Did you know that Dubai holds over 395 skyscrapers? The city has deservingly gained a reputation as one of the most glamorous places in the world, even placing fourth on the list of cities with the most skyscrapers. Not just that, but it's also been among the most visited cities this decade, with millions flocking in from all over the world to experience the luxury and opulence of Dubai.
While the city harbors hundreds of skyscrapers, that isn't all there is to offer. Hundreds of thousands of animal species call Dubai home, from soaring birds to swimming fish. This diverse ecosystem not only attracts animal enthusiasts but the animals themselves! During peak migration times, over 250,000 bird species visit the city for the season.
Not only is Dubai proud of the fauna, but there have been countless efforts to preserve the city's natural haven. From the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve to the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project, the city is determined to protect and conserve its wildlife and environment. You can even meet the city's magnificent creatures and get up close, whether it's through guided tours or even feeding stations.
So get ready to discover a completely new side of Dubai; here are all the animals you can encounter!
Falcons
Falcons are easily the most important birds in the region, even being the UAE's national animal. The two most abundant species of falcons in the city are the Saker Falcons and the Peregrine Falcons, both of which are among the fastest falcons in the world.
These majestic birds helped build the country that we know and love today. Considering the UAE started off as just a desert, falcons were essential in survival, helping the Bedouins hunt for their food.
Being a favorite sport of the country's royalty, going all the way back to His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, it's not surprising to see why falconry and the bird itself are important to the region.
Today, they still play a huge role in Emirati culture. Rather than being used for hunting and survival, they've become a tourist attraction and a symbol of diligence and strength. Tourists love falconry, and that's mainly because it's the perfect activity to discover the country's rich history face to face.
Where you can see them:
- Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
- Falcon and Heritage Sports Center
Camels
Similar to the falcons, camels have been integral to the Bedouins back in the sandy desert days. Their humps can hold over 80 pounds of fat which they can live off of for months. Not only that, but every feature of their bodies is an advantage for living in the desert, from three layers of eyelids to keep sand out to their thick skin that allows them to comfortably sit on hot sand.
The impressive creatures can also move over 40 km/hr, which makes them the perfect mode of transportation for traveling Bedouins. Their wool was also used to make some essential items like tents, clothes, and rugs. In fact, the camel was such a beloved animal in the UAE that it was even used as a form of currency back in the day!
Given that in today's age, we have cars, trains, and planes, we no longer need to travel via camels, but that doesn't mean that they don't have a purpose. Today, camel rides are a unique tourist attraction that gives you a sneak peek at how life was in the old days. Besides that, camel racing has emerged as a beloved sport in the country, with races drawing in thousands of spectators. Their milk and meat have also been an Emirati delicacy for years, even having brands specifically dedicated to producing camel milk products.
Where you can see them:
- The Camel Farm
- Al Marmoon Dubai Camel Race Track
Horses
Just like the camels, horses were also a great mode of transportation in the UAE before cars were invented. Their speed and agility made it so that you could get anywhere around the country in no time.
However, that wasn't their main purpose, racing was. Horse racing is one of the most beloved sports in the city, being one of the oldest practiced pastimes. In fact, some may even refer to the country as the 'Formula 1 of horses'! Dubai has participated in many different equestrian events around the world, winning most of them.
Where you can see them:
- Jebel Ali Equestrian Centre
- Meydan Racecourse
Arabian Oryxes
An oryx is a unique animal that almost didn't make it. These horned mammals were nearly extinct in the early 1970s until they were saved. Now, they're the national animals of the UAE, as well as various Arab countries. In fact, Abu Dhabi holds the world's largest herd of oryxes – over 5,000 of these creatures call the capital home now.
Famous for their beauty and resilience, Arabian oryxes have been the muse for countless ancient artworks and pottery. It's even believed that these creatures actually inspired the whole 'unicorn' myth due to their side profile only showing one horn.
Where you can see them:
- Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
- Bab Al Shams
Flamingoes
Time to see the Barbies of the bird world! Flamingoes are easily some of the most unique animals – what other animal is bright pink? With their natural poses and their feather color, it's obvious that the flamingoes are the divas of their ecosystem.
