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Wildlife Expeditions

Wildlife of
United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates is notable for the rare chance to see iconic Arabian desert wildlife alongside thriving coastal mangroves and world-class marine life-dugongs, dolphins, turtles, and migratory birds-within a compact, easily accessible country.
120 Species
83,600 km² Land Area
Overview

About United Arab Emirates

Despite its hyper-modern skyline, the UAE's natural heritage is defined by resilient desert-adapted species and surprisingly productive seas. Across the federation's dunes, gravel plains, and rocky wadis, wildlife has evolved to cope with heat and scarce water-think swift Arabian gazelles, elusive sand cats, and foxes that emerge after sunset. Along the coasts, mangroves and tidal flats act as nurseries for fish and crustaceans and as vital refueling stations for migratory birds moving along the African-Eurasian flyway, making the UAE a rewarding destination for birders as well as desert naturalists.

Key ecosystems include the vast Empty Quarter margins and other dune fields, where you can track prints of nocturnal mammals and spot specialized reptiles; the rugged Hajar Mountains, whose cooler elevations and wadis support distinct flora and fauna and offer dramatic hiking-and-wildlife viewing; and the Gulf and Gulf of Oman marine habitats, where seagrass beds sustain one of the region's most important dugong populations, while coral communities, reef fish, and seasonal whale shark gatherings provide standout underwater encounters.

Conservation is an increasingly central part of the UAE wildlife story. The country invests heavily in protected areas, habitat restoration (notably mangrove expansion), and high-profile species recovery-most famously the reintroduction and protection of the Arabian oryx, once extinct in the wild. Positioned between Africa, Asia, and Europe, the UAE also plays a meaningful global role by safeguarding stopover and wintering sites for migratory birds and supporting marine conservation in a region where coastal development and warming seas heighten pressures. For visitors, the unique appeal is the contrast: sunrise over silent dunes, afternoon birding in mangroves minutes from a city, and boat trips over seagrass meadows where dugongs and dolphins may surface.

Physical Features

Geography

The UAE's wildlife is shaped by sharp contrasts between arid interiors and productive coastal waters. Vast sand deserts, gravel plains, and saline flats (salt flats) support highly specialized desert fauna that track scarce vegetation, oases, and ephemeral desert streambeds after rain. The rugged Hajar Mountains create cooler, wetter microclimates and elevational refuges that concentrate plants, reptiles, and mountain-adapted mammals. Along the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, mangroves, mudflats, seagrass beds, and coral communities provide key nursery and feeding habitats for fish, turtles, dugongs, seabirds, and migratory shorebirds, making coastal geography central to biodiversity despite the country's overall aridity.

83,600 km² Land Area
About the size of Austria; roughly the 115th largest country (by land area) Size Rank

Key Landscapes

  • Persian Gulf (Arabian Gulf) coastline: shallow lagoons, tidal flats, mudflats, and barrier islands important for shorebirds and marine nurseries
  • Gulf of Oman coastline (east): rockier shores and deeper, more open waters influencing different reef/fish assemblages than the Persian Gulf
  • Mangrove stands (notably grey mangrove, e.g., around Abu Dhabi) supporting birds, juvenile fish, and invertebrates
  • Coastal salt flats and saline wetlands used by specialized plants, invertebrates, and feeding/resting waterbirds
  • Offshore islands and intertidal flats that function as seabird nesting/roosting sites and protected haul-out areas
  • Seagrass meadows and nearshore soft-bottom habitats supporting dugongs and green turtles and acting as fish nurseries
  • Coral and hard-bottom reef patches (especially along parts of the Gulf and Oman coast) providing habitat for reef fish and invertebrates
  • Interior sand seas and dune fields (including the Liwa crescent on the edge of the Empty Quarter) hosting dune-adapted reptiles, invertebrates, and desert mammals
  • Gravel and stone plains and desert shrublands that often hold more continuous forage than open dunes
  • Oases and groundwater-fed groves (e.g., Al Ain and scattered desert oases) acting as critical freshwater/vegetation nodes for birds and mammals
  • Seasonal drainage channels and ephemeral streambeds that briefly concentrate water and productivity after rains, creating short-lived but important habitat pulses
  • Hajar Mountains (including Jebel Jais): rugged peaks, cliffs, and cooler uplands forming refugia and migration corridors along the Oman border

