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Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary 

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary 

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary 

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, known for its rich biodiversity and importance as a wetland habitat. “Ras Al Khor” translates to “Cape of the Creek” in English, and the sanctuary is situated at the mouth of Dubai Creek.

Key features of Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary include:

  1. Wetland Habitat: The sanctuary encompasses a variety of ecosystems, including mudflats, lagoons, and mangroves, providing a suitable environment for numerous bird species and marine life.
  2. Bird Watching: Ras Al Khor is particularly renowned for its birdlife, with over 450 species of birds recorded. The sanctuary serves as a vital resting and feeding ground for migratory birds, including flamingos, herons, cormorants, and many others.
  3. Flamingo Hide: One of the main attractions within the sanctuary is the Flamingo Hide, a designated viewing area equipped with telescopes and binoculars that allows visitors to observe flamingos and other birds in their natural habitat.
  4. Educational Programs: Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary aims to raise awareness about the importance of conservation and the significance of wetland ecosystems. The site often conducts educational programs and guided tours for visitors.
  5. Conservation Efforts: The sanctuary plays a crucial role in the conservation of the area’s natural biodiversity. Efforts are made to maintain the delicate balance of the ecosystem and protect the habitat from urban development.

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary 

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is open to the public, and visitors can explore designated areas while adhering to conservation guidelines. It’s recommended to check with local authorities or the Dubai Municipality for the latest information on visiting hours, regulations, and any special events or programs at the sanctuary.

Dubai invokes pictures of sun, sand, and shopping for some individuals to avoid even mentioning charming lodgings and shining nightlife. Be that as it may, look sufficiently hard, and you can locate another side of the city.

Only a couple of miles from the traffic and the clamor is the tranquil desert spring of the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, and nature is abounding with birdlife.

Wetlands of the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

Arranged around ten miles toward the south of Dubai, Ras Al Khor lies toward the finish of The Creek, the stream around which the city was originally established.

The wetlands spread 620 hectares and incorporate mudflats, sabkhas (salt pads), tidal ponds, and pools.

It fundamentally changed the environment by digging during the 1970s and 1980s, when Dubai’s development blast was the pinnacle. Yet, from that point, forward endeavors have been made to save the region.

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary was assigned a secured site in 1985, organized new channels, and planted a significant part of the zone with mangroves.

Aside from the mangroves, the site incorporates reed beds and bushes. It is also home to various types of shellfish, small mammals, creepy crawlies, and fish.

How much does it cost to go to Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary?

Free

Opening hours: Saturday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM; Friday from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM; Winter hours from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Entrance fee: Free.

Visiting Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary in Dubai is generally free of charge. The sanctuary is open to the public, allowing visitors to explore its natural beauty and observe a variety of wildlife, including flamingos, birds, and other species.

However, if you’re interested in guided tours or specific educational programs, there may be associated fees. It’s a good idea to check the sanctuary’s official website or contact them for any updates on tours or special events that may have a cost. Additionally, consider any transportation costs if you’re traveling from your accommodation.

What animals are at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary?

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.

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse array of wildlife, making it a popular destination for nature lovers. Here are some of the notable animals you can find there:

  1. Birds: The sanctuary is famous for its birdlife, particularly migratory species. Notable birds include:
  • Greater Flamingos: One of the main attractions, often seen in large numbers.
  • Herons: Such as the Great Blue Heron and Grey Heron.
  • Egrets: Including the Little Egret and Cattle Egret.
  • Ducks: Various species, including Northern Shoveler and Eurasian Wigeon.
  • Osprey: Often seen hunting for fish.
  1. Mammals: While the focus is primarily on birds, you may also spot:
  • Arabian Oryx: A desert antelope that has been reintroduced to the region.
  • Sand Gazelles: Found in the surrounding areas.
  1. Reptiles and Amphibians: Various species inhabit the wetlands and mangroves, although they are less commonly seen.
  2. Invertebrates: The sanctuary also supports a variety of invertebrates, including crabs and various insects, contributing to the ecosystem.

