Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary Guide: Parking, Tickets, and More

by Iffat Nawaz

Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary Guide: Parking, Tickets, and More

6 Oct 2024

Step into the ecosystem powerhouse, where mangroves stretch towards the sky, and rare birds take flight. Welcome to Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, Dubai's breathtaking natural haven.

The stunning Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the centre of Dubai, just a short distance from the city's busy streets. Covering an area of 6.2 square kilometres, this wetland reserve is a treasure trove for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts. It is home to thousands of birds, as well as crustaceans, mammals and fish. The sanctuary's unique blend of ecosystems — including mangroves, mudflats, lagoons, sabkhas, reed beds and shrublands — contributes to its incredible biodiversity.

Who wouldn't want to visit this incredible sanctuary? Let The Sandy Times guide you as we dive into the details about timing, parking and ticket information. But before that, it is good to know a bit more about Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary.

Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary: Wonderland for flamingo fans

Every winter, the sanctuary transforms into a vibrant spectacle as flamingos take centre stage. Their delicate pink feathers create a stunning backdrop, amidst which you might spot grey herons, great egrets, reef herons, cormorants, black-winged stilts, sandpipers, osprey, and numerous other colourful species.

Photo: Hindol Bhattacharya

Get up close and personal with nature

The sanctuary is fenced off to protect this precious ecosystem. However, visitors can access three strategically located bird hides along its perimeter. These hideaways offer a unique opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

At this sanctuary, three observation hides are available:

— Mangrove Hide

— Flamingo Hide

— Lagoon Hide

Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary's international importance

The Convention on Wetlands is an international agreement that sets out guidelines for protecting and using wetlands and their resources wisely. Nearly 90% of UN member countries worldwide have joined as "Contracting Parties" to the convention.

The sanctuary was listed on the list of Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention in 2007, making it the first Ramsar site of the United Arab Emirates. Birdlife International has also declared it an important bird area.

In addition to the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, Dubai has two Ramsar Sites of International Importance: the Hatta Mountain Reserve and the Jebel Ali Marine Sanctuary. The sanctuary was established in 1985 and is fully protected under the supervision of Dubai Municipality.

This spectacular sanctuary has long been an example of a wetland for a sustainable urban future, highlighting the importance of preserving these crucial ecosystems.

Photo: Amber-Dawn Broomberg

Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary value

Wetlands, often misunderstood as unimportant, are among the world's most productive environments. They provide water and support countless plant and animal species. Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is no exception, hosting high concentrations of birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes and invertebrates. This sanctuary also protects shores from wave action, absorbs pollutants, stores carbon, purifies water and provides a wide range of ecosystem services.

Photo: Chuck202

Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary: Awards and recognition

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary has won prestigious awards, including the GCC Award for the Environment and Wildlife — The Best Protected Area in the Gulf Countries and the Middle East Award for Excellence of Municipalities in Environmental Protection and Natural Resources in 2016.

Protecting the future: Conservation efforts

The Natural Resources Conservation Section (NRCS) of the Environment Department under Dubai Municipality manages the sanctuary. The site has protected area management provisions, with a ban on hunting and disturbing wildlife. Dubai Municipality has developed policies, plans, and programs to manage and conserve Dubai's nature reserves effectively.

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary tickets and parking information

To plan your visit, here's what you need to know:

Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary tickets and access to bird hides are completely free, with no booking required for individuals and families. Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary opens daily, with seasonal hours:

— Winter (October to March): 7:30 am–5:30 pm

— Summer (April to September): 6 am–6 pm

Don't miss the flamingos' feeding time, which occurs daily between 10 am and 4 pm, regardless of the season.

The perfect time to visit Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is in the winter, from October to March. The sanctuary comes alive during this time, attracting over 30,000 birds from West Asia and Africa.

Recommended visit duration

Set aside approximately one hour to fully experience the sanctuary's flora and fauna.

Free guided tours

Enhance your visit with free guided tours, available Sunday to Thursday from 7:30 am to 2 pm.

Accessibility and safety

Please note:

— Wheelchair access: Not available (currently)

— Keep a safe distance from wildlife

— Refrain from feeding wild animals

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary parking: Just drive in

Getting to Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary just got a whole lot simpler. Free parking and a spacious area ensure you can focus on exploring the sanctuary. Just drive in and enjoy the surroundings.

Plan a trip to explore this natural idyll. Do you have a pair of binoculars? Bring them along.

by Iffat Nawaz