Though it may surprise you, you can see real flamingoes in Dubai. Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for these beloved creatures, holding at least a hundred of the Greater flamingoes. This species is the largest of the flamingo family, standing at up to 170cm!
The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the few urban-protected areas in the world, being completely untouched land. The area is fenced off from the public and is known for attracting hundreds of migratory birds, with over 400 different species in the area.
Where you can see them:
- Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
Butterflies
Step into a world of color! Dubai Miracle Garden has its very own section dedicated to butterflies, obviously named the Dubai Butterfly Garden. The garden, which is over 6,500 sqm, holds over 15,000 butterflies in countless different varieties!
Butterflies have been the subject of many studies throughout the years thanks to their unique and fascinating life cycle, from tiny caterpillars to beautiful winged insects in just a few days.
At the Butterfly Garden, you can see these enchanting insects with your own eyes, maybe even hold them on your fingers! Not only that, but you can even take a closer look at their different life stages, from the cocoon to hatching.
Experience price: 55 AED
The Green Planet Dubai
The Green Planet is your one-stop destination for all animals, from the ones at the top of the skies to the bottom of the oceans. Opened in 2016, this indoor zoo holds over 3,000 different animals and plants! Not only can you see the animals, but you can also meet them face to face.
Sloths
Sloths are definitely among the most relatable animals there are – all they want to do is sleep all day! In fact, sloths can sleep for up to 20 hours a day. Sloths also spent almost 90% of their time completely motionless.
At Green Planet, you can see the lazy animal in action – or rather, inaction. For 30 minutes, you can get up close and take pictures with the sleepy sloths. Considering these animals can stay on the same tree for years, getting to meet them is definitely a rare experience you don't want to miss!
Experience price: From 350 AED
Sugar Glider
Sugar gliders are definitely among the most adorable animals you can see in Green Planet. With their beady black eyes, it's impossible to resist letting out an 'aww'.
The animal gets its name from two things: what it eats and what it does. Sugar gliders are, evidently, attracted to sugar like sap and honeydew. Their diet also can change throughout the seasons, varying from insects to even small lizards. The second part of their name comes from what they're most known for, which is gliding. The tiny animals have a pair of gliding membranes that allow them to glide between different trees for food.
At Green Planet, you can get a 20-minute encounter with the adorable animal, take pictures with it, and learn about it face to face!
Experience price: From 290 AED
Anteaters
Nobody enjoys having ants around them. Luckily, there's an animal to take care of that for you, and it's not a cat. Anteaters, as their name plainly states, live solely off of ants. You can even see that their long snout is perfect for hunting those pesky and tiny insects.
You can meet one of these unique creatures at Green Planet, with an experience allowing you to spend a whole 20 minutes with them. Whether you want to snap some pics or learn more about their lifestyle, it'll be just you and the anteater – and of course a zookeeper – for almost half an hour!
Experience price: From 300 AED
Porcupines
Porcupines are unlike any other animals. These prickly guys are one of the largest species of rodents in the world, right after the capybara and the beaver. Similar to a hedgehog, porcupines have sharp quills in their fur which help them against predators.
At Green Planet, you can spend 20 minutes with these creatures and see their magic up close!
Experience price: From 300 AED
Learn more about The Green Planet on hidubai.com!
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is the largest indoor aquarium in the world, holding over 10 million liters of water and thousands of different marine life. From Nemos and Dorys to Flounders and Sebastians, you can experience a whole new world under the sea. There are over 140 different species in the aquarium and the aquarium itself soars over two floors.
The zoo portion of the attraction is not to be forgotten either; this section holds a variety of animals that inhabit both the rivers and the oceans. Most notably, you can find the King Croc, who weighs over 750 kg!
While you can see the fishy creatures through the glass or through the 48-meter-long tunnel, you can also see them up close!
Sharks
Take a deep plunge and swim with the predators of the ocean! Yes, that's right, you can actually swim with the sharks in the Dubai Aquarium. Of course, a lot of people are scared of these aquatic creatures, given that there's been a trend of movies about shark attacks. But sharks rarely ever attack humans; in fact, there are more shark deaths by humans than human deaths by sharks.
