Things You Need To Know About Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary In Dubai

The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is a remarkable addition to your travel itinerary if you’re visiting the beautiful city of Dubai. The sanctuary is a great place to spend time with your friends and family because of its convenient and impressive location. Looking to experience nature away from the hustle and bustle of the popular tourist city? This is the ideal spot for you. 

A brief about Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best places to visit in Dubai. It is located only a few metres from the city, making it extremely easy to plan a visit. The wetlands are home to thousands of interesting birds and are considered an important wildlife habitat. It is primarily known for its diverse array of migratory bird species. 

Often referred to as the ‘Cape of the Creek’, the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1985 and was designated as a wetland of international importance in 2007 under the Ramsar Convention. It is managed by the Dubai Municipality and is maintained to be one of the best destinations to experience nature and wildlife in the emirate. 

Visitors to the sanctuary can observe the birds from a raised boardwalk that runs through the wetland. The boardwalk provides a safe and accessible way for visitors to view the birds and learn about their habitats and behaviours. There is also an observation tower that offers panoramic views of the sanctuary.

In addition to birds, the sanctuary is also home to several species of reptiles and mammals, including gazelles, jackals, and hares. The protected area also provides critical habitat for several species of plants, including mangroves and reeds.

Why should you visit Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary?

The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is the ideal location to experience nature in Dubai. From mammals to exotic plants, there is so much to explore in the sanctuary. While there are numerous reasons why the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is worth the visit, here are a few points you can keep in mind when picking out the spots for your travel itinerary. 

• Flamingos
• Bird watching
• A break from city life
• Migratory birds

1. Flamingos

If you find these beautiful pink birds enchanting, the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary will have you swooning over the most amazing view of flamingo flocks. The winter season sees the enchanting birds migrating from cooler regions to Dubai. 

2. Bird watching

Being considered a popular hobby among many, bird watching is a great way to learn more about avian species. The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary creates an amazing opportunity to add to your knowledge of birds and other animals. There are three hides located at the sanctuary, ideal for getting a closer view of the birds and other wildlife.

3. A break from city life 

Whether you’re a tourist or a resident, the city’s busy lifestyle will have you craving a break from all the commotion. The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary offers the perfect respite from it all. Gather all your friends and family for the perfect day out. 

4. Check out migratory birds

Nothing beats the view of the wetlands during the winter as migratory birds make their way to the sanctuary. It is an excellent place to learn more about birds and their migratory patterns. The sanctuary is an important stopover for migratory birds travelling between Africa and Eurasia.

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary Location

The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Ras Al Khor area of Dubai. It is one of the many industrial areas in the city. The sanctuary is only a few metres away from the city of Dubai. 

How to reach Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary?

You will be able to reach the nature reserve by taxi from the Creek metro station on the green line. It will take around 5 to 10 mins to make the journey. If you don’t want to take the metro, you can book a Careem from your location to the wildlife park easily. Depending on your location, the cost will vary.

There is a free parking facility available at the Sanctuary, which makes it convenient for individuals bringing their own vehicles.

Opening hours of Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

During winter, which lasts from October to March, the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is open from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. On the other hand, the sanctuary is open daily from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm during the summer. During the months of Ramadan, the hours will change to 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

The sanctuary is the perfect day-trip destination. Plan your trip according to convenience, having said that, it would be best to visit during the early hours of the day. The sanctuary has a wide array of birds and animals that will keep you entertained throughout your visit. 

Ticket prices 

Entry into the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is free and is available to everyone. You will be able to walk in during the opening hours without any hassle. However, if you require other types of visits, you will have to book online through their official website. 

Things to explore in Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

From bird watching to exploring the wetlands, there is so much to do at the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. It is the best location to unwind and relax, detaching yourself from the fast pace of the modern day. 