Ecoregions

  • Arabian Desert and East Sahero-Arabian xeric shrublands (WWF)
  • Gulf of Oman desert and semi-desert (WWF)
  • Al Hajar Mountains xeric woodlands and steppe (WWF)
  • Persian Gulf marine realm (MEOW-style marine ecoregion concept; includes seagrass, tidal flats, and thermally/salinity-stressed coastal waters)
  • Gulf of Oman / Sea of Oman marine realm (MEOW-style; more ocean-influenced waters and different coastal community structure than the Persian Gulf)
Parks & Reserves

Protected Areas

The UAE's protected-area system is managed largely at the emirate level (e.g., Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi; Dubai Municipality; Environment and Protected Areas Authority-Sharjah; Fujairah Environment Authority), with a mix of desert reserves, mountain wadis, coastal wetlands/mangroves, and large marine protected areas. Designations include protected areas/reserves and parks established by emirate decrees, plus internationally recognized sites (notably Ramsar wetlands and a UNESCO Man and the Biosphere marine reserve). Conservation priorities include safeguarding remaining mangrove and tidal-flat habitats for migratory shorebirds, protecting desert ecosystems for reintroduced ungulates and predators, and conserving coral/seagrass/dugong habitat in the Gulf.

Protected Coverage

Approx. ~15-20% of UAE land area is under some form of formal protection (figures vary by emirate and by what is counted; terrestrial coverage is generally reported in the mid-teens, with additional large marine protected areas offshore).

Notable Parks & Reserves

Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR)

Desert Conservation Reserve (protected area; emirate-level reserve)

A flagship fenced desert reserve in Dubai protecting dunes, gravel plains, and desert fauna; it is one of the best places in the UAE to see reintroduced native ungulates and intact desert ecology. It supports structured wildlife viewing and long-term habitat restoration.

Arabian oryx
Sand gazelle
Arabian gazelle
Red fox
Red fox
Rüppell's fox
Spiny-tailed lizard (dhub)

Sir Bani Yas Island - Arabian Wildlife Park (Abu Dhabi)

Wildlife reserve / conservation park (emirate-level protected area on Sir Bani Yas Island)

A major conservation and rewilding site combining large-scale habitat restoration with free-ranging wildlife; it is among the UAE's most reliable locations for viewing large mammals. The island has become an important refuge for regionally threatened desert species.

Arabian oryx
Sand gazelle
Arabian gazelle
Barbary sheep
Giraffe
Giraffe
Hyena
Hyena

Wadi Wurayah National Park (Emirate of Fujairah)

National Park / protected mountain reserve (Fujairah)

A rugged Hajar Mountains wadi system with permanent/seasonal freshwater pools and high biodiversity relative to surrounding deserts. It is notable for mountain wildlife and rare amphibians tied to UAE freshwater habitats.

Arabian tahr
Caracal
Caracal
Arabian toad
Indian crested porcupine
Egyptian vulture
Egyptian vulture

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary (Dubai)

Wildlife Sanctuary; Ramsar Wetland of International Importance

A globally important coastal wetland of mudflats, lagoons, and mangroves that supports large congregations of migratory waterbirds and shorebirds. It is one of the UAE's premier urban wildlife-viewing sites, especially for flamingos.

Greater flamingo
Black-winged stilt
Avocet
Avocet
Western reef heron
Osprey
Osprey
Slender-billed gull

Al Wathba Wetland Reserve (Abu Dhabi)

Wetland reserve; Ramsar Wetland of International Importance

A managed wetland complex (saline lagoons and reedbeds) that regularly hosts thousands of waterbirds and is especially significant for flamingos and migratory species. It is one of Abu Dhabi's best birding reserves with strong monitoring and habitat management.

Greater flamingo
Little grebe
Purple heron
Garganey
Black-winged stilt
Marbled teal

Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve (Abu Dhabi)

UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Marine Biosphere Reserve; Marine protected area

A large marine protected area safeguarding coral reefs, seagrass beds, and important breeding/foraging habitat for marine megafauna. It is among the most significant sites in the UAE for marine conservation and fisheries nursery habitat.

