The UAE’s coastline is a hive of activity on any given day of the week. But, while riding boats, jet skis, electric surfboards, and even motorised jet cars across the clear blue waters of the Arabian Gulf might look like tonnes of fun, water sports are actually causing severe damage to our ocean ecosystems.
Shoreline erosion, degradation of flora, and murky, sediment-filled polluted waters are just some of the negative side effects of motorised water sports. In 2019, the WWF reported that global wildlife populations have fallen by 69 percent since 1970, and increasing incidents of water damage caused by human activities are only making the situation worse.
For instance, aside from the obvious noise pollution, jet skis can collide with and injure animals, and disturb habitats where wildlife feeds or breeds. Boating activities can also cause engine fuel to be spilled into the ocean, along with other chemical-laden substances such as paint and cleaning fluids.
However, as long as you stick to water sports that are quiet, human-powered and low-impact, and of course remember to look not touch, and leave nothing behind, it is easy to enjoy water sports without having a detrimental effect on the environment.
Perfect for enjoying during the cooler months, the below water activities are just some of the ways that you to reconnect with nature, and take to the water in a way that is considerate and mindful of the underwater world.
Debris diving, Dubai and Abu Dhabi
According to the UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, a staggering eight million tonnes of plastic ends up in the world’s oceans every year, leading to the deaths of thousands of turtles, dolphins, fish, and other wildlife. Thankfully, several scuba diving groups in the UAE have started initiatives to try and clear the Arabian Gulf of plastic.
In Abu Dhabi, Al Mahara Diving Center organises youth and adult underwater clean ups, while in Dubai, Chloe Blue Diving Club has collected over 500kg of plastic through its regular debris dives around Le Mer, and the Emirates Diving Association runs Cleanup Arabia volunteer events for its members at D-Marin Marina Marsa Al Arab throughout the year. @emiratesdivingassociation
Hatta Dam kayaking, Dubai
Just a 90-minute drive from Dubai, Hatta Dam is the very definition of jaw-dropping natural beauty. A dreamy expanse of still turquoise water, surrounded by the towering jagged peaks of the Hajar Mountains, you can snap some amazing photos just from the viewpoints along the water’s edge. However, the best angles can only be achieved from the water, and gliding across the dam is a thrill that never ever gets old. Open throughout the year, kayak rental starts from AED 60, while the banks of the gorgeous lagoon are the perfect spot for a picnic after water sports in the clean fresh air. @visit.hatta
Kitesurfing, Kite Beach, Dubai
Truly living up to its name, the skies above Kite Beach are always scattered with multi-coloured kites. One of the most popular spots in Dubai for water sports, the friendly free public beach is the perfect place to try kite surfing for the first time. Some of the best places to sign up for lessons include Kitesurf School Dubai (its repair service helps surfers eliminate waste and extend the lifespan of their equipment), and the very friendly Kite Zone, which also offers kids camps and group lessons. An accessible, yet adrenaline-fueled sport that’s suitable for all ages and abilities, you’ll be hooked after your first time. @kitezonedubai
Kayaking in the mangroves, Abu Dhabi
Made up of thousands and thousands of mangrove trees, the sprawling Jubail Mangrove Park is a calm and peaceful place for a tranquil paddle. Allowing you to get right up close to the many different birds, fish, crabs, gazelles, and other wildlife that call the protected area home (all without disturbing them with noise or pollution), every rental and entry fee funds the destination’s efforts to protect the Abu Dhabi coastline, plant more mangrove trees, and promote environmental education. Try to visit at high tide when the blue waters are at their deepest and most beautiful, and take some time to take a pleasant stroll along the several kilometres of boardwalk paths afterwards, too. @jubail_mangrove_park
Litter pick kayaking, Abu Dhabi
You can rent kayaks in tonnes of different places across the UAE, but have you ever thought about using your time out on the water for more than just relaxation and exercise? Al Mahara Diving Center, known for being the region’s first certified PADI Eco Center organises kayaking clean up events around Abu Dhabi’s lush mangrove forests, and everyone aged 10 and over is welcome to come and join in. Committed to getting youth and the wider community more involved with environmental protection, it also hostswildlife awareness sessions, scuba diving trips to Oman, and more fun and eco-conscious ocean activities. @diveabudhabi.
Snorkelling at Snoopy Island, Fujairah
A dramatic pointed rock island located just 200m off the shore of Al Aqah beach, Snoopy Island is a magical place to snorkel, take part in water sports and explore the UAE’s thriving underwater ecosystems. Turtles, eels, parrot fish, trumpet fish, and even sharks are regularly spotted amongst the abundance of other colourful fish, and you can get there either by swimming out directly from the public beach (if you’re a strong swimmer) or by taking a boat tour and letting a guide help you spot and identify the most interesting specimens.
Certain areas are off limits to prevent damage to the coral reef, and the whole experience leaves you with a new appreciation for Fujairah’s wild and rugged landscapes. fujairahadventures.ae.
Stand-up paddle boarding, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Floating across the surface of the ocean on a stand-up paddle board (SUP) causes minimal disturbance to nature, and there are so many stunning places to enjoy the sport in Dubai. Great for improving core strength and stability, it’s a relaxing workout that barely even feels like exercise, and a fantastic way of exploring the city’s finest landmarks without tackling traffic or packed public transport. Kite N Surf on the Palm Jumeirah offers dozens of paddle boards for rent, including ones for beginners and experienced paddle boarders, too.
If you’re nervous about giving it a try (don’t be) the centre also offers lessons, and its strategic sheltered location away from the choppy water and wind ensures that you will get maximum enjoyment out of every moment. With the iconic buildings of the Palm as your backdrop, your hour rental or lesson is sure to pass by in a flash.
kitensurf.ae.
Surfing, Kitesurf Beach Center, Umm al Quwaim
Surfing might not be the first sport that you associate with the UAE, but there’s very much a thriving surf scene over in Umm Al Quwain. Built on a desire to promote appreciation of the country’s glorious natural coastline, and connect families and sports lovers with the healing powers of the sea, the entirety of Kitesurf Beach Center is made from natural materials, right down to the stone and wood weights in the gym. The surfing lessons and kite surfing courses are led by expert instructors and open to all abilities, and it also hosts kayaking tours, too.
If you want to make a weekend out of your surfing adventure, the sustainable yet luxurious African-style beach huts are finished with thatched grass roofs, and all offer incredible views of the tiny Emirate’s unpolluted blue ocean and soft white sands.
@kitesurfbeachcenter.
