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Best known for its architectural landmarks and megaprojects, Dubai is also racing to become one of the world’s most sustainable cities. At Jumeirah, we are committed to taking steps to improve the quality of the environment and to minimise our environmental impact. Here are some of Dubai’s most compelling sustainable organisations, which will inspire you to pave the way for a greener future, from the beautiful Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve to our Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project.

 

Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

Stretching over 225 square kilometres, the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is one of the largest areas to be declared a protected nature reserve by the government in the UAE and forms five per cent of the emirate of Dubai. It is home to more than fifty plant species, 120 birds and forty-three mammals and reptiles. While it is fenced off to protect the area’s flora and fauna, visitors can enjoy an authentic desert experience at the reserve through specially developed experiences designed to avoid interference with the habitat including treks, safaris, falconry, horse and camel riding, camping, sand-boarding and dining.

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

Just metres away from the hustle and bustle of Dubai lies the wetland reserve Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, where bright pink flamingos can be found mingling with reef herons, black-winged stilts, sandpipers and more. This is also a breeding ground for crustaceans, mammals and fish and the sanctuary features a variety of salt flats, inter-tidal mudflats, mangroves and lagoons. Visitors can admire the birds from three bird hides at the perimeter of the sanctuary. You can also book a free, guided tour via the Dubai Municipality website to see the wetlands through the eyes of a conservationist.

 

Mushrif National Park

A haven for Arabian babblers, yellow-throated sparrows and Rufous-tailed robins, Mushrif National Park is one of Dubai’s oldest parks and covers more than five square kilometres of natural forest. There are plenty of activities to do here beyond bird watching and admiring the untouched natural beauty. There are barbecue areas, sports facilities including a pool and football field, and even a treetop adventure course where the intrepid can swing from trees and zip-line across the park. Kids can enjoy play areas, games and a train ride among other activities.

Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project

Of the seven species of turtles found in the world’s oceans, five can be found in the UAE. Sadly, the sea turtle is under threat around the world due to loss of habitat, poaching, overexploitation and pollution. But the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project is playing an important role in combating their decline. Injured turtles, brought in by the Aquarium team at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah or by members of the public, are taken to Burj Al Arab turtle rehabilitation facilities. Once they have made sufficient progress they are then transferred to the Turtle Lagoon at Jumeirah Al Naseem. You can visit the Turtle Lagoon to meet these fascinating creatures before they are released back into the wild.

 

The Green Planet Dubai

Swim with piranhas, feel the thunder of the tropics or discover the activities of nocturnal rainforest animals at The Green Planet, located at the junction of Al Wasl Road and Safa Road, in Dubai. Animal-lovers have the chance to be a zookeeper for a day and discover The Green Planet’s fascinating wildlife while shadowing a biologist. You can also learn how to nurture some of the planet’s most incredible and endangered species. A day’s work involves transitioning animals into the bio-dome, preparing animal containers and feeding the animals.


Dubai’s beautiful protected nature reserves, national parks and animal sanctuaries can be experienced while staying at Jumeirah Dubai.