February 2021
We visited the lush oasis of Wadi Shees, one of the UAE’s most popular mountain destinations.
We decided to avoid the crowded Shees Park and instead continue further into the valley to begin the Wadi Shees Nature Trail. This turned out to be an excellent choice.
The trail offers a fascinating combination of nature, traditional agriculture, and local history, while avoiding most of the crowds.
The walk passes through an old mountain village where abandoned stone houses still reflect the traditional lifestyle that once existed in this remote area. Along the route, you can see parts of the ancient falaj irrigation system, an ingenious network of water channels that has supplied mountain farms and plantations for generations.
The path also winds through terraced gardens filled with date palms, banana plants, and other vegetation that thrive thanks to the permanent water supply flowing through the wadi.
What makes Wadi Shees especially remarkable is its unique microclimate. Surrounded by steep mountains and fed by natural springs, the area remains noticeably cooler and greener than much of the UAE.
The highest temperature ever recorded here is only around 32°C, exceptionally mild for the region. The dense vegetation, flowing water, and shaded canyon walls create a refreshing oasis atmosphere that feels completely different from the surrounding desert environment.
The biodiversity along the trail is impressive as well. Birds, insects, flowering plants, and various native trees can all be spotted along the route, making the walk both scenic and educational.
Informational signs along the trail explain the ecology, geology, and traditional farming techniques of the area, adding an extra layer of interest to the hike.
The trail eventually ends near the main road, at a point surprisingly close to the border with Oman, only about 300 meters away. Altogether, Wadi Shees was one of the most refreshing and culturally interesting places we visited in the UAE: a green mountain oasis combining history, nature, and a uniquely cool climate.
We finished the day with a fresh made juice in this 'pineapple food truck' which we found along the road back home :-)
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