Dugong
Dugong
Green sea turtle
Hawksbill turtle
Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin
Socotra cormorant
Reef fish (e.g., groupers)

Mangrove National Park (Abu Dhabi)

National Park / protected mangrove area (emirate-level)

A key mangrove and tidal-channel system that provides nursery habitat for fish and crustaceans and supports resident and migratory birds. It is one of the most accessible mangrove ecosystems for nature-based recreation and education in the capital.

Western reef heron
Eurasian spoonbill
Osprey
Osprey
Kingfishers
Kingfishers
Crabs (mangrove-associated)
Juvenile reef fish

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

  • None (the UAE currently has no UNESCO World Heritage natural sites).
Animals

Wildlife

Despite its small size, the United Arab Emirates has high habitat diversity packed into a narrow latitudinal band: hyper-arid sand seas and gravel deserts (Empty Quarter margins), rugged Hajar Mountains with wadis and cliff faces, and highly productive coastal lagoons, sabkhas, mangroves, and offshore islands on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. Wildlife is characterized by desert-adapted mammals and reptiles, major migratory bird use of wetlands, and globally important marine megafauna (notably dugongs and sea turtles) in shallow Gulf waters. Many flagship species are best seen in protected areas such as Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve (Dubai), Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Sir Bani Yas Island, Al Wathba Wetland Reserve (Abu Dhabi), Mangrove National Park (Abu Dhabi), Jebel Hafeet and Al Ain area (Abu Dhabi), and mountain wadis of Ras Al Khaimah/Fujairah/Sharjah in the Hajar range.

≈45-55 species (including bats, desert ungulates, small carnivores, and marine mammals) Mammals
≈430-500 species recorded (strongly boosted by migrants and wintering waterbirds) Birds
≈70-85 species (geckos, agamids, skinks, snakes, desert monitor) Reptiles
≈4-7 species (localized to wadis, farms, and wetter mountain foothills) Amphibians

Iconic Species

Arabian Oryx A conservation icon for the Arabian Peninsula, reintroduced and now regularly seen in fenced and managed desert reserves. Best viewing is in Abu Dhabi's managed desert areas and on Sir Bani Yas, as well as Dubai's desert conservation areas where guided drives often encounter herds.
Dugong
Dugong The UAE's shallow seagrass beds support one of the region's most important dugong concentrations. Boat-based wildlife trips around Abu Dhabi's offshore islands offer the best chance to see this large, slow-moving marine herbivore.
Hawksbill Sea Turtle The Arabian Gulf hosts key nesting and foraging habitat for this Critically Endangered turtle. Nesting occurs on some UAE islands and remote beaches; in-water sightings are possible around reefs and nearshore areas, especially in Abu Dhabi waters and the Gulf of Oman coast.
Socotra Cormorant A Gulf specialty seabird that forms dense breeding colonies on offshore islands. Large rafts and commuting flocks are a signature coastal wildlife experience in Abu Dhabi's island archipelagos.
Greater Flamingo A flagship wetland bird in winter, feeding in coastal lagoons and sabkhas. Reliable viewing sites include Al Wathba Wetland Reserve and other Abu Dhabi coastal wetlands where large flocks gather.
Houbara Bustard (Asian Houbara) A culturally significant desert bird and a high-profile conservation focus in the UAE. Wild birds are elusive, but winter desert excursions and protected desert landscapes occasionally yield sightings; the species is strongly associated with UAE desert conservation efforts.
Arabian Sand Gazelle (Reem) One of the most characteristic desert mammals of the Emirates, adapted to open dunes and gravel plains. Frequently seen in protected desert reserves and on managed island reserves (notably Sir Bani Yas and Abu Dhabi's island network).
Arabian Tahr A mountain specialist of the Hajar range, notable for living on steep cliffs and rugged wadis. The best opportunities are in the northern and eastern Hajar Mountains (e.g., Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah), though it is shy and usually encountered with patient mountain hikes and camera trapping.
Spiny-tailed Lizard (Dhub) A large, charismatic desert lizard often seen near burrow systems in open sandy and gravel habitats. It is one of the UAE's most recognizable reptiles on desert drives and guided eco-tours.
Desert Monitor A top reptile predator of the desert, impressive for its size and speed. Encounters are most likely in quieter desert areas away from heavy traffic, especially in cooler months when it is active.

