Bird hides draw great public interest

In a little over two weeks since their inauguration, the hides have received about 250 visitors from 40 different nationalities.
Comments in the visitor books too, are highly appreciative of the facilities that allow people to experience nature in the interior of Dubai city.

Established by the Dubai Municipality, in partnership with the WWF and National Bank of Dubai, the three bird hides were inaugurated by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman of Emirates Group on 28th March at a ceremony in the natural setting of the wetland reserve. Located in different sections of the reserve the hides, named after prominent geographical features as 'flamingo,' 'lagoon' and 'mangrove, are now open to the public for bird watching.

In a change from earlier plans that allowed entry only with permits on selected week days, now Ras Al Khor's bird hides, in particular the hides 'flamingo' and 'mangrove,' can be accessed on all days of the week other than Fridays. The visiting hours are 9 am - 4 pm and the hides have full time security.

Inside the bird hides are picture panels that indicate to visitors what they can expect to see, and where; there are telescopes and binoculars available for close up views; and brochures are at hand to provide useful information about the Sanctuary.

"Ras Al Khor represents, perhaps, the last wild area left in Dubai. Located amidst the hustle and bustle of urban Dubai, it constitutes a city protected area. This itself is a global rarity and may be looked upon as a breath of fresh air in a rapidly growing metropolis.

Thousands of birds congregate here in winter, particularly waders that are attracted by the rich food supply of the Sanctuary's mudflats. Ras Al Khor is extremely valuable for biodiversity conservation. Besides, it provides an excellent opportunity for nature education, and is a great place for visitors to experience what modern Dubai has to offer in terms of wilderness," says Dr. Frederic Launay, Director, WWF UAE Project Office.

Since the bird hides opened, people have been visiting the Sanctuary regularly. Students, naturalists, tourists, and members of the community from Dubai as well as other emirates are being drawn to the site, attracted by its 'naturalness' and diversity of bird life, particularly flamingos and other wader birds.