Concierge Dubai blog

Call of the wild

The Arabian Peninsular is home to a myriad of unique animals, many of which can be seen at the emirate’s zoos and wildlife parks

Arabian Wildlife Park
Take a safari through the 4,200-hectare Arabian Wildlife Park and spot some of the region’s most endangered animals, including the Arabian oryx, sand gazelle and Arabian mountain gazelle.
Taking up approximately half of Sir Bani Yas Island, the nature reserve is home to several thousand free-roaming animals, including predators and scavengers such as the cheetah and hyena.
On the safaris, visitors take a seat in the back of open 4x4s and keep their eyes peeled. Fortunately, many of the animals are in abundance and live in herds so it is not hard to spot them. Even the cheetahs have tracking devices attached to their collars so the guides know where to find them.
The cheetahs were introduced to the island as part of a conservation programme and while they were brought up in captivity, they have been taught to hunt and fend for themselves.
Visitors can also take mountain bike tours through the wildlife park, or go snorkelling to explore the underwater world.
Where: Sir Bani Yas Island
When: Daily. Nature drive takes two and a half hours
Price: Wildlife safari AED100, free for under sevens
Contact: 02 8015400 or http://www.desertislands.com

Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital

Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital
Get up close to one of the UAE’s most cherished animals at the world’s first public veterinary centre dedicated exclusively to falcon care.
The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital opened in 1999 and has treated more than 42,000 patients, most from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain. It has since expanded to become an avian hospital for all birds, a boarding facility for falcons and other pets, a shelter for stray cats and dogs, and more recently one of Abu Dhabi’s most recommended tourist attractions.
Visitors can join the two-hour Falcon World Tour to discover more about the bird on the UAE’s national emblem. They will visit a museum and hear about the falcon’s role in Bedouin culture, falconry and the good work done by the hospital. Visitors can also hold, touch and feed a falcon as well as take photographs.
Where: Near Abu Dhabi International Airport
When: Sunday to Thursday at 10am and 2pm. Bookings essential
Price: AED170 for adults (AED220 with lunch), AED60 (AED80 with lunch) for children aged five to nine
Contact: 02 5755155, info@falconhospital.com or see http://www.falconhospital.com

Al Ain Zoo

Al Ain Zoo
Set against a backdrop of the stunning Jebel Hafeet mountain, Al Ain Zoo is home to 4,300 animals, 30 percent of which are considered threatened.
The wildlife park has an emphasis on creatures from the Middle East and Africa. In fact some of its key attractions are white lions, white tigers and other big cats as well as the Arabian oryx and sand gazelle. In addition to the animal attractions, there is a children’s garden, playground and picnic areas as well as restaurants and kiosks.
Among the unique experiences at the Al Ain Zoo is giraffe feeding, which allows visitors to get up close to these magnificent creatures as they feed on carrots, lettuce and other tasty treats. The feeding takes place five times a day next to the Reptile House.
There is also an impressive bird of prey show in the evenings giving visitors the opportunity to watch falcons, eagles, owls and vultures demonstrate their extraordinary hunting skills.
Where: Al Ain
When: Daily 9am to 8pm
Price: AED15 for adults, AED5 for children
Contact: 03 7828188 or see http://www.awpr.ae

Abu Dhabi Wildlife Centre

Abu Dhabi Wildlife Centre
This animal attraction on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi has become a breeding centre and orphanage for sick and confiscated animals, including a number of big cats. Here visitors will find cheetahs, tigers, lions, caracals, leopards, serval cats and jaguars.
The centre is not a zoo, but rather a facility dedicated to the care, rehabilitation and health of animals. It still however, conducts one-hour guided tours for visitors to get a rare, up-close glimpse of these predators.
As well as big cats, the centre is home to a variety of wildlife, including antelope, monkeys, tortoises and reptiles.
Where: Mussafah Al Ain Truck Road
When: Monday to Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday 9am to 5pm
Price: AED45 for adults, AED35 for children under 12
Contact: 050 6144024, 050 7218169 or email wrsmuts@emirates.net.ae