Top 9 of the best places to see wildlife in the UAE

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.  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.

Taking an Abu Dhabi City Tour is like moving in a world where the ancient beauty meets modern technology. Impressive and peaceful, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque greets visitors as they continue with their journey. The route passes through the packed city streets where it offers glimpses of modern skyscrapers and premium shopping establishments, all framed by old Al Hosn Fort. Admiring the beautiful coastline of The Corniche, this journey provides a spectacular distance view to see the Arabian Gulf while gazing upon Louvre Abu Dhabi as it displays an attractive fusion between culture and art.

Here are nine of the best places to see wildlife in the UAE

 1. Al Wathba Wetland Reserve

The region was once a salt flat that developed into a natural and man-made lake, allowing many of Abu Dhabi’s wildlife to survive. A huge population of pink beautiful flamingos, 250 bird species, and an amazing variety of aquatic life can be found scattered throughout the environment. There are two self-guided walking routes (1.5 km or 3 km) for tourists to explore, as well as a birding hide to observe the flamingos.

2. Jubail Mangrove Park

The huge walkway through Abu Dhabi’s National Mangrove Park allows tourists to come a little closer to nature. There is a possibility to photograph your kayaking adventure among the wide greens, but your main reason for visiting should be to say hello to wildlife. Animals include fish, crabs, birds (including flamingos), turtles, gazelles, lobsters, and other odd species.

3. Sir Bani Yas Island – Arabian Wildlife Park

Getting to this island, which is home to almost 11,000 creatures, takes some time, but the sights are worth it. It’s a 25-minute boat ride from Jebel Dhanna (which is two hours from downtown Abu Dhabi), but once there, you’ll be granted to wildness, beautiful landscapes, and more. The collection of wild creatures on this island paradise includes threatened species including blackbuck antelope and Arabian oryx, as well as giraffe, ostrich, and cheetah.

4. Emirates Park Zoo

Animals you may see here include wildcats like lions, tigers, leopards, and more; herbivores like giraffes and zebras; primates such as capuchins; birds including the majestic owl and hawks, Eagles and parrots; reptiles and more. You can experience thrills by ziplining, dining with elephants, or feeding hungry hippos. Entry to the zoo costs Dhs40 per person and can be reserved here. Take notice that a green pass is presently required to enter.

5. Al Ain Zoo

The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan established the 400-hectare parks in 1968. It is one of the largest in the Middle East, and it is home to a variety of animals such as gorillas, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, jaguars, lemurs, hippos, chimps, wolves, and crocs. Visitors can observe and engage with species in danger that have been maintained and cared for in habitats similar to their own. Do note, a green pass is needed to enter. Tickets cost Dhs31.50 per adult and Dhs10.50 per child.

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6. Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve was the UAE’s first national park. As Dubai’s fast growth proceeds, the government recognised the importance of preserving the city’s unique and amazing desert the natural environment. Thus, the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve was established to conserve species in danger as well as conserving the natural desert ecosystem and past. See falcons, oryx, gazelles, go horseback riding or camel trekking, and more.

7. Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

This sanctuary, located at the mouth of Dubai Creek, is a famous destination because of the 20,000 birds that live there. The lagoons here are filled with pink flamingos. To see them, simply visit one of the sanctuary’s three observation hides, which are located around its perimeter. The entrance is free and there are binoculars available to borrow, too.

8. Dubai Safari Park

This 116-hectare park is currently home to approximately 3,000 animals. This comprises 111 distinct species of birds, 50 various kinds of reptiles, 10 different carnivores, 17 different species of primates, 78 species of mammals, and amphibians and insects. There are various villages that you can go to: Arabian Desert Safari; Asian Village, featuring a Creature of the World show; Explorer Village, offering a drive-through experience up close and personal with tigers, lions, zebras, and other exciting animals; African Village, featuring up close interactions with Africa’s most interesting inhabitants; Kid’s farm, featuring the cutest animals around; and Al Wadi, offering dining and picnic options.

9. Sharjah Safari Park

The largest safari project outside of Africa opened last month on February 17 at Sharjah’s massive safari park, which spans 16 square kilometres and is situated inside the Al Bridi Reserve in the city of Al Dhaid. The safari is home to about 50,000 animals (120 species), which include African wild turtles, flamingos, lions, gazelles, giraffes, and rhinos (be sure to see the black rhino before you leave, as it is one of the biggest and most rare animals in the safari). In addition to 100,000 African trees and a sizable natural lake, the park offers dining options, cafes, a conference centre, a camp for safari guests, and more. Every day from 8.30 am to 6.30 pm, the park is open.

Conclusion

Nevertheless, United Arab Emirates is one of the types that surprisingly shelter a large number of well-kept ecosystems so for any fan on wildlife. The nation has a variety of opportunities to see wildlife ranging from the beautiful Arabian oryx who roams freely on Sir Bani Yas Island through aquatic life at Sharjah Aquarium. These nine highlighted locations not only depict the tenacity of various species in desert environments but also underlie UAE’s effort to preserve nature. These destinations regardless of whether they are located in the heart of a desert or along coasts permits its visitors to connect with nature and embrace the fact that there is indeed great biodiversity present within any given nation’s borders. As the UAE strives to continue balancing its rapid modernization with conservation of its natural heritage, these wildlife hotspots showcase templates for a harmonious confluence between urban development and protection of this country’s unique valuable flora and fauna.

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