Dubai Parks & Wildlife

With endless construction works, shopping malls and skyscrapers, no one could have imagined that Dubai has dedicated its biggest piece of land to the UAE’s first national park.

The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) is a systematically planned rehabilitation area restored to save Dubai’s severely damaged beautiful desert habitat. At an hour’s drive inland from Dubai, the DDCR encompasses 250 square kilometers of shifting dunes, sprinkled with fire bush, stunted acacia and endemic ghaf trees, and serves as a sanctuary for threatened local mammal and reptile species such as the Arabian mountain gazelle, sand gazelle, Arabian red fox, oryx and sand fox.

It is possible to visit the reserve only through tour operators who arrange for 4X4 and camel-back tours of the area. For those who are ready to splurge on a luxury hotel stay, the fancy Al Maha Resort lies deep within the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.

The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary (RAKWS) is UAE’s first Ramsar wetland site located along the Dubai creek featuring intertidal mudflats and mangroves, sabkhas saline flats, small lagoons and pools, along with a few small islands.

It is renowned for providing a critical staging ground for wintering birds of the East African-West Asian Flyway, 500 of which are Greater Flamingos. Today, there are three birding sites where potential nature lovers can admire the biodiversity of the region, its birds, flora and fauna.

Entrance is free, and the sanctuary operates from 9:00am to 4:00pm, Saturday to Thursday.

Dubai aspires for everything larger-than-life, and Dubai Miracle Garden follows that trend as the world's largest natural flower garden. This mammoth park, covering over 72,000 sq.m, has a line-up of structures completely taken over by vibrant floral displays. As you walk down the heart-shaped path, you'll find floral castles with illuminated nightscapes and full-size houses, with over 50 million flowers covering the entire place.

The stunning 'floating lady' dressed in exotic flowers is a must-see and a walking track that features daily entertainment, including parades, street performers and other family-friendly activities. Don't miss the dazzling Butterfly Garden, which houses 15,000 butterflies in nine custom-built domes. Make sure you plan for your visit because the park is typically closed during summer when new exhibits are renovated or installed.

Housed in the giant Deira City Centre shopping mall, this children’s entertainment centre is a unique indoor site with 10 pin bowling, a crawling bungie jungle, a variety of electronic games, a mini pitch, and putt.

Imagine 12 acres of desert filled with 30 million litres of water, solely dedicated for having fun. The Wild Wadi Water Park in Dubai, with 23 rides, entertains and excites every family member. The park has been more than just a shelter for those wanting to escape the heat of the desert. Adrenaline seekers will love Jumeirah Sceirah – a 33-meter high slide with steep angles to propel riders up to 80km (50-miles) per hour. There is also Breakers Bay, which has a wave machine creating 1.5-meter waves all day.

Aquaventure Waterpark at The Atlantis, The Palm is one of Dubai's biggest waterparks where one can feel the fervour of excitement with adrenaline-pumping rides and slides. You could take on the Aquaconda - the world's largest water slide for an action-packed, thrill-seeking day. There are plenty of other crazy rides, such as the Leap of Faith, Zoomerango and Poseidon's Revenge. If you are brave, get up close and personal with the toothy sharks in the middle of a shark-filled lagoon.

Located in the heart of the city, Dubai Creek Park is one of the oldest parks in the emirate and is still very popular among families and singles of all ages and sizes. It is a well-planned park with a glorious abundance of grassy areas, flower beds and themed gardens. With the cool wind blowing from the Creek and lots of open space, the park is one of the best escapes to spend some tranquil moments.

One can hire a bike or take a miniature train to traverse the large expanse of the park, but for a panoramic bird's eye view of old Dubai, take a cable car ride at Creek Park. There are barbecue areas and children's play areas marked throughout the park. If you are travelling with kids, don't forget to visit the Children's City and Dubai Dolphinarium.

Ever thought you'd get to play in the snow in the middle of the desert? Ski Dubai has you covered! Have a blast with the entire family at The Mall of Emirates, with the region's very first indoor ski resort! Ski Dubai gives you a chance to ski, snowboard, toboggan, zip line, take a chairlift ride, or just participate in a friendly snowball fight with friends and family. You'll also get a chance to encounter Ski Dubai's colony of Gentoo and King Penguins. Once you've froliced in the snow, get yourself a cup of hot chocolate at Ski Dubai's winter-themed Avalanche and Ice Café.

Located inside Dubai Mall, this giant ten million-litre tank at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, houses a whopping 33,000 aquatic animals and has the largest collection of sand tiger sharks in the world.

This massive aquarium rises to the third floor of the mall, and has more than 140 species of sea life and transports you to a whole new world underwater. Walk through the 48m tunnel with glass all around you and get a fish-eye view with various jellyfish, stingrays and sharks swimming overhead. You can even go snorkelling and swimming with the sharks! You can also do several other activities here, like the submersible simulator, a glass-bottom boat ride, fish feeding experience, and behind-the-scenes tours of baby shark and crocodile encounters.

Witness the magical city of Atlantis at The Lost Chambers Aquarium in Dubai. Discover the mysteries of the oceans and learn fascinating facts about underwater life while watching over 65,000 marine animals swim in the Ambassador Lagoon. To dive deeper into Atlantis Dubai, take a behind-the-scenes tour or book a snorkelling session or perhaps an Aquatrek session. You can also go for some yoga with several sessions per week, as well as 21 other unique exhibits to explore, including augmented reality, where you can pet polar bears and penguins.