Explore Al Hayer Forest, a remarkable oasis in the desert
A forest in the desert? Yep, you heard that right! Al Hayer Forest is a rare leafy oasis hidden behind undulating sand dunes, close to the UAE’s border with Oman. This hidden gem makes for an ideal camping ground and outdoor escape. We’ve put together everything you need to know about this truly unique location.
ALL ABOUT AL HAYER FOREST
Now what would you expect from a “forest” in the desert? Possibly, a stretch of golden sand littered sparsely with trees here and there? That’s where Al Hayer Forest Dubai surprises you. This is not a small cluster of trees in the wilderness – it’s a sprawling grove of hundreds of ghaf trees, with canopies that cast an inviting shade for visitors to rest under.
This nugget of nature lies between Dubai and Al Ain and can be accessed via the E66 and E55 highways. On average, it takes just over an hour to travel to Al Hayer Forest from Dubai International Airport. If you’re travelling from the Al Ain Convention Centre, the drive will take even less time.
THINGS TO DO AT AL HAYER FOREST DUBAI
Perhaps the most obvious thing about this place is the complete wilderness in which it’s located, which naturally makes it an excellent spot to experience desert camping in the UAE. So it’s definitely worth considering grabbing your camping gear and heading out to the forest for an overnight camping trip.
The place is unique and not frequented by a lot of people, which means you could be the only ones there — with a fantastic opportunity to take stunning photographs of the forest and surrounding landscape.
For those of you who enjoy off-roading, this area offers easy terrain to take your 4WD on a test drive. You can also set up a bonfire and grill some chicken wings or ribs to make your time at the forest memorable.
It is important to note that the Al Hayer Forest Al Ain temperature is quite similar to that of the surrounding cities. However, the desert weather at night is more pleasant. For the best experience, it is recommended to visit this unique grove in the cooler months.
FAQS
WHERE IS AL HAYER FOREST LOCATED?
The forest is located off the Dubai – Al Ain Road (E66), close to the UAE-Oman border. You can use these approximate coordinates: 24.6452° N, 55.7850° E (Google Plus Code: 7HPQJQWM+3X) for directions to reach the Al Hayer Forest location.
IS THERE ANYTHING YOU SHOULD CONSIDER WHEN VISITING AL HAYER FOREST DUBAI?
There are a number of things you should be careful of when visiting the forest.
- Do not harm the trees or cut their branches to use as firewood for Al Hayer Forest camping.
- Make sure you go fully prepared with complete camping equipment (if you plan to camp) and other things you might need. You can get your gear from any of the camping equipment shops in Dubai.
- Don’t litter or leave behind anything that may be dangerous for the region’s wildlife.
- Be wary of the scorpions that are common in the area, mostly found near the roots of the trees.
ARE THERE WILD ANIMALS IN AL HAYER FOREST?
Just like any other forest around the world, this unique desert forest is also home to a variety of animal species that form part of the region’s collective ecosystem. Do not get spooked if you come across rabbits, mice, owls and other critters. You may even come across herds of camels scouring the area for sustenance.
That wraps up our roundup of Al Hayer Forest, Dubai. There is a wealth of natural attractions in the UAE. From the Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre in Sharjah to the Wadis in Fujairah, there are plenty of Mother Nature’s bounties to explore.
If you want to amp up the fun a notch higher, try out the activities in Hatta or head over to Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah.
Looking for camping options? There are plenty of opportunities for camping in Hatta. For those of you who love a little outdoor luxury, there are glamping spots in Dubai where you can escape the mundane!
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