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Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
Ras Al Khor is a wetland reserve renowned for attracting migratory birds in large numbers. The wetlands have large numbers of birds, crustaceans, small mammals and fish. Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary represents an enclave of relative wilderness amidst swirling traffic and sprawling urban infrastructure. Located just as the name in Arabic suggests at the Cape of the Creek, it is among the few urban protected areas of the world. The Dubai Municipality has taken great efforts to protect and preserve the biodiversity of this delicate ecosystem. The wetland has been fenced off from the public and three birding hides have been built. The bird hides are a first step towards development of more elaborate visitor education facilities in the protected area. WWF UAE Project Office collaborated with Dubai Municipality’s Environment Department, in setting up the facilities that were sponsored by the National Bank of Dubai. Opportunities for experiencing a natural environment in this rapidly building-up emirate are so limited that the opening of Ras Al Khor to visitors is a boon to present and potential nature lovers. Ras Al Khor is also home to about 500 Greater Flamingoes (Phoenicopterus roseus), which has become somewhat of a mascot for Dubai’s Wild Life protection program. Covering a 6.2 sq km-area surrounded by a buffer zone, the Sanctuary holds approximately 266 species of fauna and 47 species of flora. An environmental study conducted by the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands, was recently conducted and has confirm the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary as the UAE’s first internationally recognized and protected wetland area, and the third such site in the GCC, a step which establish Dubai as an environmentally conscious entity. Presently there are three birding hides located on the perimeter of the sanctuary open to the public. Entrance is free and operate from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Saturday to Thursday. Visitors are allowed to enter with permits acquired from the Environment Department, Dubai Municipality. Only 10 visitors per bird hide are permitted at a time. Telescopes and binoculars have been placed there for your viewing pleasure. Bring your camera, your love of nature and enjoy yourself!|
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