Don't let the skyscrapers fool you. The seaside oasis of Dubai is much more than towering steel -- it's an ecosystem with a range of different habitats, ranging from mountain ranges, islands, tidal wetlands, lagoons and, of course, rocky desert scrub. Visitors can explore that ecology both in and around the city.
Because Dubai sits along a major migration route for birds traveling between Asia and Africa, over 400 species of birds are sighted in and around Dubai. Visitors keen to check out Dubai's avian offerings should visit the exotic peacocks and guineafowl that gather at the Jebel Ali Palm, as well as the thousand-strong crowd of flamingos in the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. Apply at the front desk for special permission to enter the Emirates Golf Club, where keen eyes can spot Red-wattled Lapwings, Pacific Golden Plovers, Pintail Snipe, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse and Isabelline Shrikes. At night, the rare Pallid Scops Owl ventures out in some parts of Dubai's central Mushrif Park.
The grand plan of the Desert Islands Abu Dhabi is to establish eight wildlife reserves on eight separate islands off Dubai's coastline. As of 2014, the first -- and largest -- was open to the public. On the island, outdoor activities abound: nature walks, wildlife drives, guided hikes, mountain biking, kayaking, snorkeling, falconry and archery. A single eco-friendly luxury resort is the only accommodation available on the island. Arrive via a 20-minute boat ride from Abu Dhabi or an hour-long flight from the Dubai airport.
To safely explore the deserts around Dubai on foot, join up with a guided trekking tour. One of these tours -- just a 30-minute 4-wheel-drive ride into the desert from Dibba Beach -- provides a thigh-burning opportunity to check out dramatic local terrain and culture. There, local goat herders have constructed a number of steep "secret staircases" that lead to a small, ancient settlement at the top with epic views of the surrounding valley. For a slightly more challenging hike, join a group headed farther afield to Wadi Warrayah. There, visitors play in the UAE’s lushest perennial waterfall, admire endangered mountain goats and peek into a bat-filled cave.
Shaheen Xtreme, the only professional falconry operation in Dubai, conducts demonstrations and falconry training in the desert just outside the city. Choose the 90-minute-long "falconry experience" to try your hand at working with some of the majestic -- and sometimes willful -- birds. Professional falconers teach guests about the birds' behavior, biology and cultural importance, as well as assisting newbie falconers with their fine-feathered charges.
Rent a ride from one of Dubai's 10 bright blue, credit-card-operated bike rental stations, located at highly visible locations throughout the Dubai Marina and downtown. From there, you can head out for an unmolested peddle through any of the city's several car-free zones. Nature-lovers will especially enjoy sea views from the Jumeirah Open Beach Track, as well as from the track that circumnavigates Al Mamzar Beach Park.
Deep pockets are required for a visit to Dubai's poshest eco-destination: the "desert immersion experience" at Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa. Al Maha is a luxury spa-resort complex, sited on the slope of a massive dune within the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Though just under an hour from urban Dubai, award-winning Al Maha has taken National Geographic's World Legacy Award, as well as the Arab Cities Award for Best Environmental Design, for its location and conservancy program. That program protects over 6,000 indigenous plants, free-roaming herds of endangered oryx and many other forms of desert wildlife. Al Maha's vast activities list includes wildlife encounters, camel treks, ATV rides, nature hikes, falconry and archery.
