Pink Flamboyance in Dubai
Everytime I am driving along Ras Al Khor road in Dubai, I can’t avoid a stop off at the Wildlife Sanctuary and enjoy a few moments of serenity from the city. Set to the backdrop of the greenery and fauna, the pink flamingos flaunt around the protected urban area, just don’t expect cafés, shops or bathrooms while there. This unique wetland of unspoilt nature is a dream come true for the photographers.
A visit to Ras Al Khor offers a rare glimpse of the unseen Dubai which is vastly different from the glamourous side of Dubai. Ras Al Khor holds more than 20,000 birds of 60 species, which becomes an ideal spot for eco-friendly tourists. Renowned pink flamingos, that steal the show in winter, you can also spot reef herons, great egrets, cormorants, black-winged stilts, grey herons, osprey, sandpipers and much more. A passionate birdwatcher can watch more than 450 bird species in lagoons, salt flats in the mangroves here.
The sanctuary which is Dubai’s only desert wetland occupies about 2.4 square miles on the banks of Dubai Creek and comprises of mudflats, lagoons, pools, and mangroves. It has been declared as the first Ramsar convention site in the UAE on 29th august 2007.
Known as the ‘Cape of the Creek,’ Ras Al Khor is closely monitored and protected by the Dubai Municipality. The sanctuary is fenced off to protect the area.
However, there are three bird hides located on the perimeter of the sanctuary which are free for the public to access during set daylight hours. I have also shared the location map below.
1. Mangrove Hide
This will be the first hide from the exit. A great place to view other birds too. You can also view the Burj khalifa skyline from here.
2. Flamingo Hide
You will always find Flamingo’s here. This observatory gives a very close look to the Flamingo’s as they also feed them here.
3. Lagoon Hide
This is closed since 2007.
Things to remember:
- No special Permit needed.
- It is free of cost.
- Each Hide has a Security Guard.
- Feeding time could be anytime around 9 to 9.30 am in the morning and 4 p.m in the evening. This is the best time to catch brilliant views from the Flamingo Hide.
- If you want great photos try and go on a weekday instead of weekends and public holidays. It is less crowded.
- It is an observatory so no food allowed.
How to get here:
1. Mangrove Hide
2. Flamingo Hide
Timings:
Fun Facts about Flamingo’s:
This Fun Fact Printable gives a whole lot of information about Flamingo’s regarding their colour, name, species, reproduction, height & weight. It also comes with a Scavenger Hunt. Kids can enjoy a scavenger hunt while you Just Flamingle’.
Download the Fun Fact and Scavenger Hunt Printable.
Download Printable for Dubai Flamingo Hide
Nothing more graceful than Pinkness tucked amidst the skyscrapers.
For more information on Ras Al Khor wild life Sanctuary log on to www.wildlife.ae.
If you are looking for more bird watching excursion in Dubai log on to Uaebirding website.
For any avid birdwatcher, this bird sanctuary is a real treat. There’s no better sight than watching the sky turn pink when thousands of pink flamingos take to the heavens at sunset in Dubai.
