9 Interesting Animals in Dubai – You may not Know About

Dubai might be known for its towering skyscrapers and luxurious lifestyle, but the city also hides a surprising variety of fascinating animals. Many visitors are unaware of the rich wildlife just beyond the city limits, which can be a missed opportunity for those looking for a unique experience.

The challenge for many tourists is that they often don’t know where to find these animals or what to expect when they explore beyond the urban setting. Without guidance, some of Dubai’s most intriguing creatures can go unnoticed.

One fact that might surprise you is that the Arabian Oryx, once endangered, now roams freely in conservation areas. Curious about what other animals you can encounter?

In this article, you’ll discover the most interesting creatures in Dubai and where you can see them. Prepare for a fresh perspective on this dynamic city!

Places to Find Interesting Animals in Dubai

Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

There are several species of mammals and reptiles seen in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) is known to be the first National Park of the UAE. This reserve for wildlife in Dubai is home to the Arabian Oryx, which is a rare species and one of the most special species of the reserve.

The desert reserve is also home to a variety of bird species and also rare species of insects. There are tour operators who are responsible for organizing camps, safaris, and other activities in the reserve.

Dubai Safari Park

Dubai Safari Park, which is home to nearly 3,000 animals has become a popular attraction in Dubai for locals and tourists alike. The zoo is divided into various zones named as ‘Villages’, and these are classified based on the regions around the world.

Dubai Safari Park boasts a diverse collection of animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and more. Visitors can encounter everything from lions, elephants, and giraffes to crocodiles, flamingos, and various primate species.

Ras Al Khor

The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary in Dubai is a popular place to see flamingos. Located at a little distance from Dubai.

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is a home to many different and rare species of birds, due to its greenery. This place consists of lagoons, salt flats, mangroves, intertidal mudflats and other Dubai wildlife. This sanctuary is visitors’ attraction as well as the habitats for the birds.

This place for wildlife in Dubai is a paradise for people who love bird watching. Being a wetland reserve, Ras Al-Khor attracts many migratory birds, the Flamingos being the most common visitor of its marshland, which have almost become a mascot for the Wildlife protection program.

9 Interesting Animals in Dubai with Facts

Many large terrestrial mammals are thriving on the land of the United Arab Emirates. Such as the Arabian tahr, the Arabian oryx, the sand gazelle, and many more.

Arabian Sand Gazelle

Name: Arabian sand Gazelle

Scientific name : Gazella marica

Conservation status : Vulnerable

The Arabian sand gazelle is a species of gazelle native to the Arabian and Syrian Deserts but more generally to the Middle East. It is listed as vulnerable to extinction on the IUCN red list and can only be found in small, scattered populations across the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Oman.

Places to spot these interesting animals in Dubai are hard as they inhabit a few particular areas of the UAE.

Arabian Wolf

Name: Arabian Wolf

Scientific name: Canis lupus arabs

Conservation status: Data deficient

The Arabian wolf is a subspecies of the gray wolf native to the Arabian Peninsula and the neighboring areas of Jordan and the Negev Desert . It is the smallest of all wolves and is particularly well adapted to its desert environment.

This wolf lives in small groups, feeds on small to medium-sized prey, and omnivorous. They are opportunistic predators with a varied diet, including small mammals like rodents, hares, and even small ungulates. Occasionally, they may scavenge carrion or feed on fruits and vegetation

Arabian wolves were once found throughout the Arabian Peninsula. They made their homes in the mountains, the deserts, and the coastal plains. The excessive hunting over the last years has led to the relative extinction of Arabian wolves in the Arabian Peninsula.

Interesting Fact: The Arabian Wolves don’t howl.

Mountain Gazelle

Scientific name: Gazella gazella

Conservation status: Endangered

The mountain gazelle is also known as the Israel mountain gazelle. It is one of the most interesting animals in dubai wildlife.

Their coat is short and dense, with a coloration that varies according to the region they inhabit. Typically, the coat ranges from pale tan to reddish-brown on the upper body, with a white underbelly. They often have a distinctive white rump patch.

The mountain gazelle is well-suited to a range of habitats, including open woodlands, semi-arid plains, and rocky hillsides. They are particularly adapted to mountainous terrains, which is where their name originates

Lappet-faced Vulture

scientific name : Torgos tracheliotos

Conservation status : Endangered

The lappet-faced vulture, also known as the Nubian vulture, is a large species of Old World vulture native to sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It is the only vulture found in the United Arab Emirates, and one of the very few raptor species.

This vulture inhabits the dry savannas, arid plains, and deserts of the United Arab Emirates. Similarly to other vultures, it is a scavenger and finds animal carcasses by soaring over open areas.

Arabian Oryx

Name: Arabian Oryx

Scientific name: Oryx leucoryx

Conservation status : Vulnerable

The Arabian oryx, also known as the white oryx, is by far the most important animal in the United Arab Emirates. It is the national emblem of the country and is well-known for being the first animal to revert back from the brink of extinction.

