Oasis Kids Council inspires environmental stewardship, educating and engaging kids to take positive Now in its 5th year, Go Wild Dubai is a popular annual competition, aimed to spread environmental awareness. Presented by the Dubai Municipality in collaboration with Oasis Council of Environment.
This desert hosts one of the largest populations of Arabian Oryx in Dubai and the highest concentration of large flamingos in the UAE. Enjoying over 40 hectares of shrub and fertile land, the desert sanctuary is home to over 158 species of migratory birds, 204 species of native birds, many other endangered species and over 10sqkm of lakes, encompassing the Al Qudra Lakes.
In the wetlands, just metres away from the bustling city of Dubai, you’ll find the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. It’s hard to believe you can find tens of thousands of birds in a spot so close to the city. This expansive reserve also serves as a breeding ground each year for crustaceans, mammals and fish, but it is the flamingos that steal the show in winter. Look closer among the mass of pink feathers and you might spot grey herons, great egrets, reef herons, cormorants, black-winged stilts, sandpipers, osprey and more colourful species of birds.
The area supports over 300 species,including the critically endangered hawksbill turtle, the endangered mottled eagle ray, green turtle, Arabian gazelle, foxes, lizards and a variety of water birds. Access to the sanctuary and marine reserve are restricted. To visit the reserve, which is managed by the Emirates Marine Environmental Group, you can join one of their turtle releases, BBQs, mangrove plantings or clean-ups.
Through these activities you can learn about the huge range of species found in these ecosystems, and how they are affected by our day-to-day activities. You may even meet some of the residents, including desert animals such as camels and gazelle, turtles and other sea animals, and wetland animals such as birds.
Home to the largest population of the endangered Arabian Tahr in the UAE. The mountains provide refuge to many species of rare fauna and flora, situated close to two dams. The area is an ideal spot for mountain bikers, adventurers and nature-lovers with its craggy mountain peaks, crisp air and untamed environment. From criss-crossing
the rough terrain on a mountain bike to tackling the turquoise waters by kayak, or simply exploring the cultural town by foot, there’s much to do just an hour away from central Dubai. Trek along the winding wadis at the foothills of the mountains near the border with Oman and experience the varied terrain from sandy patches to sharp rock, or hop on a mountain bike to navigate the meandering pathways of hills, wadis, and farmland. Multiple trails with clear markers serve as useful guides for beginners and advanced level riders.
Kayak through the vast Hatta lake and encounter natural inhabitants including fish and birds. You can venture into unseen areas through the curved passageways hidden behind the mountains. Kayaks and paddle boats are available for rent at the kiosk in the reservoir.
The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) is one of the largest areas to be declared as a protected nature reserve by the government in the UAE. Covering 225 square kilometres, it takes up approximately five per cent of the total land in Dubai and is fenced off to shield the flora and fauna that naturally inhabit the area.
Since the preservation started in 2004, the reserve has become home to more than 50 plant species, 120 birds and 43 mammals and reptiles. The reserve is also a member of the International Union for the
Conservation of Nature, having received international recognition for their efforts in protecting the habitat and natural wildlife.