So, if you're feeling brave enough, dive into their world and swim with different species of sharks, from hammerheads to tiger sharks.
Experience price: From 790 AED
Stingrays
Stingrays are actually close relatives of sharks, though they may not look like it. These creatures have flat bodies and a whip-like tail with blades and venom that they can use for defense against predators. Though they may seem peaceful and serene, when provoked, the injuries they can cause are life-threatening. But you don't need to worry about anything! Stingrays usually prefer shrimps and clams rather than humans.
At the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, you can come into contact with these oddly shaped fish, touch them, feed them, and take pictures with them!
Experience price: From 290 AED
Otters
Did you know that these adorable creatures are considered predators? Otters are known as one of the keystone predators in the wild, feeding on everything from fish to small birds.
There are over 13 different species of otters around the world, but at Dubai Aquarium, you can come into contact with the smallest ones of all: the Asian small-clawed otter. The cute little guys weigh less than 5kgs and are unfortunately a highly threatened species due to their size. The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo has also set up an active breeding program for the otters.
Experience price: From 290 AED
Learn more about the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo on hidubai.com!
Turtles
All throughout the Arabian Gulf, you could see a bunch of sea turtles swimming around. But nowadays, these reptiles have been highly endangered for a variety of reasons, from hunting to pollution.
That's when the Turtle Rehabilitation Project began. Back in the early 2000s, the project started by taking in sick or injured turtles to treat them at the Burj Al Arab Aquarium. After that, the turtles received dedicated care at the Turtle Rehabilitation Sanctuary located in Jumeirah Al Naseem. Since then, over 2,000 turtles have been saved and let back into their natural environment.
Not only that, but the sanctuary is open to the public all week, allowing you to see these animals and learn about their biology up close. There are even feeding stations for you to bond with the turtles!
Where you can see them:
- Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Sanctuary
Dolphins
Though they live in the water, dolphins are NOT fish. In fact, they're actually mammals, having to breathe through their lungs instead of gills. Dolphins are also considered to be only second behind humans in intelligence, making them among the smartest animals in the world.
In Dubai, you can see dolphins in action or up close. In Dubai Creek, there's an entire theater dedicated to these aquatic mammals: the Dubai Dolphinarium. There, you can watch the dolphins as they swim through the water, jump through hoops, and even respond to their trainers. At Atlantis' Aquaventure, you can swim with the creatures and experience their magnificence under the water!
Where you can see them:
- Aquaventure Atlantis
- Dubai Dolphinarium
Penguins
It may seem crazy, but it's true; you can meet penguins in Dubai! Obviously, the flightless birds aren't native to the country, or even the continent. But as we know, nothing can stop Dubai from bringing the most crazy and unique experiences to the city. So now we have Ski Dubai, the first (and largest) indoor ski resort in the region.
Spanning over 22,500 sqm and maintaining a temperature of -1 degrees Celsius all year, the attraction is the ideal environment for penguins. You can meet with colonies of both King and Gentoo penguins, with the first being one of the largest penguin species in the world. You can feed them, walk with them, and take pictures, making it one of the most unique and unforgettable experiences in Dubai.
Experience price: From 230 AED
Crocodiles
Last but definitely not least, we have the crocodiles. Now these reptiles don't need any introductions, being one of the most dangerous animals. With jaws of steel and stealth skills better than James Bond, they are not to be messed with.
In Dubai, you can see these reptiles in real life – not up close. In fact, there's an entire park just dedicated to the crocodiles, obviously called the Dubai Crocodile Park. The park holds over 250 Nile crocodiles, which are the biggest and most dangerous species. Of course, you don't need to worry about losing an arm; the entire enclosure is fenced off for everyone's safety.
You can also see crocodiles – or rather one crocodile – at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. The crocodile, named King Croc, is actually one of the main attractions of the record-breaking zoo. Weighing in at a whopping 750 kgs, King Croc was labeled as a 'problem' crocodile, which is why he's been exiled behind glass with his 80-year-old Queen Croc.
Where you can see them:
- Dubai Crocodile Park
- Dubai Underwater Zoo
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HiDubai Newswire