Endemic Species

Arabian Tahr Near-endemic to the Hajar Mountains of the UAE and Oman; the UAE holds an important portion of its fragmented range in rugged northern/eastern mountain landscapes. Endemic
Musandam Leaf-toed Gecko A near-endemic Hajar/Musandam gecko (UAE-Oman) associated with rocky wadis and cliffs; part of the UAE's distinctive mountain herpetofauna. Endemic
Dhufar Toad A near-endemic Arabian Peninsula toad occurring in the UAE mainly where water persists (wadis, irrigated areas, foothills); represents the UAE's limited but distinctive amphibian fauna. Endemic

Notable Populations

  • Abu Dhabi's coastal waters support one of the largest dugong aggregations in the region and among the most important globally outside Australia, centered on extensive seagrass meadows around offshore islands.
  • The UAE hosts major breeding and roosting concentrations of Socotra cormorants on offshore islands, of outsized importance for this Gulf-endemic seabird.
  • Arabian Gulf nesting/foraging habitat in the UAE contributes to the conservation of Hawksbill turtles, with nesting on select islands and nearshore beaches and important feeding grounds on reefs and hard-bottom areas.
  • UAE wetlands (e.g., Al Wathba and coastal sabkhas/lagoons) regularly hold regionally significant wintering numbers of Greater Flamingos and other migratory waterbirds on the Afro-Eurasian flyway.
  • Managed reintroductions and protected areas maintain visible, visitor-accessible populations of Arabian oryx and gazelles, making the UAE one of the easiest places to see these desert ungulates in the wild or semi-wild conditions.
Protection

