Al Qudra wildlife and birdwatching: flamingos, oryx and more

Al Qudra is known for its cycle track and heart-shaped lakes, but it is also one of the most accessible places near Dubai to see wildlife. A few man-made lakes in open desert act as a magnet for birds, and the surrounding Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve is home to Arabian oryx and gazelles. Sightings are never guaranteed, and conditions change by season, but with a little timing and patience you can have a surprisingly rich morning.

Why Al Qudra for wildlife

The lakes are man-made and managed by Dubai Municipality, and in a landscape of sand and scrub they give birds food, water and shelter. The reserve itself is widely described in the press as the largest unfenced nature reserve in the UAE. Water in the middle of open desert is why bird counts here are high. If you are new to the area, start with our Al Qudra activity guide and our lakes page.

Birds: up to 175 species recorded

In September 2018 Dubai Municipality announced that as many as 175 bird species had been recorded at Al Qudra Lake, the highest number noted there so far. The survey ran from 2008 to August 2018 and was led by wildlife specialist Dr Reza Khan of Dubai Safari. It also recorded 73 plant species, 26 reptile species and 12 mammal species. That is a 2018 figure, so more recent counts may differ.

The list is not just ducks. The survey named globally threatened birds, including endangered Lappet-faced Vulture and Steppe Eagle, and vulnerable species such as the Asian Houbara and Marbled Teal. You are unlikely to tick off the rarest on a family visit, but ducks, swans and waders on the water are easy. Do not expect to find all species on one trip, and remember that many are seasonal.

Flamingos

Flamingos are the headline act, and Visit Dubai says the Al Marmoom reserve hosts the highest concentration of large flamingos in the UAE. At Al Qudra they are often at a distance on the water, so binoculars or a zoom lens matter more than walking closer. Never chase or approach them. If they flush, you were too close.

Arabian oryx and gazelles

Visit Dubai also describes the reserve as home to one of the largest populations of Arabian oryx in Dubai, and the 2018 survey reported that oryx breed in the area and gazelles visit the lake for food, water and shelter. Sightings are most often early in the morning or near dusk, in the wider reserve rather than at the lake edge. Treat any sighting as a bonus. If you drive, stay on the road, slow down at dawn and dusk and watch for animals crossing.

Best seasons and times

• Season: autumn and winter, during bird migration, are usually the richest months. October to April is also the comfortable season for people.
• Time of day: sunrise and the last hour before sunset. Birds are active and the light is soft. Our sunrise and sunset guide has times.
• Day of the week: weekdays are calmer. Thursday evening to Saturday are busy, and noise sends birds away.
• Summer: May to September is hot, and there is little reason to be out after mid-morning. Go only at dawn.

Etiquette and rules

The lakes sit inside a protected conservation reserve, so the rules exist to keep the water clean and the wildlife undisturbed. This is general guidance, not legal advice, and signs on site take priority.

• Do not feed birds or fish. Keep a respectful distance and never chase or corner animals.
• Check drone rules before flying. Drones also scare birds, so keep them away from wildlife.
• No swimming. The lakes are habitat, not a pool.
• Keep music and voices low. Sound carries across water.
• Take every scrap of rubbish home. Littering fines in Dubai start at AED 500.
• Keep dogs away and stay on the tracks so you do not crush desert plants.

For where fires and barbecues are and are not appropriate, see our BBQ guide.

Binoculars and photo tips

• Binoculars: 8x42 is a common starting point. Bring a pair for the children too.
• Camera: a long zoom lens beats walking closer. Turn off flash and the shutter beep.
• Colours: neutral clothes blend in better than white or bright colours.
• Patience: sit still for 20 minutes. Birds return when you are quiet.
• Make it a game with children: a printed checklist or first to spot a flamingo wins an ice cream. See our family guide.

A birdwatching morning

Leave early. Stop at Zad, open 24 hours, for karak, a croissant or a wrap, plus water and a bag of ice (AED 15) for later. Zad is also the last toilet and shop before the lakes, so use both. Arrive around first light, walk the hard tracks slowly, pause often and scan the water edge with binoculars before you move. Finish with a picnic and read our desert picnic ideas. If you plan to be out later, take a look at our stargazing guide.

Frequently asked questions

Zad Food Store is open 24/7 at the Last Exit, Al Qudra Road (Seih Al Salam), Dubai, the last stop before the desert since 2013.