The United Arab Emirates is famous for its amazing desert safaris and luxurious hotels. But few people know about where you can see animals and wildlife. If you live to see wildlife in the wild in UAE, we have rounded up the best places to visit and see different wild animals on UAE Visit Visa. It is the best place to visit with kids or alone if you love to see wildlife.
Therefore read through this guide to know the best place to visit and see these incredible animals in the wild.
Al Qudra Lakes
Take the dirt road to this beautiful place only 48 kilometers from Dubai (or 130km from Abu Dhabi). You will enjoy watching birds and will have a great time here because you can see over 130 different kinds of birds, like ducks and swans.
Al Wathba Wetland Reserve
Al Wathba Wetland Reserve is a protected area in Abu Dhabi and home to more than 200 migratory birds, more than 230 species of invertebrates, 11 species of mammals, and ten species of reptiles. There are red foxes, desert monitors, greater spotted eagles, and even an Ethiopian hedgehog, to name a few. Also, it is one of the best places for greater flamingos to nest.
All of this can be seen from the observation platform. The bird hides, and the trail you can walk down. There is also a visitor’s center where tours, special events, and school programs can be planned for the future. At this center, you can also look at charts that show when people in the area are most likely to be out and about. You must follow the rules set up so that this place stays as clean as possible.
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is the United Arab Emirates’ first national park. It is located in an area of exceptional natural beauty and is safeguarded by recent legislation. The reserve was set up to protect endangered species. It is a beautiful desert
habitat that is home to various ranges of plants and animals that are at risk of going extinct.
You need to make a reservation to go on one of the tours, as there are only a certain number of spots available. Platinum Heritage is one of the few tour operators that has permission to enter the reserve. If you sign up for one of its tours, such as the Conservation Drive, you will be transported through the reserve in opulent 4×4 vehicles and taken on a safari that will allow you to see rare wildcats, gazelles, and other wildlife.
The animals are wild, so there is no guarantee that you will see any of them, but you will get to see the gorgeous dunes. You will go to the spectacular Al Maha Desert Resort for some refreshments.
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Mangrove National Park
The Mangrove National Park is located on the Eastern Ring Road and has 19 square kilometers of forest. It is home to more than 60 types of birds, such as the western reef heron, the greater flamingo, and even a spotted eagle once in a
while.
It is home to fish, crustaceans, mollusks, sponges, shrimp, and echinoderms, which are different kinds of marine animals. The mangroves are also an unusual ecosystem because they can live in saltwater with up to 9% salinity, meaning they have twice as much salt as regular seawater.
Here, you can watch birds, take a sunset cruise on an abra, kayaking, or paddle boarding. However, you must follow the rules to keep the habitat in its natural state.
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
At Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, you can see different birds. You will also see the area’s peaceful, calm, and quiet.
In the wetlands of this sanctuary which consist of salt flats, mangroves, and lagoons, there are over 60 birds and 500 species of plants and animals that make their home there.
However, the area’s most notable inhabitants are the flamingos. A few bird hides are located around the perimeter and accessible to members of the public.
Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital
Falcons are the national bird of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the fact that they are popular with tourist’s shows how important they have been in the sports and culture of the Gulf region for a long time. This veterinary center is one of its kinds in the country, and it is what attracts tourists. More than 10,000 birds are treated here every year.
A facility tour can take anywhere from 1 hour and a half to two hours. During the tour, you can watch a falcon get a pedicure, take souvenir photos, watch vet demonstrations, and watch the birds fly while learning about their history. But you will need to book early because each group can only hold a certain number of people.
The Turtle Rehabilitation Sanctuary
Since its start in 2004, The Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Sanctuary is home to more than 1,600 turtles brought back to their natural habitat since 2004. The turtles that are sick or hurt are brought to the refuge, which the Dubai Wildlife Protection Office started.
Once the turtles are healthy again, they are sent back to their natural habitat in Jumeirah Al Naseem’s sea-fed lagoon. The sanctuary is open every day of the week, and there is a feeding session on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. that you are welcome to join.
Al Ain Zoo
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In 1968, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan set up Al Ain Zoon Park to protect the wildlife in UAE. On 400 hectares, the park is one of the largest in the Middle East. It is home to many animals, like crocodiles, gorillas, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, jaguars, lemurs,
hippos, chimpanzees, and hippos.
Visitors can see endangered species being cared for and protected in ecosystems similar to their own, and they can even interact with the animals. You can choose from various things to do, like feeding the king of the jungle or
mountain biking, among many other things.
Sharjah Safari Park
Sharjah’s Safari Park is in the Al Bridi Reserve in Al Dhaid. The Al Bridi Reserve is 16 square kilometers and is the largest safari project outside of Africa. About 50,000 animals from 120 different species live on the safari. Some of these animals are gazelles, giraffes, African wild turtles, crocodiles, lions, rhinos, African rock pythons, elephants, and flamingos.
In addition to a large natural lake and 100,000 African trees, the park has a conference hall, a safari guest camp, restaurants, and cafes. The park is open every day from 8:30 until 6:30 in the evening.
Sir Bani Yas Island – Arabian Wildlife Park
Arabian Wildlife Park is a 25-minute boat ride from Jebel Dhanna, a two-hour drive from the center of Abu Dhabi. It is home to more than 11,000 different kinds of animals. Once you get there, you’ll find untouched nature, beautiful scenery, and other amenities.
The blackbuck antelope, the Arabian oryx, and the giraffe, ostrich, and cheetah live on this island paradise. Some of these animals, like the blackbuck antelope and the Arabian oryx, are at risk of going extinct.
Visitors to the island can go on safari and see these elusive animals without seeing a single cage or caretaker. This is an once-in-a-lifetime chance to see these animals. From Sir Bani Yas, it takes about two hours to drive to the center of Abu Dhabi.
You can also take a free water taxi or a private seaplane to get there. Eight kilometers from the coast of Jebel Dhanna is Sir Bani Yas.
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