The sanctuary is particularly significant for its role in conservation and its importance as a stopover for migratory birds. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching and exploring the diverse habitats within the sanctuary!

What time of year are flamingos in Dubai?

winter

The best time to visit Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is during the winter months between October and March. Winter is when over 30,000 birds coming from West Asian and African countries make this sanctuary their home. Also, it is the season when pink flamingos occupy a special place in this beautiful land.

Flamingos are typically present in Dubai, particularly at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, during the cooler months, from November to March. This is when they migrate to the region to escape the colder temperatures in their breeding areas.

During this time, visitors can often see large flocks of greater flamingos feeding and nesting in the sanctuary’s wetlands. The peak viewing season usually occurs from December to February, when the birds are most abundant. If you’re hoping to see them, these months are the best time to visit!

Are there flamingos in Dubai?

area and hosts over 300 species of Dubai’s flora and fauna. Most famous among the migratory birds, residing in the sanctuary, are the approximately 500 greater flamingos (phoenicopterus roseus), which have become something of a mascot for Dubai’s Wildlife protection programme.

Yes, there are flamingos in Dubai! The most notable location to see them is at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, where greater flamingos are commonly spotted. They typically visit the sanctuary during the cooler months, from November to March, when they migrate to the region. Visitors can often see these beautiful birds feeding and nesting in the wetlands, making it a popular spot for birdwatching and photography.

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Birdlife at Ras Al Khor

There are three stows away at the sanctuary (although just two were open when I visited), set up by supportive superintendents and outfitted with incredible telescopes and optics so that guests can get the ideal perspective on the winged creatures.

Up to 67 types of water-winged creatures make their home here, their numbers ascending to a large number in the winter months. Striking winter guests incorporate plovers and dark-headed gulls, just as curlews and redshanks.

Expansive charged sandpipers can also be seen; this is the main spot in the entire UAE where they assemble in enormous numbers. At the point when I visited, dark-winged braces were much in proof, and, on the off chance that you are fortunate, birds or different raptors once in a while show up as well.

Be that as it may, for me, the feature was the long queues of flamingos, smooth as ballet artists. Although more various in winter, they are available in the sanctuary all year.

Arranging a visit to Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

The Dubai metro doesn’t go to Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, so a vehicle is important to arrive at the sanctuary. A recruit vehicle might be the ideal choice as the stows away are about a mile separated. On the off chance that you take a taxi, ensure you book your return trip ahead of time as it is difficult to wave to a cab from the hold.

The hold is open from 6 am to 6 pm, Saturday to Thursday (7.30 to 5.30 in winter, and decreased hours during Ramadan).

Feathered creatures are more abundant in the winter months, and a plethora of birds can be seen. To get the most obvious opportunity in this regard (like staying away from the heat of the day!). A visit promptly toward the beginning of the day or later in the first part of the day is suggested. There is no passage charge.

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What does the spot have for guests?

This wetland is a reproducing spot and environment for mammals, shellfish, and fish. The pink flamingos are the principal fascination here in winter. In winter, different feathered creatures are seen here, incorporating the incredible egrets, dim herons, cormorants, reef herons, and dark-winged braces.

Two winged creatures stow away on the outskirt of the Sanctuary remain open to the general society between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Both are furnished with really sharp optics. Guests can watch winged creatures as they feed and fly.

Flamingos that incorporate the minute Greater Flamingo rest close to the western stow away. Guests can watch the flamingos feed avariciously as park officers feed them between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

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They will be shocked to perceive how flamingos share their hold with various fowl species. Some of them are:

  1. Kingfishers
  2. Teal
  3. Snipe
  4. Ringed Plovers
  5. Pintails
  6. Eagles

These species crowd the stowaway for a taste of the sovereign fish and the milk-fish in the waters. They get the chance to see extraordinary Spotted Eagles and various raptors taking off over the Zabeel fish lakes.

