhabi, we visited Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, an important protected area that attracts a wide variety of wetland, desert and migratory birds.
Our sightings included crab-plovers, stints, white wagtails, Asian pied starlings, Indian silverbills and greater hoopoe-larks. The diversity of birdlife made the visit particularly rewarding.
Having travelled all the way from Arusha, the trip felt like a journey through time and evolution. It gave me a deeper appreciation of landscapes shaped over millennia and the civilisations they have nurtured along the way.