Arabian Oryx antelope is the smallest member of its genus and the national animal of the United Arab Emirates. Reintroduction, and protection of the natural habitats also helped in increasing the population of the Arabian Oryx, and avoiding their extinction.

Desert Eagle Owl

Desert Eagle Owls usually live in desert regions, but can also be found in woody and rocky areas. The Desert Eagle Owl is a large owl, with adults measuring around 50 to 60 cm (20 to 24 inches) in length, and having a wingspan of approximately 110 to 140 cm (43 to 55 inches).

It is one of the most interesting animals in Dubai, and have distinctive ear tufts or “horns” on its head, which are actually clusters of feathers that give it an owl-like appearance

Spiny Tailed Lizard

Spiny Tailed Lizards usually live in colonies, with each lizard occupying a separate burrow. These lizards are one of the interesting animals in the Dubai desert and are categorized as endangered animals on the IUCN Red List if endangered animals.

Their hunting is banned in the UAE and are primarily herbivorous. But these reptiles can feed on insects and small animals occasionally. This lizard species is blessed with tremendous survival instincts and can live for months on very little vegetation.

Interesting fact: Spiny Tailed Lizards change body color depending on the time of the day. In the morning, they flaunt dark grey color to absorb more sun rays to heat up the body. During the daytime, skin color changes to light beige to reflect the sunray to avoid overheating.

Arabian Red Fox

Arabian Red Fox is native to Arabia and well adapted to the desert life. These foxes are one of the most interesting animals in dubai.

Arabian red foxes are skilled diggers and create underground burrows for shelter. These burrows provide protection from extreme temperatures and predators. They use vocalizations, body language, and scent marking to communicate with each other. These behaviors are important for establishing territories and maintaining social bonds.

Sand Cats

Deserts of the UAE are the home to one of the most elusive little feline species, Sand Cats. If you are a cat-lover, these furry little creatures are going to melt your heart with their beautiful coat and cute facial features.

The Arabian Sand Cat looks more or less like a common house cat with almost the same body size. Arabian sand cats are skilled nocturnal predators.

It is one of the most interesting animals in Dubai, and its natural habitats include rocky or desert environments. Sand cats are adapted to a life without much water and manage to get the fluids they need from the prey they eat.

Interesting fact Sand Cats can regulate their body moisture to prevent the urge to drink water or feed on prey for a long time.

Arabian Leopard

The Arabian leopard is the smallest of the leopard subspecies, native to the Arabian Peninsula. Critically endangered, it faces threats from habitat loss and poaching.

In the UAE, sightings are rare, often occurring in regions such as Jebel Hafeet. With fur ranging from pale yellow to golden, adorned with rosettes, the leopard camouflages in the rocky desert landscape.

Conservation programs, including captive breeding efforts, aim to protect this predator from extinction. Plans are in place to reintroduce individuals into protected habitats, helping to stabilize the dwindling population.

Sea Turtles

Dubai’s beaches serve as nesting grounds for several species of sea turtles, including the critically endangered Hawksbill turtle. Conservation efforts through the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project (DTRP) focus on rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing sick or injured turtles.

The project, based at Jumeirah Al Naseem, has released more than 2,000 turtles back into the wild. Visitors can observe these efforts and learn about the importance of marine conservation.

Sea turtles are crucial for maintaining the health of Dubai’s marine ecosystems, particularly through their role in controlling jellyfish populations.

Scorpions

Dubai’s desert landscape provides a habitat for several species of scorpions, such as the Arabian thick-tailed scorpion. These nocturnal creatures hide during the day, emerging at night to hunt.

While their stings are painful, they are rarely dangerous unless an allergic reaction occurs. Scorpions play a key role in the ecosystem by controlling insect populations.

They can be found in sandy deserts and rocky areas, where they use their venom to subdue prey. Although they may seem intimidating, scorpions contribute to maintaining a balanced environment in the arid regions of Dubai.

Arabian Horned Viper

The Arabian horned viper, recognized by the horn-like scales above its eyes, inhabits Dubai’s deserts. This venomous snake preys on small rodents, insects, and lizards.

It has a powerful bite, but fatalities are rare with prompt medical treatment. The viper lays eggs, and its young are born well-adapted to their desert surroundings.

Found in sandy and shrub-covered areas, this species is perfectly suited to the harsh conditions of the Arabian Peninsula. Its unique appearance and behavior make it a fascinating species within the region’s reptile population.

Whale Sharks

Whale sharks occasionally appear off the coast of Dubai, in locations such as Dubai Marina. These large fish feed on plankton, making them harmless to humans despite their size.

Their calm nature attracts divers and marine enthusiasts. Whale sharks thrive in warm waters like the Arabian Gulf, but their appearance in Dubai’s shallower waters remains infrequent.

Conservation efforts focus on tracking their movements and minimizing threats from human activities. Whale sharks highlight the biodiversity of Dubai’s marine environment, bringing attention to the importance of ocean conservation

Frequently Asked Questions