Located on the outskirts of Dubai is the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. Which a breeding place for crustaceans, mammals and fish every year. While “flamingos” catch the eye with their bright colors in winter.
Visitors to Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary can also enjoy seeing the grey and coral “heron”. The “Great Heron”, the “cormorant”. The “Abu al-Mughazal”. The “Chicken of the Earth” and the “Shammat” birds in their natural habitats which closely monitored by Dubai Municipality.
The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary of Dubai Municipality. One of the most important protected areas in the Emirate of Dubai. The reserve spans an area of 6.2 square kilometers. Home to approximately 450 species of animals and 47 species of plants.
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary Birds
Despite the multiplicity of wildlife, the most prominent feature of the reserve the presence of large numbers of birds. That spend the winter and other migratory birds.
The largest concentration of birds in the reserve observed in January, reaching 25,000 birds of about 88 species. The density of wading birds reaches (21) birds per hectare in the spring and autumn. (60) birds in the winter. This is the highest rate in the world. There are also about 1,000 flamingos (Venter). That inhabit the reserve and attract great public interest from tourists, citizens and residents of Dubai alike. These numbers peak in winter. Its largest concentration during this season reached (2,300) birds. Of the 88 species of birds in the reserve. 9 found in significant numbers globally (constituting more than 1% of the global total of each of these species).
The main characteristics of Ras Al Khor
You can visit this amazing place for free. Apparently thanks to this the reserve is very popular among ornithologists and fans of eco-tourism. Plunging into the world of wildlife. Visitors can feel themselves in another dimension, in which there is not actively developing and rapidly developing Dubai. It is worth noting that this place, although protected by local authorities, is a rather fragile ecosystem.
Flamingos in Dubai
Pink flamingos are the most popular inhabitants of the reserve. On the shores of Dubai Creek lives about 500 individuals. Many tourists come here specifically to watch these remarkable birds. That is why the place often called a flamingo reserve in Dubai.
One of the most spectacular moments in the life of the reserve is the process of feeding flamingos. If you want to see this interesting action. Come to Ras Al Khor either for the opening or for the closing.
There is a separate observation post to observe pink flamingos. To be there, you need to enter the territory of the protected area through the entrance number 2.
How to get to Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
Ras al-Khor is located in a rather inaccessible place. The nearest metro station is about 15 minutes’ drive away. You can get there either by car or by taxi. There is free parking near each entrance.
How to get to Entrance 1 (Mangrove Observation Post). Entrance No. 1 is located along the main highway from Dubai to Hatta (E44). If you are coming from Dubai, take the D71 towards Al Ain. Then continue towards Hatta, focusing on the signs. To get to the entrance number 1, you will need to turn towards Dubai, as if you are returning back. The sign of the exit from the 4-lane highway to the reserve is easy to miss. So, better to prepare the route in advance.
How to get to Entrance 2 (Flamingo Observation Point). The road from Dubai to this entrance is similar to the road to entrance no. 1. When you reach Mangrove Entrance, keep to the right lane. Continue west on the E66 highway until you see the sign of the entrance. (There is no sign on the road).
If you go to Ras Al Khor Nature Reserve by taxi. Decide which entrance you want to start exploring the reserve from. In order not to walk from one entrance to another. (This about 2.7 km), you can ask for a taxi to wait for you.
To order a taxi, you can use online applications – Uber and Careem.
Well, the easiest way to see pink flamingos. Other birds in the Ras Al Khor Nature Reserve to visit it with a tour.
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary Ticket Price
Admission is free for everyone. Not necessary to allocate a lot of time for this: on average, viewing takes from 15 to 30 minutes.
If you have good optics. You should take it with you, as birds are very far away, and it is difficult to consider them.
There are no cafes, restaurants or shops here. There are free toilets next to the observation houses. It will not be possible to walk around the reserve. Guests led to the place along a long corridor fenced with high walls of rods.
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary Timings
Saturday – Thursday from 9:00 to 16:00
You just need to come here from Saturday to Thursday during working hours – from 9:00 to 16:00.
The reserve is important not only for the city authorities, but also for ordinary residents who are its regular visitors. As noted earlier, you can walk around the unique natural complex for free.
Contact Information
Address: Ras Al Khor, Emirate of Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Website: www.wildlife.ae
EMAIL: mahussain@dm.gov.ae
GPS coordinates: N 25 11.457 , E 55 19.344
