Unobjective outsiders are often too quick to dismiss the UAE as an oil-rich, man-made mass of ultra-modernity. But we say send them out on a kayak in Abu Dhabi’s mangroves and they’ll soon be changing their tune (and perhaps surreptitiously singing a refrain of Row, Row, Row Your Boat). The natural beauty of this network of water-purifying, indigenous trees will take your breath away (and, helpfully, plenty of carbon dioxide with it). Wildlife thrives here, with everything from flamingos to foxes and dolphins to dugongs calling it home. Among the mangroves, life is but a dream… From Dhs150 for a kayak tour with Noukhada. Abu Dhabi (050 721 8928).