Explore the wildlife sanctuaries and nature reserves in the UAE

• Nature Reserves in Dubai 
• Nature Reserves in Abu Dhabi
• Nature Reserves in Sharjah
• Nature Reserve in Ajman
• FAQs

Besides the towering skyscrapers and glittering cityscapes, there are also some beautiful nature reserves in the UAE just waiting to be explored. These sanctuaries are a haven for local flora and fauna. Let’s take a look at what these environmental gems offer for nature lovers in the UAE.

NATURE RESERVES IN DUBAI

Let’s start with the nature reserves and wildlife sanctuaries in Dubai. These sanctuaries are a great way to see local plants and animal species, and to learn more about their habitat. 

JEBEL ALI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Jebel Ali Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most frequently visited nature reserves in the UAE. In 2018, Jebel Ali Wildlife Sanctuary was added to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance making it a place of global significance. The sanctuary is also one of the protected wetlands in the UAE. It is considered an Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Area (EBSA). 

Home to unique marine creatures as well as other fauna and flora, Jebel Ali Wildlife Sanctuary provides a glimpse into the local habitat. Thirty-four species of coral have been recorded in Ghantoot, out of which around 40% are endangered. The coral reef provides a high-relief ‘hard bottom’ home to various fish. The sandy beaches at Ghantoot are also a breeding ground for hawksbill turtles. The sanctuary is also home to Mangrove forest Dubai, a lush green haven that boasts 15 km of mangroves and 6 km of wetlands.

RAS AL KHOR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY 

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is a natural wetland reserve in Dubai. Commonly known by its acronym RAKWS, the wetland is an ecological sanctuary with mangroves, bird species, mammals, crustaceans and reptiles.

The sanctuary protects numerous species of flora and fauna. This biodiverse region has a balanced ecosystem that includes several native wildlife species and plants, alongside visiting migrant species.

Visitors can spot Ferruginous ducks, pink-beaked flamingos, common kingfishers, the Eurasian teal duck and Agama lizards. You can also catch a glimpse of reef herons, sandpipers, kingfisher and black-tailed godwit.

Catching a glimpse of the majestic pink-beaked flamingos will be one of the many highlights of your visit. And the best part is, you don’t have to pay any Ras Al Khor Wildlife sanctuary entry fee – it’s open to everyone! 

• Location: Ras Al Khor Road, Ras Al Khor
• Contact: +971-800-900

AL MARMOOM DESERT CONSERVATION RESERVE

Next on our list of nature reserves and wildlife sanctuaries in the UAE is Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve in Dubai. It’s one of the largest unfenced nature reserves in all emirates and home to over 200 species of native birds as well as 150 species of migratory birds. The reserve features Arabian oryx, reptiles and flamingos. Al Qudra Lake is nearby if you wish to explore other parts of this expansive natural reserve. 

• Location: Saih Al Salam

DUBAI DESERT CONSERVATION RESERVE (DDCR)

The vast expanse of DDCR is one of the largest nature reserves in the UAE. Covering an area of 225 sq. km., DDCR covers almost 5% of the total land of Dubai. The reserve has hundreds of species of plants, birds, mammals and reptiles. There are many activities to be enjoyed as well, including trekking, safaris, sandboarding, falconry, camel and horse riding. Fancy some extravagant desert dining? Head to Sonora Camp nearby.

NATURE RESERVES IN ABU DHABI

Moving on to the capital of the UAE, here’s a list of the nature reserves and sanctuaries in Abu Dhabi that you should visit. 

AL WATHBA WETLAND RESERVE

Al Wathba Wetland Reserve is one of the most-visited nature reserves and sanctuaries in the UAE. Located a 45-minute drive from Abu Dhabi’s main city centre, this destination in Al Wathba is home to numerous endangered birds and wildlife species.

The region was initially recognised as sabkhas or coastal salt flats, but now it features numerous natural and artificial lakes. Visitors can experience over 250 bird species at Al Wathba Reserve, including the popular flamingos that number more than 4,000. The ecosystem at the reserve is diverse and is home to reptiles, invertebrates as well as other animals. 

Al Wathba Wetland Reserve is perfect for weekend trips with children. There are two self-guided trails at the reserve where you’ll get the opportunity to immerse yourself in the area’s stunning natural beauty. The site also has an air-conditioned visitor centre to facilitate guests.

AL BATHA NATURE RESERVE

The Al Batha Nature Reserve in Al Ain is an ecotourism project aimed to protect local wildlife. The serene nature reserve features kids’ playgrounds, a lake and a shaded seating area. Enjoy stunning desert dunes and the lush-green ghaf trees. The reserve aims to raise awareness of the stunning landscapes in the UAE.

• Location: Al Ain, Dubai Road, Al Nabbag, Abu Dhabi

MANGROVE NATIONAL PARK

Located near the Anantara Eastern Mangroves Hotel, Mangrove National Park in Abu Dhabi is another popular natural attraction in the United Arab Emirates.

