Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is a wetland reserve in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. renowned for attracting migratory birds in large numbers. It is home to countless species of birds, reptiles, fish and invertebrates, but most prominently it is a haven for birds of around 180 different species. Gracious pink flamingos steal the show in winter, but avid birdwatchers can spot grey herons, great egrets, reef herons, cormorants, black-winged stilts, sandpipers, osprey and more here.
Ras Al Khor is closely monitored and protected by the Dubai Municipality, and a wildlife sanctuary has been erected to protect the area.Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 6.2 sq. km and features a variety of salt flats, intertidal mudflats, mangroves, and lagoons that birds use for their nests and individual habitats.
The Ras Al Khor Sanctuary was established in 1985 and was officially declared as a protected area in 1998. It was designated as the Ramsar Site in 2007 under the Ramsar Convention and also identified as a Globally Important Bird Area (IBA) by Birdlife International and considered an exceptional wetland within the UAE. Ras al khor is located at the end of the ecologically important and culturally rich Dubai Creek.
There are three bird hides located on the perimeter of the sanctuary namely Mangrove Hide, Flamingo Hide or Lagoon Hide. Binoculars are provided for a closer view of the birds. These are free for the public to access during set daylight hours. The sanctuary is fenced off to protect the area and is closely monitored by the Dubai Municipality. This wetland reserve also serves as a breeding ground and home for crustaceans, mammals and fish, but it is the flamingos that steal the show in winter season.
Visiting Hours: 7:30am to 5:30pm during the winter season, and from 6am to 6pm between April to September.
Entry Fee: There is no entry fee or tickets.
Location: Ras Al Khor Road, Ras Al Khor - Dubai, UAE.
How to Reach
There are various metro stops on the Green Line. You can get to the area via metro from Creek Metro Station and Al Jadaf Metro Station. You can also take the Bus 44 from Rashidiya Metro Station Gate 4. Dubai International Airport is also a 15-minute drive away.