7 stunning creeks in UAE: How many have you been to?
The Arabic word ‘khor’ means creek. Now you know.
‘Khor’ is the Arabic word for creeks. You will find such khors in every major city in the UAE. Over time, these water bodies that serve fishing and trading activities have been transformed into tourist waterfronts that offer stunning waterside views.
With the UAE celebrating the World’s Coolest Winter campaign to encourage residents discover the country’s hidden gems, here is a round-up of some of the most popular khors in the country.
Ras Al Khor Wildife Sanctuary: It is an extension of Khor Dubai. This 6.2-sqkm sanctuary is home to 450 species of animals and 47 species of plants. It is also a haven for migratory birds. During the winter months, the number of birds may reach up to 25,000, with 180 species recorded this year. Flamingoes are the main attraction for visitors, but the sanctuary also hosts large populations of mallards, pintails, common teals, waders, shorebirds and raptors.
Khor Dubai: It is a natural creek into Dubai from the Arabian Gulf. It spans 15km and divides the city into two sections — Deira and Bur Dubai. Throughout history, it has played a major role in the economic development of the region, and today, attracts both tourists and residents.
Khor Kalba: It is a haven of mangroves, tidal creeks and sandy beaches. The khor is also a breeding ground for rare bird species, including the white-collared kingfisher and the Sykes’s warbler. It is a wintering spot of the pond heron.
Khor Umm Al Quwain: A tidal wetland in Umm al Quwain, it hosts several species of crabs, mollusks and wintering shorebirds.
Khor Ajman: Stretching for seven kilometres of waterfront, two kilometres of beach and a tidal creek, Khor Ajman is popular for a variety of water-related sports and activities. It is also home to Al Zorah Nature Reserve, a vibrant ecosystem made up of mangroves, turquoise lagoons and sandy beaches. — Photo: Alamy.com/ae
Khor Ras Al Khaimah: It is the emirate’s longest creek, stretching 64km from the northeastern entrance of the Arabian Gulf. In 2018, a conservation area was created in Khor Mazahmi, a wetlands which is located 14 kilometers south of Ras Al Khaimah city and covers 3sqkm. It provides an important habitat and food source for various wildlife species, including flamingoes. It is also home to the critically endangered green turtle, which is found on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. — Photo: Screengrab from a video shared by Wam
Khor Al Maqta: Being a historic waterway that separates Abu Dhabi from the mainland, the Al Qana development project is located along the Khor Al Maqta, offering a view of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Located in Khor Al Maqta, the waterfront tourist destination is to include a large aquarium, cinema, VR zone, E-sports arena, and a lifestyle wellness hub.