The southern conceal ignores the rich mangrove forest on the south of outskirt of the Sanctuary.

Guests get the opportunity to see the flying creatures roosted on the mangrove paddle into the water for getting their fish straight underneath the mangroves.

There are sights of swimming feathered creatures that incorporate the Broad-charged Sandpipers and Pacific Golden Plovers. Expansive charged Sandpipers make a stop at the Mangrove Hide from the period of April to July.

More than 403 flying creatures are obvious in the mangrove Hide when it’s pinnacle summer. Raptors meander over this Hide, while can Greater Spotted Eagles spotted between October to April.

Guests can spot numerous uncommon winged animals here. These include the Demoiselle Crane, Red-beak Pochard, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Pied Kingfisher, and Great Crested Grebe.

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Opening hours and entrance fees

There are no such entrance fees; therefore, the entrance fees for the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary are free.

However, the weather changes according to the season. From October to March, the hours will be from 7:30 a.m. From 5:30 p.m. While from April to September, the Sanctuary will open from 6:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. of the night.

Solo travelers or groups of less than 5 people do not need a permit to visit the Sanctuary. Group travel, members of the media, academic institutions, and organizations must obtain permission from www.dm.gov.ae.

They must request it at least three days in advance since the organizers need two business days to process the permits.

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RTA Opens New Water Bus Line Between Festival City & Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

The Public Transportation Agency, the Highways, and Transportation Authority (RTA), has recently launched a new water bus line to transfer between Festival City Station and Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, surrounded by lush greens. It offers passengers picturesque and captivating views dotted with flying birds—in the resort against the backdrop of the modern Dubai skyline. It provides much enjoyment of the serenity and tranquillity of the creek waters.

Baha Uddin Al Qudra, Director of Maritime Transport of the Public Transport Agency, said: “The RTA is always interested in supporting the tourist maritime transit sector in Dubai through working hand in hand with official and semi-official entities, hotels, companies. The tourism entities as a team achieve unprecedented achievements in the public transport and tourism sectors, which will bring with it an effective contribution to the tourist and urban profile of the Emirate of Dubai.

“On a short cruise that lasts approximately 30 minutes, passengers will experience safe and smooth transit dotted with breathtaking ocean views, and the bus will slow down at certain locations to allow passengers to take memorable photos of beautiful scenery galore,” he continued. Al Qudra.

This Water Bus service will begin at 10 am, and 11 am, continue at 2 pm and 3 pm, and again at 4 pm, 5 pm, and 6 pm from Saturday to Thursday. On Fridays and official holidays, the service will occur at 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm, 4:00 pm, 5:00 pm, and 6:00 pm.

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Visit Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

The fare is 25 dirhams per person for a round trip, and tickets will be issued on board the Water Bus; you can also hire those interested in private trips.

The water bus, a convenient, safe, and air-conditioned means of water transit, was launched in 2007 to transport passengers between Dubai Creek stations, is characterized by luxurious and spacious seats, and is equipped with high technology such as monitors LCD and others. Features that make travelers enjoy this unique transportation experience.

The waterbus has a dual-base design that offers high levels of stability, making it the best and easiest means of crossing Dubai Creek. The water bus offers passengers and tourists new perspectives to explore Dubai Creek in an excitingly unique style with a five-line ferry.

As the RTA is interested in providing maximum comfort to passengers, each marine transit station is equipped with specially designed kiosks that sell snacks, magazines, and newspapers to travelers.

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People also ask

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  • Is Ras Al Khor a city?

What you need to know before visiting the RAS AL KHOR, a wildlife sanctuary in Dubai

Ras Al Khor is located in Dubai (United Arab Emirates) and declared a wildlife sanctuary.

