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As soon as we hear the name of Dubai, the first thing that comes to our mind is oil. The second thought makes us travel through the famous deserts of Arabia. When we try to think about the places of attraction, we end up to the majestic Burj Khalifa. This is all we know. You would be surprised to know that the most important natural reserves of the world with an extensive variety of flora and fauna are living in their natural habitats in Dubai. Dubai is as great a place for wildlife tours as the other amazing green lands of the world. Let us explore Dubai wildlife through a brief overview of the great places of attraction.

Top 6 Places To Witness Dubai Wildlife

Ever thought you could befriend the creatures of wild in the jungle made of steel and glass? Here are the top places that you can visit to witness the exotic and most stunning wildlife in Dubai!

1. Ras Al Khor

Birds Gathering

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Located at a little distance from Dubai, Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is a home to many different and rare species of birds, due to its greenery. This place consists of lagoons, salt flats, mangroves, intertidal mudflats and other Dubai wildlife. These relief features serve the dual purpose of visitors’ attraction as well as the habitats for the birds.
BirdLife International has recognized this urban wetland area as an important Birds Habitat. It comes under the Ramsar Convention project and has global significance. This wetland also serves the mammals of other aquatic animals as their breeding grounds.
Flamingos, the snow-white birds, with bright red feathers and stilt hinds, scattered throughout the blue water beneath their feet, are the most adorable and soothing sights to experience. This place is indeed a haven for birdwatchers. This Dubai wildlife sanctuary is given a popular name “ Cape of Creek”.
Location – Dubai city
Timings – 9 am to 4 pm (Closed on Fridays)
Cost– Free of cost

Must Read: 23 Best Places To Visit In Dubai With Family For A Holiday Like None Other!


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2. The Green Planet

Green Planet

Image Courtesy: burohappold
Another great place to indulge into Dubai wildlife is The Green Planet. You can experience the long vertical fully immersive evergreen rainforest in Dubai. More than 3000 species of animals, plants, and birds regard this place as their home.
Visiting this place is in itself a splendid experience. You would feel yourself fully immersed in the forest. The Green Planet, Dubai can be said to be the first of its kind in the Middle East nations. Flora and fauna can be found in a wide range. The most interesting thing to look for in this forest is the world’s longest man-made tree. The height of the tree is recorded to be 35 meters.
The best thing about this place is that you just not look at the things around you, but also you tend to feel and respond to your stimulus. You become a part of the forest as soon as you are there. People who cannot afford to explore the real forests of the world would get a fair chance to quench their thirst in the Dubai wildlife. The place is quiet. The environment is dark and humid. It is amazing, even if it is not Amazon.
Location– City Walk, Dubai
Timings– 10 am to 7 pm (Sunday to Wednesday) | 10 am to 8 pm (Thursday to Saturday)
Cost -₹1000 for adults and ₹500 for children

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3. Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

Camel sitting on the desert

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The government of the United Arab Emirates has declared this Reserve as a protected nature reserve. It is a must for tourists to include this place in their itinerary for close encounter of gazelle and Arabian Oryx. The whole area of this Reserve has been fenced to protect the life and vegetation that naturally thrives in that area.
This must visit the place is home to around fifty plant species. One can find about twenty and a hundred birds. There are several species of mammals and reptiles seen in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. One can enjoy the Dubai wildlife safari here as well.
People can come here and enjoy the landscape and the cultural heritage of this country. One might beautiful resorts to accommodate themselves for a week or more to mix up into the aura of the place. Dubai desert wildlife can be experienced at its height in places like this.
Trekking is the most famous thing that people like to do in these deserts. Horse riding, camel riding, and sandboarding are the few interesting things that can be done at this amazing place. One can take the pleasure of falconry also.
Location – Desert | Dubai-Al Ain Road – Exit 50, 118887, United Arab Emirates
Timings– 7 am to 5 pm
Cost– Free of cost

