Flora and Fauna

As you would expect in a Country with such an arid climate, the variety of flora and fauna in the Emirates isn’t as extensive as in other parts of the world. However, a surprising variety of creatures and plant life have managed to adapt to survive in high temperatures and with little rainfall.

Flora

The Dubai Municipality runs an extensive greening programme. Areas of the City are lovingly landscaped with perfectly manicured patches of grass and colourful bursts of flowers. Dubai is also home to many attractive public parks. The date palm is the most widely known of the indigenous flora, and a source of natural pride. Heading east towards the mountains, flat topped acacia trees and wild grasses are reminiscent of an African Savannah landscape. In places the deserts are surprisingly green, even during the summer when there is no rain.

Fauna

Indigenous fauna includes the Arabian leopard and the Ibex, but sightings of them are extremely rare. You are far more likely to see camels, donkeys and goats, often very close to major roads! Other desert life includes the Sand Cat, Sand Fox, and Desert Hare, as well as a variety of Gerbils, Hedgehogs, Snakes and Geckos.