They are wetlands where we can enjoy large numbers of migratory birds, small mammals, a wide variety of fish, and many crustaceans.

On trips to Dubai, its amazing wild nature contrasts with the urban and cosmopolitan areas around it. It is one of the few that are protected on the planet. Next, we will share everything you need to know with you before going there so that there are no surprises. Pay the utmost attention!

What you should know before travelling to Dubai to visit  Ras Al Khor, its wildlife sanctuary

  1. The best way to get to this natural enclave is by taxi, showing the map, not the written characters, since they may not understand us. It is also possible to get there on the big tour bus.
  2. It is not far from Dubai but in the city itself. What happens is that we will find it far from the tourist area and you have to go through the highway, hence what we just mentioned about public transport.
  3. Being a tourist place, we will find places to park if we go in our vehicle. However, it is best if we ask about the conditions beforehand.
  4. The best time to see the flamingos is during sunset, from 4:30 pm to a little before 6 pm. Any day of the year, they can be seen, but the amount decreases from spring.
  5. The  Dubai Shrine is open every day of the week except Friday.
  6. Ras Al Khor is one of the best places to see in Dubai. This natural reserve will welcome us with wonderful views for our eyes. If you travel to Dubai, we recommend that you not forget to reserve time to get away from the tourist life and enjoy this unique experience.

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

The unparalleled growth and development of the city of Dubai and the provision of unique leisure facilities at the highest level have caused many tourists to choose the city of Dubai every year for their holidays. These days, tourists to Dubai are not limited to residents of neighboring countries, but many in the farthest corners of the world are curious to venture into this desert city and see its wonders up close.

Although Dubai is actually in the desert and its climate is very hot most of the year, tourists worldwide travel to this luxurious city all year round due to the extensive facilities and shopping and entertainment centers.

The Dubai Wildlife Refuge at Ras Al-Khor includes mangrove forests and the Dubai Creek wetlands. Ras Al-Khor Dubai is a very important stopover for flamingos in winter in East Africa and West Asia. The Ras Al-Khor Wildlife Sanctuary represents a collection of relative deserts amidst traffic and extensive urban infrastructure.

Since the refuge opened in 1985, there has been a significant change in the number of flamingos in the area. In the flamingo winter, these beautiful pink birds migrate to this lagoon in large groups. Dear travelers can visit this lagoon on your trip to Dubai.

Wildlife is a safe place for animals.

Unfortunately, in recent years and months, cases of poaching and savage killing of wild animals have been reported, causing great concern to environmental researchers and social officials. Wildlife refers to all living things, such as mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, that live on the planet in a wild and natural way, without human intervention or assistance, and provide them with food and water. Of course, Wildlife includes all plants and living things.

The characteristics of the fauna and flora of Ras Al-Khor

The total area of ​​this place is about 1,300 hectares; in this place, countless fish, birds, mammals, and crustaceans coexist. The flamingos that exist in this place have very large bodies, which surprises most tourists. Dubai Municipality has made great efforts to protect and protect the biodiversity of this ecosystem.

There are around 270 species of animals and about 47 different species of plants that live in Ras Al-Khor Wildlife, and it is exciting for tourists to observe it. In this place, 3 bird sanctuaries have been created, and during their visit, good training is provided to visitors. This arithmetic collection catches your attention; it has a description.

The importance of Wildlife

Wildlife today provides wholesome entertainment for artists, photographers, nature tourists, etc. Many people, especially in developed countries like the United Arab Emirates, spend most of their free time observing and photographing Wildlife.

They also help improve your physical and mental health through activities like nature walks, wildlife viewing, and more. Also, there is no denying the effect of Wildlife on literature, poetry, and music. At the same time, by studying and increasing awareness about the social life of living things, our understanding of these beauties increases.

Schedule

Admission is free and is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., from Saturday to Thursday.

The direction

United Arab Emirates, Dubai, C / Ras Al-Khor

The last word

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Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary 

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