Wildlife in Dubai

It might be surprising to people new to the middle east, but Dubai has astounding fauna and unique flora.  The plant life includes desert plants which bloom after spring rains and cover the desert, the spider lily which influenced the architecture of the Burj Khalifa and various palms including the all important date palm. 

The fauna includes many species of birds, often migrating through the area, raptors including the all important falcons and a large flamingo population.  The desert is full of wildlife, often coming out at night.  Everything from foxes to wolves, camels to sheep and goats, the Arabian Oryx in the conservation reserve back from the brink of extinction, to scorpions and snakes.  The ocean off the coast of Dubai is stocked with endless fish species, sharks, dolphins and turtles.

Whether you are looking for birds, mammals or reptiles in Dubai, there is an abundance of all.

There is a dedicated wetlands with amazing bird watching to be had. There are air conditioned and specially positioned hides to view the large flamingo populations on the west and the south edges of the sanctuary. The hides are free to enter but closed on Fridays. They are out of the way by public transport standards, and I actually struggled to get an uber to leave the site as they were all far away.

I only visited the west hide, and I know the south has a better view of the Burj Khalifa but is even less accessible. If you like bird watching, this is for you. Go early, before the heat.

Whether you are looking for birds, mammals or reptiles in Dubai, there is an abundance of all.

The Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve was created in 2018 due to concerns over destruction of the area. The area of desert is home to many species, including the reintroduced Arabian Oryx.

Some of the sandstone outcrops are also home to Little Owls, who are very photogenic.

The Al Qudra lakes are a series of constructed lakes in the Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve which are a haven for birds.

Mushrif

Safa Park

Dubai Creek Park