Abu Dhabi: A group of people of determination explored a wide range of wild animals in Al Wathba Wetlands Reserve of Abu Dhabi, the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) in Abu Dhabi said on Thursday.
The trip came as part of the DCT’s Year of Giving initiatives, which was launched by President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The tour offered people a chance to explore the wide range of wild animals across an area of five square kilometres covering wetlands, sabkhas, quicksand, fossilised sand and dunes, all of which cradle more than 250 species of birds, 37 species of plants, and a variety of dragonflies and damselflies.
The department organised the trip in collaboration with the Zayed Higher Organisation for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs.
Shamma Al Farsi, acting Leisure Development Section manager at the department, said: “This trip is a translation of our wise leadership’s directives regarding the appreciation of people of determination and instilling the spirit of creativity in them. Through these initiatives, we aim to provide equal opportunities to experience Abu Dhabi and establish a connection with our natural environment reserves.
“These trips are to spread awareness among people of determination on the importance of learning about the UAE environment and exploring its rich diverse environments from sea and land to mountains and deserts.”
Emirati tour guide Sultan Al Karani, led the group on the tour through the nature reserve. Al Karani offers Al Wathba Reserve tour to all visitors as part of the “Emirati Experiences” launched by the department recently.
Al Karani took them to visit the flamingos, which are among the reserve’s most attractive creatures to visitors. During the tour, he pointed out the importance of conserving the environment and its natural diversity, and talked about the efforts made in that regard.
The department launched the ‘Emirati Experiences’ programme in October, a series of tours including nine unique experiences covering many areas and experiences of Abu Dhabi.
Emirati tour guides Mohammad Al Hammadi, Heba Bin Reda and Sultan Al Karani designed and executed the tour programme, providing visitors with the opportunity to experience the UAE culture, heritage and history up close and across deeper layers.