Conservation

Primary Threats

  • Rapid growth of coastal cities (e.g., Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah) drives land reclamation, shoreline hardening, and habitat conversion, particularly affecting tidal flats, coastal wetlands, and nearshore nursery habitats used by fish and invertebrates, as well as stopover sites for migratory waterbirds.
  • Ports, airports, highways, pipelines, and coastal engineering projects (breakwaters, canals) fragment desert and mountain habitats and increase wildlife mortality (vehicle collisions) while altering sediment transport and water flow in coastal zones.
  • Conversion and degradation of mangroves, sabkhas (salt flats), seagrass beds, coral communities, and desert steppe occurs through dredging, land reclamation, off-road access, and expansion of built areas. In the Hajar Mountains, localized development and quarrying pressures reduce habitat quality for mountain specialists.
  • Dredging and channelization, shoreline armoring, artificial islands, and altered hydrology around lagoons and creeks change salinity and sediment regimes, impacting mangroves, seagrass beds, and coastal wetlands. Desert ecosystems are modified by tracks, fencing, and intensive landscaping in peri-urban areas.
  • Rising air and sea temperatures intensify heat stress and evaporation, increasing pressure on water resources and stressing coastal ecosystems. Marine heatwaves raise risks of coral bleaching in the Gulf, while sea-level rise threatens low-lying coastal wetlands and island nesting sites for birds and turtles.
  • Urban and industrial runoff, marine litter (including plastics), and episodic oil/chemical risks from heavy shipping and port activity affect coastal waters. High desalination capacity produces brine discharges that can elevate local salinity and temperature, potentially stressing nearshore habitats when poorly dispersed.
  • High demand for seafood and intense nearshore fishing pressure can reduce fish stocks and alter reef and seagrass-associated communities. Bycatch risks affect charismatic megafauna (e.g., turtles) and can reduce resilience of marine ecosystems already stressed by warming and habitat alteration.
  • Recreation and access-off-road driving in deserts, beach use near turtle nesting areas, and boating around sensitive islands and lagoons-disturbs wildlife, damages vegetation, and degrades dunes and intertidal habitats. Light pollution on developed coasts can disorient nesting and hatchling sea turtles.
  • In desert and mountain margins, expanding settlements and farms increase encounters with wildlife; grazing and competition for vegetation/water can affect native ungulates and predators/scavengers. Concerns about livestock depredation can reduce tolerance for some native carnivores where they persist.
  • Very high freshwater demand in an arid climate increases reliance on groundwater extraction and desalination. Overuse can degrade oases and wadis and indirectly increase coastal impacts via energy use and brine discharge; landscaping and irrigation amplify pressure on limited resources.
  • As a major transport and trade hub, the UAE faces persistent risks of illegal wildlife trade transiting through airports and ports (e.g., ivory, exotic birds, reptiles). Strong enforcement exists, but volume of trade and logistics connectivity keep pressure high.
  • While regulated, illegal hunting and trapping can still affect vulnerable desert fauna (e.g., bustards historically, gazelles locally) and can compound pressures from habitat fragmentation, especially outside fenced reserves.
  • Introduced plants used in landscaping and invasive marine species transported via ballast water and hull fouling can alter native communities, particularly in disturbed coastal and urban-adjacent habitats. Feral cats and other commensal animals around settlements can impact ground-nesting birds and reptiles.
  • Dense urban animal populations and wildlife rehabilitation/captive-breeding activities require strong biosecurity; disease risks can increase where wildlife congregates at limited water sources or in managed reserves, and where feral animals interact with native species.
  • Although limited by aridity, irrigated farms and forestry plantations (shelterbelts/greening projects) can locally replace native desert habitats and increase groundwater demand. Poorly managed expansion can also create salinization and runoff issues affecting nearby ecosystems.
  • Quarrying and extraction (notably in mountainous areas) can cause localized habitat loss, dust, noise, and fragmentation, affecting wadis and mountain biodiversity and increasing erosion and sediment transport.
  • Commercial logging is not a dominant national threat, but localized cutting of trees/shrubs for fuel or clearing can degrade desert vegetation in accessible areas; strict protections and urban fuel alternatives generally limit this compared to other regions.
  • Small, managed, or fenced populations (e.g., reintroduced ungulates in reserves and on islands) can face reduced gene flow and inbreeding if not carefully managed with genetic monitoring and translocations among subpopulations.
Visit

Wildlife Tourism

Wildlife tourism in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a high-comfort, easy-to-access blend of desert, coastal wetland, mountain, and marine experiences-often delivered through luxury resorts, guided desert camps, and well-managed protected areas close to major cities. Economically, it complements the UAE's broader tourism sector by extending visitor stays beyond shopping and city attractions, supporting conservation-linked hospitality (eco-lodges, desert camps), guiding, transport, and marine operators (dolphin/whale, diving, kayaking). Historically, the UAE's wildlife narrative is tied to Bedouin desert life and falconry (a major cultural tradition), alongside modern conservation initiatives such as reintroductions and breeding programs for native species (e.g., Arabian oryx) and the protection of mangroves and offshore islands important for birds and sea turtles. Accessibility is excellent: most signature wildlife outings are 30-120 minutes from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Ras Al Khaimah by road; marine trips run from established marinas; and visitor infrastructure is strong (permits, guides, and safety standards are generally straightforward), making it ideal for first-time desert or Middle East wildlife travel.

Best Time to Visit

Best wildlife-viewing seasons are driven by heat and migration.

- November-March (prime season): Cooler temperatures make desert and mountain wildlife outings comfortable and increase daytime activity. Expect strong birding in wetlands/mangroves, raptor passage, and better conditions for longer desert safaris and hikes.
- December-February (peak birding): Wintering waterbirds and shorebirds concentrate in coastal lagoons, mangroves, and mudflats; excellent for photography and guided bird walks.
- March-April (spring transition): Last of the winter migrants plus early passage migrants; pleasant desert evenings; good time for combined desert + mangrove itineraries before heat rises.
- May-September (hot season, best for marine-focused trips): Land wildlife is harder midday, but early morning/evening desert drives still work. This is the best window for many sea turtle nesting/hatching programs (timing varies by beach and conservation management) and for warm-water diving/snorkeling.
- October (shoulder season): Temperatures ease, desert activity improves, and bird migration returns-great value with fewer crowds than mid-winter.

