The Department of Municipalities and Transport today announced the opening of Al Wathba Lake Camp, which will provide Abu Dhabi residents with one more attractive and safe destination for camping and picnicking.
Opening today Friday 11th Feb, the multi-purpose camping sites will offer residents and out-of-emirate visitors alike an unparalleled user-friendly experience that adds to and complements the Emirates' recreational and leisure offerings. The development of a naturalistic camping and picnic site associated with the man-made lake, located on the Al Wathba cycling track, has the potential to host events and activities that promote the health and well-being of residents and the natural environment.
The new Abu Dhabi camping sites surround Al Wathba Lake, with full protection of the natural environment and controlled access to protect and maintain the edges of the lake and its stunning fusion with the desert landscape.
The project offers 13 separate campsites with a view on the lake or in the desert, with a capacity of 120 people, with the possibility of setting up tents or using recreational vehicles (RVs) in a breathtaking natural setting. The camp site also includes 24 picnic sites with dedicated areas for barbecues, and 3,000 square metres of recreation and gathering space for over 500 visitors per day.
The project will include fun and recreational and sports activities for its visitors, intruducing a 1,400 metres of walking and running path around the lake, a new 1,200-metre long Cycle path pump track, with an activities rental centre, 2 volleyball courts, and 7 playgrounds. In addition to a pontoon walk, and 2 observation decks to enjoy the panoramic views of the site.
The new outdoor attraction in Abu Dhabi will host commercial activities and utilities such as sapce for 10 food trucks, cafes, rental services, and provide supporting facilities including parking, first aid unit management facilities, restrooms and waste management, as well as all necessary infrastructure.
H.E Dr. Salem Khalfan Al Kaabi, Acting Director General of Operational Affairs in Department of Municipalities and Transport said: "Our sites will appeal to a wide range of campers, families and nature lovers, whether you are an adventure enthusiast who will enjoy our new attraction areas or a cyclist who wants to reconnect with this amazing landscape while ensuring that the natural surroundings are preserved, and Abu Dhabi's amazing biodiversity protected."
He added: "DMT's strategy has always been to create more recreational destinations in the emirate, in order to foster the well-being of Abu Dhabi residents and promote an active and healthy lifestyle. This new destination is part of DMT's strategy to develop sustainable, pioneering and smart infrastructure, facilities and services for the prosperity and happiness of the community and to enhance the attractiveness, livability and quality of life of the Emirate.
The campground, which is 45-minute drive from the center of Abu Dhabi, offers a variety of pitch types, including a number of service pitches. The 8-meter wide Gatch Trail pitches are graded and compacted to allow RVs and other vehicles to access the campsites and key areas of the site.