Shuweihat Island

Shuweihat Island, off the UAE's far western coast in Abu Dhabi's Al Dhafra region, is famous for surreal mushroom-shaped rock formations sculpted over millennia by wind and sea. Remote and rarely visited, it's a dream for photographers and adventurers chasing raw, sculptural landscapes.

Reaching it is a proper expedition — long distances, soft sand and full self-sufficiency required — but the reward is a coastline that feels untouched. Plan carefully, travel in convoy, and time your visit for the cooler months when the desert and coast are at their most forgiving.