Conservation success
Arabian oryx
UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Jordan
Reintroduced herds now live in protected reserves across Arabia. The easiest places to see them are the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Sir Bani Yas Island and Jordan's Shaumari reserve, ideally at sunrise.
Turtles
Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve
Near Sur, Oman
One of the most important nesting beaches for green turtles in the Indian Ocean region. Guided night and dawn visits let small groups watch females come ashore and hatchlings race for the sea. Nesting peaks in the summer months.
Flamingos
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
A protected wetland at the head of Dubai Creek, with the Downtown skyline behind it, where greater flamingos gather in winter. Bird hides give close views; check current opening before you go.
Birds
Al Wathba Wetland Reserve
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
A wetland reserve on the edge of the city where greater flamingos have bred, along with more than two hundred bird species recorded. It opens to visitors in the cooler months.
Mangroves
Abu Dhabi's mangroves
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi holds most of the UAE's mangrove forest. Kayak the Eastern Mangroves at sunrise, or walk the boardwalks of Jubail Mangrove Park to spot crabs, herons and small fish in the roots.
Marine giants
Whale sharks
Qatar, Oman, the Red Sea
The world's largest fish gathers seasonally in Gulf and Red Sea waters, notably off Qatar in the summer months. Licensed boat tours from Doha and dive operators in Oman and the Red Sea offer respectful encounters.
Island safari
Sir Bani Yas Island
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
More than half the island is a wildlife reserve where giraffes, cheetahs, gazelles and Arabian oryx roam free. Guided 4x4 safaris run daily from the island's Anantara resorts.
Official site ↗Desert
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
A protected stretch of red dunes inland from the city, home to Arabian oryx, sand gazelles and desert foxes. Licensed operators offer low-impact desert drives, falconry and camel treks here.
Rewilding
The royal reserves
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has set aside a network of royal reserves, among them the King Salman Royal Natural Reserve in the north, one of the largest protected areas in the region. Gazelles, oryx and ostrich are being restored across their former ranges, and eco-tourism programs are expanding.
Big cat
Sharaan and the Arabian leopard
AlUla, Saudi Arabia
The Sharaan Nature Reserve's sandstone canyons are at the heart of efforts to restore the critically endangered Arabian leopard. Visitors explore the reserve's trails and learn about the program through AlUla's guided experiences.
Stargazing
AlUla's dark-sky parks
AlUla, Saudi Arabia
Gharameel and Manara nature reserves are certified dark-sky parks, where the Milky Way rises over rock formations. Guided stargazing nights with telescopes are among AlUla's most memorable evenings.
Stargazing
Wadi Rum stargazing
Southern Jordan
A UNESCO-listed desert of red sand and towering sandstone, almost free of light. Spend a night in a bubble tent or Bedouin camp and watch the sky turn thick with stars.
Hiking
Dana Biosphere Reserve
Tafilah, Jordan
Jordan's largest nature reserve descends from highland villages to desert sandstone, crossing several climate zones. Hike down to Feynan Ecolodge, lit by candles and run on solar power.
Canyoning
Wadi Mujib
Near the Dead Sea, Jordan
The lowest nature reserve on earth, where a river cuts a narrow gorge down to the Dead Sea. The wet Siq Trail, wading and climbing between sandstone walls, opens in the warmer months. See our Dead Sea guide.
Reefs
Ras Mohammed National Park
South Sinai, Egypt
Egypt's first national park, declared in 1983, protects reefs and walls of coral at the tip of the Sinai. Snorkel from the beaches or dive the famous reefs on a day boat from Sharm El Sheikh.
Snorkeling
Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve
Off Muscat, Oman
Nine protected islands with coral gardens, turtles and reef sharks, an hour or less by boat from Muscat. Visits are by day only, keeping the islands pristine.
Birds
Hawar Islands
Southern Bahrain
Home to colonies of Socotra cormorants and a rich roster of migrating birds, with the best months from November to March. The new Hawar Resort by Mantis makes it easy to stay.
Dolphins
Musandam's dolphins
Musandam, Oman
Traditional dhows glide through the fjord-like inlets of the Musandam Peninsula, where pods of dolphins often swim alongside. Our Musandam guide has the details.
