Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary: Timings & Info

Q: How do you get to Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary?

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is great for a day trip. The best way to get to scenic haven is by taxi or hiring your own car. There is also free parking on-site, where you can stroll around the perimeter for great views. Got a pair of binoculars? Bring them along.

Q: Where can I see flamingos in Dubai?

<span data-sheets-value="{'1':2,'2':'Get up close and personal with nature at Dubai's Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary where you can see, among multiple other species, elegant, pink flamingos in the winter. While the sanctuary is fenced off to protect the area, visitors are free to access the three bird hides on its perimeter to view these magnificent birds and more.'}" data-sheets-userformat="{'2':5119,'3':{'1':0},'4':[null,2,16773836],'5':{'1':[{'1':2,'2':0,'5':[null,2,0]},{'1':0,'2':0,'3':3},{'1':1,'2':0,'4':1}]},'6':{'1':[{'1':2,'2':0,'5':[null,2,0]},{'1':0,'2':0,'3':3},{'1':1,'2':0,'4':1}]},'7':{'1':[{'1':2,'2':0,'5':[null,2,0]},{'1':0,'2':0,'3':3},{'1':1,'2':0,'4':1}]},'8':{'1':[{'1':2,'2':0,'5':[null,2,0]},{'1':0,'2':0,'3':3},{'1':1,'2':0,'4':1}]},'9':1,'10':1,'11':4,'12':0,'15':'Arial'}" style="text-align: center; color: #000000;">Get up close and personal with nature at Dubai's Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary where you can see, among multiple other species, elegant, pink flamingos in the winter. While the sanctuary is fenced off to protect the area, visitors are free to access the three bird hides on its perimeter to view these magnificent birds and more.

Q: Which metro station is near Ras Al Khor?

<span data-sheets-value="{'1':2,'2':'You can also travel to the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary partway with the Dubai Metro. Hop on to the Green Line and alight at the Creek metro station, and climb into a taxi for five minutes before arriving at the nature destination.'}" data-sheets-userformat="{'2':5119,'3':{'1':0},'4':[null,2,16773836],'5':{'1':[{'1':2,'2':0,'5':[null,2,0]},{'1':0,'2':0,'3':3},{'1':1,'2':0,'4':1}]},'6':{'1':[{'1':2,'2':0,'5':[null,2,0]},{'1':0,'2':0,'3':3},{'1':1,'2':0,'4':1}]},'7':{'1':[{'1':2,'2':0,'5':[null,2,0]},{'1':0,'2':0,'3':3},{'1':1,'2':0,'4':1}]},'8':{'1':[{'1':2,'2':0,'5':[null,2,0]},{'1':0,'2':0,'3':3},{'1':1,'2':0,'4':1}]},'9':1,'10':1,'11':4,'12':0,'15':'Arial'}" style="text-align: center; color: #000000;">You can also travel to the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary partway with the Dubai Metro . Hop on to the Green Line and alight at the Al Jadaf or Creek metro station, and climb into a taxi for five minutes before arriving at the nature destination.

In the wetlands, just metres away from the bustling city of Dubai, you’ll find the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. It’s hard to believe you can find tens of thousands of birds in a spot so close to the city.

This expansive reserve also serves as a breeding ground each year for crustaceans, mammals and fish, but it is the flamingos that steal the show in winter. Look closer among the mass of pink feathers and you might spot grey herons, great egrets, reef herons, cormorants, black-winged stilts, sandpipers, osprey and more colourful species of birds.

Explore the 'Cape of the Creek'

Ras Al Khor is closely monitored and protected by the Dubai Municipality and the sanctuary is fenced off to safeguard the area. However, there are three bird hides located on the perimeter of the sanctuary. Essentially, it is a way to allow visitors and nature lovers to admire the birds in their habitat while maintaining the quality of the area for its winged residents. The wetland features a variety of salt flats, intertidal mudflats, mangroves and lagoons for the birds to use as their nests and individual habitats.

Nearby hotels and restaurants

Dubai Design District, or d3 as it is popularly called, is a major draw for the hip cafes and restaurants within its stylish neighbourhood. Try Mediterranean fare at The Lighthouse, sample Japanese street food at the anime-themed Akiba Dori, or enjoy a delicious Indian meal at Mohalla.

If you'd like to stay near Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, bear in mind there are no hotels in walking distance; however, there are quite a few within a few minutes' drive. The closest are in the Al Jaddaf neighbourhood, including Marriott Hotel al Jaddaf Dubai, and Residence Inn by Marriott Al Jaddaf. And within 15 minutes you can reach the Vida Creek Harbour and the Address Grand Creek Harbour – while Business Bay properties such as SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences, Paramount Hotel Dubai and The Lana – Dorchester Collection, are also handy for Ras Al Khor.

Nearby attractions

Less than 15 minutes away is Dubai Creek Harbour, which is one of the city's best spots to take in stunning views of the skyline and snap enviable holiday photos. You can also hop aboard a boat to enjoy some of the city’s iconic landmarks from the water.

Ticket prices and booking information

Visitors can use several bird hides at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary to observe the wildlife – these hides are free to use, and no booking is required for individuals and families. The hides are open from 7:30am to 5:30pm during the winter season, and from 6am to 6pm between April to September. Regardless of the season, the flamingoes are around for their feeding time between 10am and 4pm. Set aside about an hour for your visit to truly immerse yourself in the flora and fauna of the area.

Free guided tours are also available from Sunday to Thursday from 7:30am to 2pm, which you can book by emailing nrs@dm.gov.ae. Head to the official website to find the latest information about the wetlands along with the locations of the hides, and to plan your visit.

How to get to Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

You can get to Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary using the following transportation options:

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.

Please visit rta.ae for detailed public transportation schedules.

Alternatively, if you are driving, say from Mall of the Emirates, follow Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 to Al Meydan Rd/D69. Take exit 47 from Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11 and get on Al Khail Rd/E44 and continue until you reach the sanctuary. Get a full preview of your trip on Google Maps.