It was just 8am but we already were ready with our binoculars over our shoulders. Yes, the call of the wild is something which I could never resist, and Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary in Dubai, which boasts of being the UAE’s first and only real desert wetland, was just my idea of appreciating nature!
As we were only three of us we did not have to make any pre-booking. But I was told at the entrance that with groups of people exceeding 10, there is need to take permission from Environment Department of Dubai Municipality. The free entry also seemed to attract a lot of visitors. To top it our cab driver seemed happy that he got a parking in a shelter which was manned.
As we were only three of us we did not have to make any pre-booking. But I was told at the entrance that with groups of people exceeding 10, there is need to take permission from Environment Department of Dubai Municipality. The free entry also seemed to attract a lot of visitors. To top it our cab driver seemed happy that he got a parking in a shelter which was manned.
My hubby cautioned us to hurry up and start this tour as it was open from 9 am to 4 pm only. We rushed in and were greeted with the vast expanse of wetland, along the Dubai creek. The mudflats, lagoons, pools and mangroves left me wondering that even in a place famous as a desert, there seemed to exist this 2.4 sq., miles of a sanctuary, home to native species of flora and fauna.
Curious to know what the name of the sanctuary meant it was explained that it means “head of creek”, which I felt was very apt. Being an avid bird watcher, coming across the flamingo roost had me rooted to the spot trying hard to look at them clearly. I was helped on to the platform where sharp binoculars were trained, at special spots so that we could view them without disturbing them. My heart leapt in delight at the pink cascade of these birds.
Curious to know what the name of the sanctuary meant it was explained that it means “head of creek”, which I felt was very apt. Being an avid bird watcher, coming across the flamingo roost had me rooted to the spot trying hard to look at them clearly. I was helped on to the platform where sharp binoculars were trained, at special spots so that we could view them without disturbing them. My heart leapt in delight at the pink cascade of these birds.
We read the boards giving us information about how this sanctuary is home to 20,000 water birds and has 30,000 migratory birds coming from places as far as East African countries including west Asia too. However, I was told that Flamingo my favourite bird occupies a special place here.
At the end of the day we got into the car and turned to gaze wistfully at the beautiful green haven, marvelling how Dubai Municipality is doing a fabulous job of providing enlightening education facilities for visitors.
At the end of the day we got into the car and turned to gaze wistfully at the beautiful green haven, marvelling how Dubai Municipality is doing a fabulous job of providing enlightening education facilities for visitors.