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4. Sea Lion Point

Sea Lion Point

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Animal lovers would love this site where one gets a fair chance to directly interact with the Sea Lions. What makes these marine mammals so extraordinary is their homely behaviour with their guests. Visitors might get cuddles and kisses from these aquatic people.
This place is the region’s best aquatic adventure waterpark that provides the visitors with a lot more things than just getting cuddled by the loving Sea Lion. One can enjoy sun-bath on the long clear beach with white sands beneath and clear water around. This is the perfect place for a family trip.
Pet Lions are so cute that even if you are not in a mood to get wet into the sea, they would come to you and be a part of your picture frame. They are suitable for people of all ages. This might be considered as the best Dubai wildlife park in the country.
Location– Crescent road, Dubai
Timings-9:30 am to 5:30 pm
Cost– INR 10,000 approximately

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5. Wasit Wetland Centre

Wetland Centre

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For bird lovers, this wildlife sanctuary is the greatest place of adventure and education. It is situated on the outskirts of Sharjah in Dubai. Along with the long stretch of deserts, almost hundred to two hundreds of species of migratory as well as native birds can be seen soaring high up in the clear blue skies.
It was a wetland completely swampy. In the year 2007, this 4.5 square kilometers of land, was declared as the protected sanctuary for migratory birds that are on the verge of extinction. The birds found here are extremely rare. Birds come to this place for mating and several hatches are prepared. This place is a delightful sight for kids. They can serve foods to the ducks and flamingos under their natural open environment. There are several similar reserves made to promote Dubai wildlife reserves in the world. You also get to ride the safari with the powerful binoculars in your hand.
Location – Sharjah, Dubai
Timings – 9 am to 6:30 pm
Cost– INR 300 for individuals above 12 yrs of age

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6. Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre

Animal Drinking Water

Image Courtesy – visitsharjah
If you want to see the indoor nocturnal habitats under a vast stretch of mountains, you should not afford to miss this place when you are in Dubai. Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre is stretched around 12 square kilometers of land. This is the most outstanding place with great spectacle consisting of around thirty mountain and desert species.
The Arabian Wild lives are soothing to look at. There are golf carts that help the visitors to take a brief tour across the region. If you want to record the activities of the desert animals you must plan a visit to this amazing place. This place would give you a similar feeling as that of adventuring in the Dubai wildlife desert safari with the wild animals and birds around.
This place is also great for its mountains. There are several mountains, small and huge that can be trekked by the visitors. It is situated at the base of the Hajar Mountains at the outer part of the Kalba, which is approximately 130km on the eastern side of the city of Sharjah in Dubai.
Location – Sharah, Dubai
Timings– 9 am to 5:30 pm, Saturdays till 4 pm
Cost– ₹1000 for adults and children above the age of 12 yrs are free to enter

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The idea of creating a green space among the deserts for Dubai wildlife has overwhelmed the minds of the visitors who have been to the natural forests, sea beaches, and mountains of Dubai. One can enjoy falconry, camel riding, duck feeding, and a warm meeting with the sea lions. The wildlife tour to Dubai is the most interesting and enthusiastic travel plan that one can ever make. When we are familiar with the adventures that the natural and wild surroundings provide us, we are forced to visit such places at any cost.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Dubai Wildlife

Can people take photos with the flamingos behind at the Ras Al Khor in Dubai?

Yes. You can take a picture with the flamingos at your back at the famous Ras Al Khor in Dubai. There are no barriers or restrictions.

Which is the best zoo in Dubai?

Sharjah Aquarium and the Green Planet are the two most famous zoos in Dubai. The Green Planet out of the two happens to be the best one.

What is the national bird of UAE?

The Falcon is the national bird of UAE. It’s the symbol of force and courage. They are regarded as a shy bird.

Are there any forest areas among the deserts of Dubai that can be visited?

Yes. Several wildlife reserves are under forest cover. The most important of them is the Green Planet. One can visit them for experiencing the real evergreen rainforest.

How many species of birds are found in Dubai?

Falcons, Ostriches, Grebes, Tropicbirds, Petrels, and many more species of birds are found. Flamingos and other migratory birds can also be found.

Which is the best month to visit Dubai for experiencing the flora and fauna of UAE?

The winter season in Dubai is the best time to visit. It is observed from November to April. This season makes the city look more vibrant.

Are there any sanctuaries for the reptiles in Dubai?

The Al In Zoo is the most famous place where one can find the various species of reptiles. There are many other reserves and sanctuaries in Dubai, where one can find the reptiles.


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