Gulf News takes a trip to Fujairah to experience the natural sights of Wadi Wurayah, a protected area in the Hajar Mountains. See more at: http://gulfnews.com/gntv
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00:00A short camping trip to Wadi Uraya in Fujairah turned out to be a lesson in nature.
00:17The wadi is located between the towns of Khor Fakan and Badia and is part of the Hajar Mountains.
00:23It was declared the first mountain protected area in the UAE in March 2009 by the ruler
00:29of Fujairah. It covers a 129 km2 area. After a bumpy but entertaining ride into the riverbed,
00:38we left the cars and continued by foot. Walking deep down into the wadi was challenging at times.
00:45We had to climb carefully, walk thigh-high through water pools and make big leaps while
00:50trying not to slip. The NGO and the Fujairah government are working toward protecting the
00:56endangered mountain wildlife of the wadi, which is mainly being threatened by habitat degradation.
01:02The waterfall at the entrance of the wadi is a sad example. During our walk, we saw lizards,
01:09Arabian toads, colorful dragonflies and footprints of an Arabian fox.
01:15The wadi project is a long-term initiative for the NGO and local government.
01:20They will soon install proper signage in the area, then form a management committee and
01:26fundraise to open a visitor center and ecotourism facility. Rangers will also patrol the area to
01:33enforce its protection and help educate visitors. Pauline Forté, Unwind and Explore.