Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary: Location, Timings, Contact & More

If you are fond of birds and animals, you will be happy to know that there is a natural reserve in Dubai where your feathered friends can thrive. Offering a natural habitat that they are most accustomed to, Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary ensures that the migratory birds which flock to this reserve during the winter season, have a healthy environment and access to natural resources.

Often referred to as the ‘Cape of the Creek’, the sanctuary is one of the few wetlands in the UAE that features both fauna and flora. Monitored by the Dubai Municipality, this is the perfect eco-system you could dream of. Today, we bring you all the details about this calm, tranquil sanctuary in Dubai.

What’s so exciting about Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary Dubai?

Commonly abbreviated to RAKWS, Ras Al Khor Sanctuary is a wetland reserve in Dubai. Located in the Ras Al Khor community, it is home to many mammals, crustaceans, birds, fish and reptiles. While the sanctuary is most known for the flamingos, you can even spot reef herons, black-winged stilts, osprey, sandpipers, egrets, kingfisher, black-tailed godwit, Eurasian spoonbill, the sand racer and horned vipers among other species.

Along with the fauna, you can even find a variety of plants, maintaining the ecological balance in the area. Common reed, Bean caper and strings of the bead are the most common part of this wildlife reserve in the city.

Key Highlights of Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

Look around a little in the conservation park and you will find many plants and animals immediately captivating you. Here is a list of some of the birds and animals that have captured our attention:

Flamingos

The pink beaked and long-necked flamingos are certainly the highlights of the sanctuary. Come winter season these birds migrate to the sanctuary from cooler regions and seek solace in the natural resources available in the wetland.

Ferruginous Duck

A rich rusty brown duck with a contrasting patch under the tail, fluttering its wings and moving on a natural pond along with ducklings will leave you awestruck.

Ethiopian Hedgehog

This fluffy, little hedgehog also stays along with its other counterparts on the wildlife reserve in Dubai.

Blue Swimming Crab

A powerful swimmer and a voracious hunter, the blue swimming crab entices you with its distinctive colour and shape.

Mozambique Tilapia

Thriving in fast-flowing waters and feeding on algae, the Mozambique Tilapia is a common sight at the sanctuary.

Tigerfish

Gliding on the serene lake is the legendary Tigerfish, a formidable foe for adventurous marine creatures.

Blue-headed Agama

A blue-headed reptile, Agama is also a significant part of the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary in Dubai.

Fringe-toed lizard

With fringe-like scales on their hind toes, these lizards thrive on the pristine dunes of the sanctuary.

Mangroves

Mangroves form a large part of the sanctuary. Colloquially known as ‘gurm’, these carbon-rich mangroves serve as a nesting ground for crabs, fish, insects, shrimps, prawns, molluscs and bristle worms. You can explore them on your visit to the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary.

Conservation and Management of RAKWS

Dubai Municipality takes care of the sanctuary, ensuring it preserves the wildlife and the natural environment. With proper waste management, constant monitoring and effective law enforcement, they have been able to succeed in their efforts. Water quality is maintained, mangrove saplings are constantly growing and animals are enjoying living in their natural habitat.

Interior of the Ras Al Khor Sanctuary — Ras Al Khor Sanctuary is an ode to the wildlife of the UAE

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary Tickets

The entry to Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is free.

Things to remember while visiting Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary Dubai

Here is a list of things that you need to take into account before visiting the sanctuary.

Littering is prohibited
Hunting is not allowed
Pets are strictly forbidden to enter within the premises.

Parking facility at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

Ras Al Khor Sanctuary has a parking area for all its visitors so rest assured, you will not face any inconvenience in parking your vehicle.

Parking area at Ras Al Khor Sanctuary — Don’t worry about parking at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

Location, Timings & Contact of Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

If you are planning to visit Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, here is what you need to know:

Ras Al Khor Sanctuary Location: Baniyas 20, Baniyas Road, Deira
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary Timings: Winter (Oct-March): 07.30 am to 05:30 pm, Summer (April- Sept): 06:00 am to 06:00 pm
Contact: 800900

And that’s a wrap to our Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary review. If you want to have more wildlife adventures in the city, you should definitely visit Dubai Zoo Safari. With a vast expanse of different varieties of flora and fauna and beautiful cascades, the place will surely leave you amazed by its beauty.

Similar to this, there is another great attraction in Dubai – Dubai Garden Glow, a perfect retreat for those who want to explore a unique mix of art and sustainability.

All about the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

What’s so exciting about Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary Dubai?