What to see when (practical highlights):
- Winter (Dec-Feb): Flamingos and large mixed flocks of waders/waterfowl in wetlands; comfortable dune nights; high chance of seeing desert antelope in protected reserves.
- Spring (Mar-Apr): Migratory bird passage (raptors and songbirds) plus lingering wintering species.
- Summer (Jun-Aug): Best for turtle-focused trips and underwater visibility/conditions can be good depending on coast and local currents; plan land activities at dawn/dusk only.
- Autumn (Oct-Nov): Returning migrants, improving desert temperatures, and excellent golden-hour dune photography.

Top Wildlife Experiences

  • Sunrise dune wildlife drive with tracking: join a guided 4x4 at first light to look for desert specialists (e.g., Arabian oryx in managed reserves, desert foxes, gazelles) and learn to read tracks, scat, and burrows before the day heats up.
  • Night desert safari focused on nocturnal fauna: go beyond the standard BBQ camp by booking a conservation/biology-led night drive or spotlight walk to look for owls, foxes, hedgehogs, and reptiles; pair it with stargazing in low-light desert areas.
  • Falconry experience with a master falconer: attend a hands-on demonstration that explains traditional hunting techniques, raptor biology, and modern conservation; some experiences include a short desert walk/ride to watch birds fly and return to the glove.
  • Guided mangrove kayak or SUP at high tide: paddle quietly through mangrove channels near Abu Dhabi or other coastal wetlands to watch herons, egrets, kingfishers, and crabs; sunrise and late afternoon offer the best light and bird activity.
  • Flamingo and wader photography session from hides/boardwalks: spend a morning with a bird guide and a long lens at a lagoon or wetland reserve, focusing on behavior shots (feeding, flight lines, courtship) rather than just sightings.
  • Mountain wildlife hike in the Hajar range: take a guided early-morning hike in wadis and rocky slopes to look for mountain birds, reptiles, and the region's adapted mammals; ideal for visitors who want active wildlife viewing away from the dunes.
  • Offshore dolphin/whale-watching boat trip (seasonal): depart from an established marina for a responsible wildlife cruise; sea conditions and sightings vary, but it's one of the UAE's most exciting 'big nature' add-ons to a city stay.
  • Sea turtle conservation visit (seasonal, permit-led): join an approved, conservation-managed night or early-morning program to learn about nesting beaches, hatchlings, and threats; choose operators working with local authorities to minimize disturbance.
  • Snorkel or dive reefs and wrecks for marine life: book a guided dive/snorkel day to look for reef fish, rays, and seasonal visitors; ideal in warmer months or calm winter days depending on coast.
  • Desert camp 'nature + culture' evening: choose a camp that includes a guided nature walk, interpretation of native plants (medicinal/desert survival uses), and quiet wildlife viewing rather than loud entertainment-excellent for families and photographers.

Safari Types Available

  • 4x4 desert game drives (sunrise/sunset) in dunes and gravel plains
  • Night safaris/spotlighting drives for nocturnal mammals, owls, and reptiles
  • Guided nature walks and tracking walks (desert ecology, spoor, and plant life)
  • Falconry and raptor-focused cultural wildlife experiences
  • Mangrove kayaking and stand-up paddle (SUP) wildlife outings
  • Birding safaris: guided hides/boardwalk sessions, coastal mudflat scans, and migration watches
  • Mountain/wadi hiking safaris in the Hajar Mountains (often combined with birding)
  • Marine safaris: dolphin/whale-watching cruises (seasonal)
  • Snorkeling and scuba-diving wildlife trips (reefs, wrecks, rays, reef fish)
  • Turtle-focused conservation programs (permit-led, seasonal, low-disturbance)
Fun Facts

Did You Know?

Flamingos don't just winter in the UAE-they breed there: greater flamingos first nested successfully at Al Wathba Wetland Reserve in 1998, raising chicks in an inland desert wetland.

The "Persian Gulf" side of the UAE is one of the harshest seas on Earth (very hot and very salty), yet UAE coral communities persist there and are studied for their unusually high heat tolerance compared with many tropical reefs.

