There’s so much on offer

By Time Out EditorsJanuary 26, 2023

The UAE is known all over the world for its mesmerising skylines and incredible facilities.

Animals and wildlife? Less so.

But that’s not to say there aren’t a whole host of options to go and see nature in all its glory in this part of the world.

You might also like: Outdoor activities to try in the UAE

So here at Time Out, we’ve rounded up all the best places in this amazing country to see the great and the good of Planet Earth’s wonderful wildlife.

Whether you’re taking your kids or just want to find out more, there’s something for everyone.

So check out our full guide below:

Al Qudra Lakes

Head off-road and make your way to this gorgeous retreat a mere 48km from Dubai. Little birdwatchers will be in their element as there are about 130 species to spot here including swans and ducks.
Free. Al Qudra Road, Dubai.

Al Wathba Wetland Reserve

This protected area in Abu Dhabi is home to migratory birds (more than 200 species), as well as over 230 species of invertebrates, 11 types of mammals and ten kinds of reptiles. Think red foxes, desert monitors, greater spotted eagles and even the Ethiopian hedgehog. Plus it boasts a top breeding area for greater flamingos. You can spot all this from the provided bird-hides and the walking trail, as well as at the viewing platform. There’s also a visitor’s centre, where future guided walks, special events and school programmes can be planned, and you can review charts of the local inhabitants’ active hours. Just make sure you stick to the sign-posted code of conduct to keep this area as well-preserved as possible.
Free. Open Mon – Sat 8am – 5.30pm. Three kilometres from Mussafah, Abu Dhabi, ead.ae.

Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

This is the UAE’s first national park, an area of outstanding natural beauty protected by new laws. A unique and beautiful desert habitat with many threatened flora and fauna species, the reserve was created for the protection of endangered species. To see the plants and animals in the protected area, you must book one of the limited number of tours. Platinum Heritage is one of the few companies with permission to enter and, by joining a package such as its Conservation Drive, you will be taken in luxury 4x4s on a safari that takes in gazelles, birdlife and rare wildcats. Animals are wild, so there is no guarantee of sightings, but the beautiful dunes and a trip to the impressive Al Maha Desert Resort for refreshments are certainties. A luxurious animal encounter.
Prices and timings vary. Al Maha Resort, Dubai-Al Ain Road, Dubai ddcr.org (04 809 8710).

Mangrove National Park

Home to around 60 bird species, such as the western reef heron, greater flamingos and the odd spotted eagle, Mangrove National Park, located along the Eastern Ring Road, boasts 19 square kilometres of forest. It’s home to fish, shells, sponges, shrimp, echinoderms (another type of marine animal) and crabs. The mangroves are also interesting, with the ability to thrive in up to nine percent salinity – that’s double the concentration of sea water. Here, you can enjoy bird-watching, sunset tours on abras, kayaking and paddle-boarding – just ensure you abide by the rules in order to maintain the habitat.
Near Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara, Eastern Ring Road, ead.ae.

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

An animal experience doesn’t have to be a major production, with queues, tickets and cages. Sometimes you just want to go somewhere quiet and see them doing their thing. The wetlands feature salt flats, mangroves and lagoons that more than 60 species of bird and 500 species of flora and fauna call home. But it’s the flamingos that are the area’s stars. There are a handful of bird hides on the perimeter that are open to the public. All you have to do now is keep the kids still and quiet for more than 30 seconds!
Free. Sun-Thu, 7.30am-5.30pm. Ras Al Khor Road, wildlife.ae.

Sharjah Safari

Fancy an African safari without the flights and holiday budgeting? Head to Sharjah Desert Safari where you can get up close and personal (in the safety of your safari car) with over 120 species of African animals. With the park split into 12 environments, each after a different African region, the animals are grouped with those they would be surrounded with in their natural environment, along with African fauna to help them feel at home.  The crowd drawing line-up includes giraffes, gazelles, lions, elephants, flamingos, rhinos and crocodiles. You’ll need to pre-book tickets to reserve your spot on one of three options. Choose from walking (bronze), a bus tour (sliver) or a private car accompanied by a guide (gold). There also several cafes and restaurants surrounding a large natural lake where you can feed the brood after day of exploring.
From Dhs40 (per adult for bronze) Dhs15 (per child for bronze). Open daily 8.30am-6.30pm. Al Bridi Nature Reserve, Sharjah. For reservations: 06 8037 666.

Sir Bani Yas Island

Sir Bani Yas Island is easily the UAE’s foremost wildlife wonder with oryx, giraffes, hyenas, gazelles and even cheetahs calling this place home. Half of Sir Bani Yas is covered by the Arabian Wildlife Park, where 13,000 animals live across 1,400 hectares of land. It is an important research and conservation zone, with nature drives, walks, horse trekking and biking. Giraffes, oryx, cheetahs, jackals and many more animals present. It is also the closest you can get to a real safari experience without leaving the country. Slight catch? Actually, it’s really not a hardship at all, but you have to overnight at one of the amazing villa suites by Anantara to enjoy a safari here.
From Dhs1,148 (per room, per night). Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara, Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi (02 801 5400).

…And what about animal care?

Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital 

Falcons are the national bird of the UAE and their enduring popularity in sport and culture of the Gulf is reflected in the raptor’s popularity with tourists. This veterinary centre looks after the welfare of birds in the country (more than 10,000 birds are treated each year), but it’s also an attraction in its own right. A 90-minute to two-hour tour of the facility includes watching a falcon pedicure, souvenir photos, vet demonstrations and the chance to see the birds in flight and learn about their background. Make sure you book in advance, though, as groups are kept small.
Dhs170 (per person), Dhs63 (children aged five to nine years), free (kids under five). Open daily for tours, Mon-Thu at 10am and 2pm, Fri 10am, Sun at 10am (Sunday tours not available from 1 May – 30 Sep). Near Abu Dhabi International Airport, Abu Dhabi, falconhospital.com (02 575 5155).

The Turtle Rehabilitation Sanctuary

Since 2004, the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project has released over 1,600 rehabilitated turtles back into their natural habitat. Established by Dubai Wildlife Protection Office, the sanctuary takes in poorly and injured turtles and nurtures them back to health in the sea-fed lagoon at Jumeirah Al Naseem, before releasing them back into the wild.
Free. Open daily. Jumeirah Al Naseem, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, jumeirah.com/turtles (04 301 7198).