Back to Nature in Kalba

Sharjah City is known for its numerous museums, special souqs and impressive cityscape, but to connect with nature in Sharjah - you must visit Kalba. In Kalba, you can spend the morning spotting sea turtles at the beach and the afternoon exploring a hidden valley on the hunt for an Arabian Oryx.

Many sustainable and eco-tourists use their travels to search for untouched wilderness and unique experiences in nature. In Sharjah, the place to go for nature lovers and wilderness seekers is Kalba. Located on the Eastern coast, Kalba boasts some of the healthiest mangrove forests in the Middle East as well as pristine beaches and mountain trails.

Healthy mangroves, happy tourists

The Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre recently opened in 2021 to allow tourists and visitors to learn more about the mangrove forest and conservation reserve during their visit to the Al Qurm Nature Reserve. This site is designated an internationally important wetland by the Ramsar Convention, and according to Ramsar, the trees in Kalba are the largest and best preserved in the biogeographic region. The mangrove centre includes education on the animals and plants in the mangrove forests, including aquariums and interactive displays. The centre has outdoor walking paths, sea turtle and bird rehabilitation areas, and a habitat for Arabian sand gazelle. If you’re lucky, you can spot the endangered Arabian collared kingfisher among the mangrove trees or sea turtles in the waters around the mangroves. This visitor centre is a landmark in the region as a destination that combines tourism, education and wildlife conservation.

Beach glamping

The Kingfisher Retreat is a glamping resort located steps away from the Khor Kalba mangrove forest and overlooking the Kalba beach. The infrastructure is carefully built into the coastal environment, and the property is therefore exposed to wildlife and birds. The five-star hotel is pioneering ecotourism in the region and is part of a collection of glamping resorts in Sharjah. Construction of the buildings and structures was purposefully done off site, and transported to the beachfront area in order to reduce disturbance to the environment. The benefits of retreats created in harmony with nature is that guests have the opportunity to feel embedded within the ecosystems. This is one of the benefits of sustainable and ecotourism - enhancing people’s connection with nature.

Endemic species education

Kalba not only has a well-preserved coastal environment, but it is also home to the Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre located at the base of the Hajar Mountains. The conservation centre showcases over 30 species of mountain animals, including mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, and is part of a larger protected area. The visitor centre is used to educate residents and international tourists about the unique mountain species found in the United Arab Emirates, as people may not realise just how much life there is in the desert environment. Student workshops are held regularly, and the visitor centre is teeming with educational and artistic content to keep the whole family engaged.

Get lost in the mountains

Wadi al Helo, which means ‘sweet valley’ in English, is the ideal location for hiking and exploration of the Kalba mountains. This area has trails ranging from beginner to advanced, and the region is home to the Arabian Oryx and desert wildflowers. The area is deemed a protected area by the Environmental and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) in Sharjah and can be explored with a guide or by following GPS trails to avoid getting lost. The most popular trail passes a historic watchtower and archaeological ruins - allowing your mountain adventure to include both natural and cultural wonders.

In Kalba, you can experience the diversity of Sharjah’s nature while learning about the native flora and fauna. Many of the most unique and protected species in the UAE can be found in Kalba, including numerous species of sea turtles, birds and the impressive Arabian Oryx. If you plan on visiting, make sure you respect wildlife and nature by staying on paths and trails and never feed wild animals. As tourists and residents, we are all responsible for ensuring that the natural beauty is accessible for generations to come.

Want to learn more about the environmental impact and opportunities of sustainable tourism? Join Sustain Sharjah today!

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