Dubai occupies a distinctive position between the vast, hyper-arid desert and the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf. This unique geography fosters an unexpected diversity of animal life, ranging from indigenous desert specialists to a rich array of marine species. The animal population also includes a significant number of exotic species housed in managed attractions, providing a complex picture of the fauna found within the Emirate.
Native Terrestrial Fauna
The desert landscape of Dubai is home to a surprisingly varied collection of wildlife specifically adapted to the arid conditions. The Arabian Oryx is perhaps the most celebrated mammal, recognizable by its long, straight horns and pale, near-white coat that reflects the intense desert sun. This species, once extinct in the wild, has been successfully reintroduced into protected reserves.
The desert also supports two types of gazelle: the slightly larger Arabian Gazelle, which favors gravel plains, and the smaller Sand Gazelle. The Sand Gazelle’s pale coat provides camouflage against the open dunes. Both species are adapted to conserve water, often meeting their hydration needs from sparse desert vegetation. More elusive predators include the Arabian Red Fox, a subspecies smaller than its European relatives, featuring large ears that assist in dissipating body heat.
A diverse range of reptiles also thrives in the extreme heat. The Spiny-tailed Lizard, or ‘Dhub,’ is a large, herbivorous lizard that often basks near its burrow, using its heavily scaled tail as a defensive weapon. Smaller reptiles like the Sandfish Skink and various geckos, such as the Wonder Gecko, demonstrate remarkable adaptations. The Sandfish literally “swims” just beneath the surface of the sand to escape heat and predators.
Coastal and Marine Life
Dubai’s coastline and the Arabian Gulf waters support a rich array of fauna. The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, a tidal estuary on the edge of Dubai Creek, is a globally important stopover for migratory birds. The sanctuary’s mudflats and mangroves host thousands of birds, including the Greater Flamingo, which often numbers around 500 individuals.
The Gulf waters are also home to marine mammals, including the Endangered Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin, which lives in the shallow coastal waters near the city. Sea turtles frequent the coastline, with the Critically Endangered Hawksbill Turtle using the pristine beaches of the Jabal Ali Wildlife Sanctuary as nesting grounds. The Jabal Ali area features extensive seagrass beds that serve as nurseries for fish and feeding grounds for Green Turtles.
Fish species are abundant, with local favorites like the Hammour, Snapper, and Kingfish populating the reefs and deeper waters. Recent initiatives, such as the Dubai Reef project, are actively working to restore and enhance these marine ecosystems. This project aims to boost local fish populations and marine biodiversity around purpose-built reef modules.
Key Conservation Initiatives
The protection of Dubai’s native species is managed through governmental efforts and designated protected areas. The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR), covering 225 square kilometers, is the primary terrestrial sanctuary. The DDCR focuses on the reintroduction of the Arabian Oryx, with the population growing to a current herd of approximately 450 animals.
The DDCR also manages reintroduced populations of both the Arabian and Sand Gazelles, maintaining their numbers through careful monitoring. Conservation efforts extend to the coast through protected zones like the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary and the Jabal Ali Wildlife Sanctuary. The Jabal Ali sanctuary is formally protected to safeguard the last remaining Hawksbill Turtle breeding sites in Dubai and preserve its coral reefs.
Non-Native Species in Managed Attractions
Many exotic and large animals associated with Dubai are found in managed tourist venues. The Dubai Safari Park, a 119-hectare facility, features thousands of animals from different continents in themed villages. This park houses large, non-native animals such as African Elephants, White Lions, and Cheetahs in the African Village, and Tigers and Orangutans in the Asian Village.
The park also features a drive-through safari section allowing visitors to view these exotic species in large enclosures mimicking their natural habitats. Similarly, the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, located within the Dubai Mall, displays a huge array of non-native aquatic life. Its main tank holds over 33,000 animals, including non-indigenous species like Sand Tiger Sharks, Manta Rays, and the Giant Pacific Octopus. These attractions serve as educational and conservation hubs, but the species presented are largely exotic and not naturally occurring in the local environment.