From regional species of hundreds of birds and dazzling schools of fish to marine mammals, Mangrove National Park has so much for nature lovers. Animals that can be spotted at the nature reserve include the reef heron, greater flamingo, turtles, dolphins and foraging foxes.

Aside from observing the stunning natural landscape, there’s loads of other things to do at the Mangrove National Park. Available activities include kayaking and paddleboarding. In fact, the park is considered to be one of the best kayaking spots in Abu Dhabi. Visitors can also enjoy bird watching as the mangrove is home to thousands of beautiful birds. Besides, the park is free for everyone.

QASR AL SARAB PROTECTED AREA

Qasr Al Sarab Protected Area is a nature reserve in Abu Dhabi located adjacent to the opulent Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara in Al Dhafra region. The protected area has 308 km² of natural sand dunes and sabkha (coastal salt flats). 

The Qasr Al Sarab protected area is home to more than 30 species of birds and reptiles. You can also catch a glimpse of rare mammal species such as the Arabian Oryx. However, the area is only accessible to guests at the Qasr Al Sarab by Anantara. 

JEBEL HAFIT NATURAL PARK

Jebel Hafit is the highest peak in Abu Dhabi and ranked second highest in all of the UAE. The majestic mountain is home to Jebel Hafit Natural Park where you can find some of the most endangered animal and plant species in the UAE. 

Nature lovers will get to see more than 500 ancient burial tombs at the foothills of Jebel Hafit. These tombs date back 5,000 years, marking the start of the Bronze Age in the UAE. 

The Jebel Hafit Nature Park in Abu Dhabi is the only place where you get to see the Dwarf Palm — one of the rarest plants in the region. The Arabian Caracal was recently sighted in the area for the first time in 35 years. 

The National Park also features globally threatened species such as the Blandford’s Fox, Brandt’s Hedgehog, Arabian Tahr and the only concentration of the endangered Egyptian Vulture in the UAE.

NATURE RESERVES IN SHARJAH

Sharjah is known for its heritage sites and rich culture but the emirate has a spectacular list of nature reserves that you must visit. Some of these natural sanctuaries in Sharjah are home to protected animal and plant species. 

AL HEFAIYAH MOUNTAIN CONSERVATION CENTRE

Kalba in Sharjah has several natural spots that you could visit. Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre is all about preserving the rich biodiversity of the region. Located at the base of the Hajar Mountains outside of Kalba, the centre has large landscape enclosures where visitors can take a look at the pristine mountain landscape and chance upon a glimpse of the 30 animal species that inhabit the area, including the Arabian leopard. 

AL WASIT WETLAND RESERVE

Discover the native flora and fauna of the region at the Al Wasit Wetland Nature Reserve in Sharjah. The wetland is a conservation area that houses various local and migratory birds.

An eco-tourism hotspot in Sharjah, Al Wasit Nature Reserve is where visitors can find rare small mammals, reptiles, birds and vegetation. The centre is a part of an expansive rehabilitation project by Sharjah’s Environment and Protected Areas Agency. 

The reserve is a bird-watchers paradise. It’s one of the handful of natural landscapes in the UAE. The sanctuary is home to 198 bird species that include native and migratory birds.

Massive aviaries bring visitors up close to a range of bird species including heron, purple swamphen, white ibises and more. The centre also houses rare species of insects and plants that were never seen in the UAE before. 

• Location: Ramtha area near Al Wasit in Sharjah

NATURE RESERVE IN AJMAN

The smallest emirate in the UAE also has an impressive nature reserve frequented by locals and visitors alike. Let’s learn more about this natural reserve in Ajman. 

AL ZORAH NATURE RESERVE AJMAN

Al Zorah Nature Reserve Ajman is one of the best nature reserves in the UAE that you can visit. This wildlife reserve has serene beaches, a dense mangrove ecosystem and a pygmy zoo.

Al Zorah Nature Reserve is home to 58 species of native and migrating birds making it one of the top ecotourism destinations in UAE. Al Zorah Nature Reserve Ajman also has Al Zorah Golf Club, a sandy beach and watersports activities.

• Location: The Pavilion Al Zorah, Al Ittihad Road, Opposite Union Coop Jerf 1

FAQS

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BEST PLACES FOR CAMPING IN THE UAE? 

Banan Beach, Wadi Sana, Jebel Hafit and Hatta Camping site are some of the top options for camping in the UAE.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BEST PLACES FOR ECOTOURISM IN DUBAI?

The best places for eco-tourism in Dubai include Green Planet, Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, and the Al Maha Resort. 

This concludes up our guide to wildlife sanctuaries in the UAE. These reserves are amongst the most popular natural places to visit in the UAE. The government has invested a significant sum in preserving these natural wonders.

Want to continue exploring the natural beauty of the country? The stunning Sharjah Zoo is a must-visit.