Opening Timing
Winter (October – March) 7:30am – 5:30pm
Summer (April – September) 6:00am – 6:00pm

How to reach ras al khor birds sanctuary?
Dubai Metro: While there is no metro station close to the sanctuary, you can travel partway there via the metro. Hop on to the Green Line and alight at the Al Jadaf or Creek metro stations, then take a taxi for the short journey to Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary.

By Bus:
If you want to commute, city buses can take you to Ras Al Khor Dubai and other surrounding areas. Take buses 55, 61, 63E, E16, and X23, depending on your location, then alight at the Aden Street 1 – 01 Bus Station. It will take you a 14-minute walk from the station to reach Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. The best option is to travel by car, taxi, or through the aforementioned city buses.

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected wetland sanctuary in Dubai dedicated to birds, fish, crustaceans, small mammals, insects, and exotic plants. It mainly attracts migratory birds in the UAE and other parts of the world. Currently, the sanctuary shelters more than 20,000 birds of 67 species in its 1,300 hectares of wet and dry land. Flamingos take up the largest population.

Due to the increasing number of environmental issues affecting the global ecosystem, the sanctuary is now one of the only urban protected areas in the world. The local government of Dubai has taken the liberty to protect, preserve, and improve the biodiversity of the sanctuary, keeping the animals away from public harm.

The sanctuary is located at the mouth of Dubai Creek, where the waters of the Arabian Gulf meet the city's urban landscape. This unique location provides a crucial habitat for a variety of bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers and photographers.

One of the most iconic residents of Ras Al Khor Flamingo Sanctuary is the greater flamingo. These majestic birds, with their vibrant pink plumage and graceful stature, can be seen wading through the shallow waters of the sanctuary, feeding on algae and small crustaceans. The sight of hundreds of flamingos congregating in the waters of the sanctuary is truly a sight to behold, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of these fascinating creatures.

But the sanctuary is not just home to flamingos. It is also a haven for a variety of other bird species, including herons, egrets, and ospreys. The mangrove forests that line the shores of the sanctuary provide a vital habitat for these birds, offering shelter and nesting sites away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Ras Al Khor Flamingo Sanctuary is not just a haven for birds. The sanctuary is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including crustaceans, fish, and even the occasional fox or gazelle. The mangrove forests that surround the sanctuary are teeming with life, providing a rich and diverse ecosystem that supports a wide range of species.

Abour Greater Flamingo:
The greater flamingo, scientifically known as Phoenicopterus roseus, is the largest species of flamingo, known for its distinctive pink plumage, long neck, and long, slender legs.

Appearance: Adults can reach a height of up to 4 to 5 feet (120 to 150 cm) with a wingspan of around 5 to 6 feet (150 to 180 cm). They weigh between 4 to 8 pounds (1.8 to 3.6 kg). Their plumage is mainly pink, ranging from pale pink to a more vivid, almost reddish hue, with black primary feathers visible when the wings are outstretched.

Habitat: Greater flamingos are found in various habitats including mudflats, lagoons, salt pans, and shallow lakes. They are commonly seen in parts of Africa, southern Europe, and southwestern Asia, including the UAE.

Diet: Their diet primarily consists of algae, diatoms, and small invertebrates such as crustaceans and mollusks. Their uniquely shaped beaks are adapted for filter-feeding, allowing them to strain food from the water.

Behavior: They are social birds and often gather in large flocks. They are known for their synchronized feeding behavior, where they move together in shallow water, stirring up food with their feet and picking it up with their beaks.

Breeding: Greater flamingos typically breed in colonies. They build mound-shaped nests out of mud and lay a single chalky-white egg. Both parents take turns incubating the egg, and after hatching, both also feed the chick with a secretion known as "crop milk."

Conservation: While the greater flamingo is not currently considered globally threatened, local populations can be impacted by habitat loss, pollution, and disturbance to their breeding sites.

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Location: Dubai Creek, Dubai
Nearest city Ras Al Khor Industrial Area, Nad Al Hammar, Umm Ramool, Al Garhoud
Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/52N8qrXJGUmMBPwk7
🎥 Sunday, 25 February 2024 🕒 7:40 AM - 10:30PM
🌡 20 °C / 68°F
Gadget:  iPhone 15 Pro Max
Editing:  Final Cut Pro
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