Al Wathba Wetland Reserve - Abu Dhabi

Al Wathba was declared a protected area in 1998 by the late UAE President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. This 5 km² area is home to nearly 232 species of birds that depend on the wetland either for resting, feeding or breeding. It provides a safe refuge for many other species of reptiles, small mammals and insects and is an important area for biodiversity conservation in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Al Wathba was the site for the first ever satellite tagging of greater flamingos in the Arabian Peninsula in 2005.

Location & Access: It is approximately 40 km Southeast of Abu Dhabi Island and 3 km from Mussafah. The Lake covers an area of 1.5 km². The Reserve is not open to the general public but receives a limited number of student groups and birdwatchers.