Visit the paradise for bird lovers in Dubai

Summary

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

Description

In the wetlands, just metres away from the bustling city of Dubai, you’ll find the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. It’s hard to believe you can find tens of thousands of birds in a spot so close to the city.

Why visit

- This expansive wetland reserve also serves as a breeding ground each year for crustaceans, mammals and fish, but it is the flamingos that steal the show in winter. Look closer among the mass of pink feathers and you might spot grey herons, great egrets, reef herons, cormorants, black-winged stilts, sandpipers, osprey and so much more.

- This is a way to allow visitors and nature lovers to admire the birds in their habitat while maintaining the quality of the area for its winged residents. The sanctuary features a variety of salt flats, intertidal mudflats, mangroves, and lagoons for the birds to use for their nests and individual habitats.

What you need to know

Ras Al Khor is closely monitored and protected by the Dubai Municipality and the sanctuary is fenced off to protect the area. However, there are three bird hides located on the perimeter of the sanctuary which are free for the public to access during set daylight hours.

Bring along your binoculars to spot magnificent migratory and residents birds displaying a dazzling assortment of colors, sizes, shapes and behaviors.