Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve Dubai: Where to see wildlife, lakes, and camel races

Dubai: There’s no better place to truly experience the magic of the desert than at Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve. Spanning around 10% of the entire emirate of Dubai, Al Marmoom is renowned for its sustainability initiatives, native animal species, its cycling tracks and camel races, its heritage sites, and its stunning views. Whether you’re an adventure-seeker or just looking to relax, Al Marmoom has something for everyone. We break down what to see and do at this conservation reserve below. What is Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve? Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve has the highest concentration of large flamingos in the UAE. Picture for illustrative purposes. Picture credit: Pexels As the UAE’s largest unfenced nature reserve, Al Marmoom is home to spectacular native wildlife. It hosts one of the largest populations of Arabian oryx in Dubai, and has the highest concentration of large flamingos in the UAE. You can also catch sight of sand gazelles and Arabian gazelles, as well as a diverse range of bird and reptile species. The reserve features an Oryx Platform, which serves as a viewing point for Arabian oryx. There are also multiple feeding stations in the area, from where you can spot desert animals. With 40 hectares of lush, fertile land, this desert sanctuary is home to over 158 species of migratory birds, 204 species of native birds, and many endangered or vulnerable species, like the steppe eagle and the Asian houbara. The Dubai Municipality has built eight bird hides for bird watching, so visitors can get a closer look at different migratory and local bird species. The reserve is open to the public, is free to enter, and is managed by the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE). How to get there : Since the reserve is so large, there...