Critically endangered hawksbill turtles still nest on UAE beaches, including monitored nesting sites on Saadiyat Island (Abu Dhabi), where nests can occur surprisingly close to major urban development.

Dubai has a protected wetland famous for wildlife literally in the shadow of skyscrapers: Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary (a Ramsar site) regularly hosts thousands of waterbirds, with flamingos feeding against the city skyline.

Some of the UAE's most iconic "wild" hoofed animals were brought back from the brink through conservation breeding and releases: Arabian oryx-once Extinct in the Wild globally-now roam protected desert reserves in the UAE alongside reintroduced sand gazelles.

Abu Dhabi waters host one of the world's largest populations of dugongs (often cited as the world's 2nd largest after Australia), with key habitat inside the Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve.

Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve (Abu Dhabi) was designated by UNESCO in 2007 as the Arab region's first marine biosphere reserve-created to protect wildlife-rich seagrass beds, coral communities, turtles, and dugongs.

Siniyah Island (Umm Al Quwain) supports one of the largest known breeding colonies of the Socotra cormorant (a Gulf-endemic, globally Vulnerable seabird), making the UAE internationally important for this species' survival.

Wadi Wurayah (Fujairah) was established in 2009 as the UAE's first protected mountain area (often referred to as Wadi Wurayah National Park), safeguarding a rare year-round freshwater wadi system in the Hajar Mountains that supports wildlife not found in the surrounding desert lowlands.

Al Wathba Wetland Reserve (near Abu Dhabi) holds the UAE's largest regularly breeding colony of greater flamingos-remarkable for a country dominated by desert and hyper-saline seas.

The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven historically distinct monarchies: the capital of Abu Dhabi, plus Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm Al Quwain. Situated against the Persian Gulf, the country shares a land border with Oman toward the east and Saudi Arabia toward the south.

The UAE has a long, winding coast that contains the most suitable climates for humans. Here you can find the country’s largest cities and their gleaming skyscrapers (including the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa). Beyond the coast, the desert is the dominant geographical feature of the country’s interior. With few large bodies of water, it contains some of the largest sand dunes in the entire world. The east of the country is also dotted with the Hajar Mountains, which flow into neighboring Oman.

The Official National (State) Animal of the United Arab Emirates

The Arabian oryx, a type of long-horned antelope, is the official national animal of the UAE. However, the falcon is the national bird, the emblem on the coat of arms, and an important cultural symbol.

Where to Find the Top Wild Animals in the United Arab Emirates

More than 10 national parks and wildlife reserves are spread out across the entire country.

  • The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, located directly to the south of the Dubai International Airport, is an enclosed bird haven situated among the sprawl of the city. It contains about 180 different species, including kingfishers, eagles, spoonbills, plovers, and godwits. It’s also a good place to find foxes, hedgehogs, vipers, and hares.
  • The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, located directly east of the city itself, is home to caracals, sand cats, antelopes, hedgehogs, shrews, foxes, hares, snakes, lizards, and several species of bats.
  • The Wadi Wurayah National Park, located near the eastern waters of the Persian Gulf, is considered to be a wetland of international importance. Situated amid the Hajar Mountains and scenic waterfalls, the park is home to the caracal, various species of freshwater fish, and even the unique and elusive Arabian tahr.
  • The Mangrove National Park encompasses 7 square miles of mangrove forests just outside the city center of the capital, Abu Dhabi. Visitors can expect to find a large variety of unique animals such as herons, flamingos, dolphins, dugongs, foxes, crabs, and fish.
  • The Kalba Conservation Reserve, located near the eastern border with Oman and the Persian Gulf, is an internationally recognized wetland area. It encompasses both a bird of prey center and a wild mountain conservation center for scenic hikes.

The Most Dangerous Animals in the United Arab Emirates Today

The UAE is home to several species of venomous animals that people should try to avoid at all costs. Fortunately, most of them reside in the more remote parts of the country.

