Just like humans, wildlife need a safe space too. Fortunately, UAE has the wildlife sanctuary, where they provide the right environment and area to animals. Animals not only get their natural habitat, but they also receive ultimate care. Moreover, you can visit these wildlife sanctuaries and witness the nature.
Here, we’ll find out the best wildlife sanctuaries, their locations, times, services and contact details!
- Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
- Al Wathba Wetland Reserve
- The Green Planet
- Al Zorah Nature Reserve Ajman
- Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Reserve
- FAQs
UAE’s Most Popular Sanctuaries
If adventurous self-care at a wellness centre or wildlife facility is your idea of a perfect day, here’s a treat. Enjoy a fun day out away from all your stress and experience UAE’s premium sanctuaries. They provide state-of-the-art care for extinct and exotic wildlife animals.
1. Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
Welcome to a world-class heritage site, where wildlife animals meet comfort. Experience Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve which will leave you in awe. Try your hand at camel trekking and falconry. Hike through the unique desert surroundings meticulously cared for by the team at Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.
Working to protect Dubai’s exotic and extinct desert wilderness, DDCR also aims to protect the flora and fauna from extinction. As the UAE’s first national park, DDCR is part of Dubai’s cultural heritage. It is also a member of the IUCN and a candidate for the Green List. The reserve has been recognised as one of the best Dubai parks for sustainable conservation destinations.
Main Office Location
Emirates Group Headquarters, Airport Road, Dubai, UAE
Contact Information
+971 800 900
Timings
24/7
Services
- Flora and fauna
- Camel treks
- Falconry
- Horse riding
- Archery
2. Al Wathba Wetland Reserve
Established by a group of pioneering ecologists back in 1996, the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve enforces and regulates Abu Dhabi’s environmental laws. It protects UAE’s last remaining biodiversity including sharks, rays, plants, mammals, amphibians, and a lot more.
The EAD follows 7 strict values, partnership, excellence, results-oriented, innovation, resilience, ownership, and accountability. A proud achievement of EAD includes setting up the Sheikh Zayed Protected Areas Network, which has recorded an impressive 100 invertebrate species and banning fishing nets.
Location
Headquarters al Mamoura Building, Building 62, Al Mamoura Street, Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Contact Information
+971 2 693 4444
Timings
07:30 am to 03:30 pm (Sunday – Thursday)
Activities and Biodiversity
- Resources and materials
- Waste management
- Laws and policies
- Experience green Abu Dhabi
3. The Green Planet
Have you ever wanted to experience the movie Rio in your life? Step on into a fascinating indoor rainforest, home to captivating inhabitants, each with a unique habit, personality and lifestyle. This is the ultimate chance to encounter and learn how these animals contribute to Earth’s active ecosystem.
If you have kids, send them on the experience of a lifetime at Green Planet. They will be inspired by nature and immerse themselves in an educational experience in the rainforest. Become a zookeeper for a day or go camping in the rainforest to learn about essential real-life survival techniques.
Location
City Walk, Al Wasl, Dubai, UAE
Contact Information
800 7699
Timings
10:00 am to 06:00 pm (Monday – Sunday)
Services and Experiences
- Camping in the rainforest
- Zookeeper for a day
- Rainforest summer camp
- Wild encounters
- School field trips
4. Al Zorah Nature Reserve Ajman
Renowned for biodiversity and mesmerising landscapes, Al Zorah Natural Reserve is a protected area in Ajman, spanning over 1,000,000 sqm. Majorly famous for its mangroves, the Nature Reserve also provides habitat for a wide array of species. These include bird life and marine life. Home to the pink flamingo, Al Zorah provides one of the best spots for bird-watching in Ajman.
With 6,600 saplings planted in 2023, the Nature Reserve takes help from assisted natural regeneration, soil restructuring and channelling. This will increase the water’s flow to help flush out saline waters and help regenerate new species.
Location
The Pavilion Al Zorah, Al Ittihad Road, opposite Union Coop Jerf 1, Ajman, UAE
Contact Information
+971 6 701 4700
Timings
09:00 am to 05:00 pm (Monday – Friday)
Services
- Baseline surveys
- Restoration
5. Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Reserve Sanctuaries
The Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Reserve houses 30 desert and mountain species. As a world-class conservation park in Sharjah, it hosts several indoor exhibits, hedgehogs, scorpions, lizards, and snakes. Guided tours can be arranged for a personalised tour taking you through the entire centre.
Location
Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre, Al Ghayl, Kalba, UAE
Contact Information
+971 9 277 2698
Timings
11:00 am to 06:30 pm (Saturday – Sunday), 09:00 am to 06:30 pm (Tuesday – Thursday) and 02:00 pm to 06:30 pm (Friday)
FAQs
All kinds of animals can be seen at wildlife sanctuaries, ranging from common mammals to exotic and unique bird species. Some popular animals include:
– Sea turtles
– Arabian Oryx
– Flamingos
– Sand gazelles
The UAE has worked hard to preserve near-extinct and exotic wildlife in a sanctuary. From all kinds of flora to fauna, visitors can see first-hand the efforts to protect this wildlife. So, plan a day out today to see these stunning mammals for yourself in opulent wildlife sanctuaries in the UAE!
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