All about Wadi Al Wurayah
- About Wadi Wurayah
- Wadi Wurayah location
- Plants and animals in Wadi Wurayah
- Wadi Wurayah National Park timings
Fujairah is one of the most beloved travel destinations in the UAE and has a lot to offer in terms of scenic beauty and attractions. The stunning wadis in the city are hugely popular with travel and adventure enthusiasts in the city. The word ‘wadi’ is of Arabic origin and translates to ‘valley’ or ‘deep ravine’. A wadi showcases the rugged mountainous landscape and serves as a thriving ecosystem for indigenous flora and fauna. It is the perfect place for hiking and other outdoor adventures in the UAE. If you are visiting the picturesque emirate, one of the must-visit places includes the Wadi Wurayah, a breathtaking ravine of surrounded by impressive mountain ranges.
ABOUT WADI WURAYAH
Wadi Al Wurayah is nestled between the towns of Masafi, Khor Fakkan and Bidyah in Fujairah. Also known as the Wadi Wurayah National Park, it spans across a huge area of 31,000 acres. It has also been designated as a site of Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, which is part of an international treaty of the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
Wadi Wurayah became the first protected mountain area in the UAE. This was achieved after a three-year campaign by the Emirates Wildlife Society in Association with World Wide Fund for Nature along with the support of HSBC Bank Middle East Limited. To capture the wildlife in the region, the EWS-WWF association also set up camera traps everywhere.
Recently, Wadi Wurayah was also declared as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. Wadi Al Wurayah stays dry throughout the year, but the water level can rise due to rain and can submerge the roads and lower plains.
Another thing that adds to the beauty of the wadi is the Wadi Al Wurayah waterfalls. Along with these natural attractions, you can also enjoy many outdoor activities at the Wadi Wurayah tour, such as hiking on the designated hiking trails and visiting the Wadi Wurayah dam.
WADI WURAYAH LOCATION
Wadi Al Wurayah is a few kilometres north of Khor Fakkan and 4.3 kilometres south of Al Bidyah Mosque. The region starts from the E99 coastal road, which is a well-developed road and allows you to reach the wadi without an off-road vehicle. Once you continue on the route, you will find different routes for passenger vehicles and all-terrain vehicles.
PLANTS AND ANIMALS IN WADI WURAYAH
In Wadi Wurayah Fujairah, you can find more than 100 species of mammals, reptiles, birds and amphibians, as well as 300 species of plants. It has some of the rarest animals in the world, such as Arabian leopards, Arabian tahr, mountain gazelles, caracals and many more. To capture these species, the EWS-WWF has set up camera traps throughout the wadi.
There are more than 90 endangered bird species in the wadi as well. Wadi Al Wurayah is also home to more than 208 plant species, including the UAE’s native orchid, epipactis veratrifolia.
WADI WURAYAH NATIONAL PARK TIMINGS
If you are fascinated by the Wadi Al Wurayah and would like to visit the stunning valley, here are some important details for you:
- Timings: Sunday to Thursday 08:00 am – 04:30 pm
- Preferred season to visit: October to April
- Contact: +971-9-222-7000
- Email: wwnp@fujmun.gov.ae
Before you visit, make sure to check out the weather forecast and try to avoid it if there is any chance of rain.
This wraps up our guide on Wadi Al Wurayah. If you enjoy visiting such picturesque destinations don’t forget to check out our complete list of all the wadis in Fujairah, as well as the Wadi Al Bih in Ras Al Khaimah. The Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah is also a good option for adventure seekers.
If you head over to Wadi Wurayah, you might also want to visit the ancient Al Bidyah Mosque in Fujairah, which is very close. Additionally, you can also read up on the best things to do in Fujairah for a fun experience.