• The most exciting part of visiting the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is bird watching. Being home to over 68 species of birds, the sanctuary is nothing less than an avian haven.
• The protected area is home to more than 20000 birds, making it the destination for learning more about birds.
• Watch the flamingos if you’re visiting during the winter season.
• Head out to the observation towers, which provide a great view of the surrounding wetlands and the wildlife in them.
• Check out the education center in the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, which offers information about the local ecosystem and the wildlife that lives there. 
• Guided tours are an excellent way to explore the Ras Al Khor Sanctuary. It has been made available for visitors who want to learn more about the sanctuary and its wildlife. These tours are led by experienced guides who will provide you with information about the different species of birds and other wildlife in the area.

Visitors should also check out the mangrove forest in the sanctuary, which provides a habitat for various bird species, as well as other wildlife such as molluscs, and small mammals. The salt flats in the sanctuary are another of its unique features. It is a habitat for various salt-loving plants and animals, including the Lesser Flamingo.

It is a fun spot to bring your family to during the weekends. The Wildlife Sanctuary is perfect for kids to enjoy a productive time in nature.

Do’s and Don’ts in Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

While it is important to maintain public decorum at all times during your visit, there are a few specific details you should be aware of before getting to the Wildlife Sanctuary.

Do’s	Don’ts
Carry binoculars for a splendid experience of watching the animals with friends.	Do not disturb the natural behaviour of the animal and bird species in the vicinity
Pay attention to the signs and instructions provided by the sanctuary authorities to make sure you have a pleasurable visit.	Feeding the wildlife is not allowed as it can cause harm to their health and well-being.
Make sure to discard your waste appropriately. Littering is strictly prohibited in the area.	To avoid the disruption that is caused by photography, flash photography is not permitted within the premises of the Wildlife Sanctuary.
Learn more about the birds and animals at the sanctuary to have a more productive time at the reserve.	Playing loud music is not allowed at beaches.

There are a few other points one should keep in mind while visiting the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, including the following;

• Collecting plants from the nature reserve is not allowed
• Hunting is strictly prohibited in the area
• Pollution of the soil in any manner or form is prohibited
• It is a quiet zone inside the bird hides
• Phones, pets, food and drinks are not allowed inside the bird hide

Some of these transgressions will result in a hefty fine. Go through all the do’s and don’ts before heading out to the Wildlife Sanctuary. The rules are to ensure everyone can have fun while visiting the wonderful natural reserve. 

When visiting the park, it is important to take responsibility for one’s safety. The authorities take great care to ensure that all visitors are comfortable and safe. If you are visiting the bird hides, make sure to mind your personal belongings and make way for people of determination. 

Things to bring along during your visit

Binoculars come in handy for those interested in bird watching and learning about the animals present in the sanctuary. It is also recommended that you carry with you a Bird and Nature guide, as it will help you navigate the sanctuary better. A visit to RAKWS or Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary can be designed to be a learning experience; it is perfect for school trips with young children. 

Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the memories you make in the wildlife park. However, one has to keep in mind that flash photography is strictly prohibited in the park to avoid disturbing its inhabitants. Some of the other things to take with you include

• Sun hats: Dubai sun can be harsh during the summer months, make sure to carry a sun hat or cap for needed protection. 
• Water bottle: It is always best to take your water bottle with you when visiting the park; this reduces plastic waste caused by buying bottled water. 
• Comfortable shoes: Visiting the park will involve a lot of walking; make sure to wear comfortable shoes to avoid discomfort.
• Snacks: You could pack a snack or two when visiting the park. It is always fun to munch on something as you enjoy what the park has to offer. 

Whether you are there to spend a day or a few hours, the Wildlife Sanctuary has much to offer. Plan well ahead of time to ensure you have a pleasurable and comfortable experience at the park.

The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is a great destination to visit with friends and family. It offers visitors an experience of a lifetime. Whether you are looking forward to seeing the flamingos or spending some time in nature, the Wildlife Sanctuary is the place to go. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and comfortable shoes if you’re going in summer!

Contact details of Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

If you would like to know more about Wildlife Sanctuary, you can check out their official website. 

Website: https://www.dm.gov.ae/discover-dubai/ras-al-khor/

Contact Services: 800900

Frequently Asked Questions