Connect with Nature, a programme that encourages youth to discover the natural wonders of the UAE, founded by Emirates-Nature WWF and the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, with strategic partner International Fund for Houbara, has launched a new calendar of events for the outdoor season across the whole Emirates.

Connecting the dots between saving the planet and thrilling adventures, Connect with Nature has announced the launch of its brand new digital app and website, with a host of new features and a calendar of events that includes adventurous activities such as floating under the moonlight at the Eastern  Mangroves National Park and riding through wadis and exploring ancient heritage sites, to impactful knowledge-sharing events, youth panels, debates, and competitions focusing on sustainable fashion and more. Those who sign up to the app can also get access to overnight camping trips, beach clean-ups and a variety of adventures in the wilderness.

Here are some of the upcoming activities to take part in:

The Desert Escape Room (7^th, 8^th, 9^th November) Festival City, Dubai

Introducing an unmatched experience – the immersive Desert Survival escape room thriving in a caravan. Adrenaline rush, excitement and mystery… envision a journey through the Arabian Desert. Grab your friends, and in teams of 4, hope to survive the dangers of the sandy landscapes. Piece together a series of puzzles and riddles using clues, hints and strategy, as you wade through the hazardous maze of surprises. Remember, you have 10 minutes on the clock to escape! Sign up via the Connect with Nature website.

Location: Dubai Fitness Village, Festival City

Date: 7^th, 8^th, 9^th November

Time: 4pm -12am

Wild Workouts (Free to take part!)

As part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, get outdoors to exercise and explore. From guided runs around Al Qudra’s flamingo lakes, to discovering the fish, ducks and wildlife of Sustainable City and Zabeel Park’s lush green nature areas, there are plenty of options for beginners and more experienced runners. The best part? It’s free to take part through Connect with Nature – just download the app and sign-up.

WILD WORKOUT WITH DOLORES AL SHELLEH

Location – Sustainable City (3.8km circuit)

Date – 6^th November

Time – 6pm

Price – FREE!

Location – Zabeel Park (2km circuit)

Date – 13^th November

Time – 6pm

Price – FREE!

Escape to the Wadi (9^th November) Ras Al Khaimah, Wadi Shawka

Head out for an awesome 3km round trip adventure in Wadi Shawka, to discover the depths of the canyon. This activity will get you to hike through the water and the cliffs to hidden pools of fresh water.

This amazing adventure is suitable for most fitness level. Adventurers will be cruising through for most of the trek and taking our time to soak in the views, so you’ll be able to go at your own pace.

So, if you’re comfortable in water and looking for a fun and refreshing day out in nature then this is the trip for you. You’ll learn to navigate on wet ground, swim in freshwater pools, climb and scramble your way through this seriously amazing wadi, all the while learning how you can contribute to safeguarding these natural treasures and contributing to the environment through citizen science.

Location: Ras Al Khaimah

Date: 9^th November

Time: 8.00am – 2.00pm

Price: AED 280

Nature After Dark (14^th November) in Abu Dhabi at the Eastern Mangroves National Park.

Explore nature under the moonlight by floating along the water, listen to the sounds of nature and discover the wildlife that inhabits the mangroves and how people can do more to protect this precious ecosystem. No previous experience is necessary – just a sense of curiosity and adventure. The tour is provided by Noukhada Adventure Company and sign-up is via the Connect With Nature website.

Location: Eastern Mangroves

Date: 14^th November

Time: 4.30pm

Price: AED 220

Ride Back in Time (29^th -30^th November – overnight) to discover the awe-inspiring stories of humankind and nature at the archaeological sites in Mleiha.

Trek through the Valley of Caves and witness a mountain made of millions of years of history. Enjoy a BBQ around the campfire with stories of local communities and discussions of the relationship between humans and nature. Gaze into the dark and reflect on the awesomeness of stars. Walk into the sunrise on the Fossil Mountain — maybe you can find a fossil telling a special story!

Join Connect with Nature and explore this experience. Come with your sense of wonder and set out on this overnight experience to discover this special place.

Location – Mleiha Archaeological Centre

Date: 29^th– 30^th November

Time: 4pm – 9am next day

Price: AED 410

For more information and to sign-up to upcoming activities and events visit Connect With Nature and download the App on the App store or on Google Play.