  • Scorpions – The UAE has two types of dangerous scorpions: the deathstalker and the fat-tailed scorpion. Both of them are capable of producing dangerous and painful venom. Several deaths are known to occur every year, usually involving the young, old, or already infirm.
  • Arabian Horned Viper – Identified by the large scales protruding from the body and the big horns above each eye, the horned viper likes to lie submerged in the sand to surprise prey. The venom itself can cause pain, swelling, nausea, vomiting, and tissue necrosis.
  • Indian Saw-Scaled Viper – Aggressive and quick to strike, the saw-scaled viper is found throughout India and the Middle East. Its venom can cause severe pain, swelling, and bleeding within minutes of a bite. The mortality rate might be as high as 20%, but fortunately, anti-venom is widely available.

Endangered Animals in the United Arab Emirates

Most of the country’s wildlife lives out in remote areas, undisturbed by human activity. But several species, particularly near the coast, are at risk of becoming extinct from overhunting and habitat loss. Another persistent problem is overgrazing from domesticated animals, which changes the natural landscape of the country.

  • Arabian Leopard – This endangered subspecies of the leopard is exceptionally rare in the UAE. Occasionally there are reports of a sighting or a footprint left behind, but nothing definitive about its status in the country. With only a few hundred remaining in all of the Arabian Peninsula, it is already on the brink of becoming extinct. Habitat loss, prey depletion, and overhunting are primarily to blame for the dramatic fall in numbers.
  • Arabian Tahr – Native to the steep slopes of the Al Hajar Mountains, the endangered tahr looks a bit like a goat. It has long been under threat from habitat loss, hunting, and overgrazing in the area.
  • Sea Turtles – Four species of sea turtles (the green turtle, olive ridley turtle, loggerhead turtle, and hawksbill turtle) once roamed the waters of the Persian Gulf in large numbers, occasionally coming ashore to reproduce. But this unique animal is currently in danger of becoming extinct from the combined effects of pollution, accidental bycatches, human exploitation, and loss of nesting sites from coastal development.

The Flag of the United Arab Emirates

The national flag of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has red, green, white, and black, with unification being the flag’s main theme, and each color has a different meaning. It is rectangular in shape separate into four rectangular sections within. Check out more about the flag of the United Arab Emirates here.

Animals Found in United Arab Emirates

120 species documented in our encyclopedia

Amberjack Antelope Arabian Wolf Armyworm Australian Firehawk Barn Owl Barn Swallow Barracuda Barramundi Fish Bee Bee-Eater Beewolf wasp Bigfin Reef Squid Blacktip Reef Shark Blacktip Shark  Blind Snake Butterfly Fish Camel Spider Caracal Cichlid Cobia Fish Cockroach Common Raven Crane Crow Cuttlefish Darkling Beetle Desert Locust Diving Duck Dolphin Duck Dugong Dung Beetle Egret Eurasian Sparrowhawk Flycatcher Fox Fruit Bat Gazelle Gecko Gecko Gerbil Ghost Crab Goby Fish Goose Great Egret Green Bee-Eater Grey Heron Guinea Fowl Hare Honey Badger Hook-Nosed Sea Snake Hoopoe Hornet Huntsman Spider Hyena Ibis Jerboa Kestrel Khapra Beetle Lappet-faced Vulture Leech Lizard Lizard Milkfish Millipede Mojarra Mongoose Monitor Lizard Moorhen Mudskipper Muscovy Duck Night Heron Nuthatch Oleander Hawk Moth Osprey Otter Panther Parrot Parrotfish Partridge Pelican Peregrine Falcon Pink Bollworm Polka Dot Stingray Powderpost Beetle Pufferfish Red-Eared Slider Redstart River Turtle River Turtle Rock Hyrax Rodents Saluki Sand Cat Sandpiper Sardines Sawfish Scimitar-horned Oryx Scorpion Sea Roach Sea Snake Six-Eyed Sand Spiders Skink Lizard Spanish Mackerel Sparrow Spinner Shark Spitting Cobra Squirrelfish Stag Beetle Stonechats Stork Striped Hyena Swallow Tang Termite Termite Tortoise Turtles Turtles Uromastyx (Spiny-Tailed Lizard) Viper Vulture Whimbrel Zebra Shark

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