The northern-most mangrove forest in the world.

With over 500 hectares of protected mangroves, Al Qurm Protected Area is a must-visit wildlife sanctuary in UAE. The mangroves - or qurm in Arabic - house rare bird species, sea turtles and mammals.

Surrounded by an abundance of avian and aquatic life, you may spot the endangered Arabian-collared kingfishers flying over the mangroves, or hawksbill and green turtles nesting on the nearby beach. Go deeper into the natural reserve with guided kayak and paddle board tours, or carry a pair of binoculars to spot wildlife from a distance.

If you are looking to go kayaking, Al Qurm Protected Area is one of the can’t miss places to visit in the UAE. It’s an unparalleled experience to paddle through shimmering waters bustling with wildlife.

For an experience camping in the UAE, stay overnight at the reserve. The Kalba Kingfisher Lodge has 20 luxury tents connected by boardwalks that protect the turtle nesting grounds. Whatever you plan for your stay, this east coast destination is definitely one of the places to visit in Sharjah.

How to get there

The Al Qurm Protected Area is located in Khor Kalba on the southern outskirts of Kalba village, on Sharjah’s east coast.

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