Bird Watching

Bird Watching in Dubai has been attracting not only limited numbers of bird-watching tourists, mainly from Europe, but many residents and passionate photographers. The most popular spot is at Khor oppsit the Rugby Club and the Country Club.

The most attractive species include Great White Egret, Spoonbill, Greater Flamingo, Marsh Harrier, Spotted Eagle, Osprey and Caspian Tern. The area can be viewed from around the perimeter adjacent to the main roads to Hatta and Al Ain. This site has been declared a Wildlife Sanctuary (the country’s only one so far) by Dubai’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, whose interest in the high numbers of Greater Flamingos occurring throughout the year encouraged him to build a breeding island in the centre of the lagoon. The area is patrolled by the police to prevent disturbance to the birds and you may be asked to leave. This restriction may not be enforced if they see and understand you are simply watching the birds. Passes can be obtained from Nad al Sheba police station.