UAE: Heavy rains turn desert green; top spots to visit

Large swathes of the deserts in the UAE have turned into lush green landscapes following a period of higher-than-usual rainfall over the past couple of weeks. Explorers in the country have witnessed several areas carpeted in greenery, including parts of the Sharjah-Kalba road around Shawka and Masafi-Dibba.

“I have been seeing it getting greener for a while since we began getting more rain,” said explorer and rain chaser Sajjad. “However, this year the greenery is even more after the record-breaking rainfall.”

He shared his video of the Sharjah-Kalba road on a recent visit.

The expat, who has been living in Dubai for over a decade, said that this is the first time he had seen the country so green.

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“I have travelled all over the UAE chasing rain and I have seen my fair share of greenery,” he said. “However, this is the first time I have seen such extensive parts of the country covered in a blanket of green. In most parts, it was impossible to see even a patch of sand.”

Overflowing wadis

Other explorers have reported experiencing overflowing wadis across the country.

Dubai resident Asif decided to drive to Masafi to check out one of the wadis. “I have a group of friends with whom I explore the country,” he said. “We had heard from many others that the wadis were full and there were a lot of places to enjoy a cool dip as temperatures soared.”

Their drive took them to Wadi Dafta in Ras Al Khaimah. “At many spots on the way, we could see little wadis and most of them were very busy with lots of people,” he said. “We found a relatively quiet spot further up where we had a very nice time swimming there.”

Hatta resident Fahad M. said several wadis in the city were also gushing with water, attracting several visitors. He shared a photo of a waterfall close to his home.