Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve Dubai: Where to see wildlife, lakes, and camel races

Dubai: There’s no better place to truly experience the magic of the desert than at Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve. Spanning around 10% of the entire emirate of Dubai, Al Marmoom is renowned for its sustainability initiatives, native animal species, its cycling tracks and camel races, its heritage sites, and its stunning views. Whether you’re an adventure-seeker or just looking to relax, Al Marmoom has something for everyone. We break down what to see and do at this conservation reserve below. What is Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve? As the UAE’s largest unfenced nature reserve, Al Marmoom is home to spectacular native wildlife. It hosts one of the largest populations of Arabian oryx in Dubai, and has the highest concentration of large flamingos in the UAE. You can also catch sight of sand gazelles and Arabian gazelles, as well as a diverse range of bird and reptile species. The reserve features an Oryx Platform, which serves as a viewing point for Arabian oryx. There are also multiple feeding stations in the area, from where you can spot desert animals. With 40 hectares of lush, fertile land, this desert sanctuary is home to over 158 species of migratory birds, 204 species of native birds, and many endangered or vulnerable species, like the steppe eagle and the Asian houbara. The Dubai Municipality has built eight bird hides for bird watching, so visitors can get a closer look at different migratory and local bird species. The reserve is open to the public, is free to enter, and is managed by the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE). How to get there : Since the reserve is so large, there is no single address for Al Marmoom. It’s best to visit specific spots within the reserve, such as Al Qudra Lakes or Al Qudra Cycling Track. See details below. What are some other features of Al Marmoom? Apart from native wildlife, Al Marmoom is home to a variety of different and unique sites: Mohammed Bin Rashid Solar Park Al Marmoom sits in the northwest corner of the region’s largest renewable energy project. The Mohammed Bin Rashid Solar Park has a planned production capacity of 5,000MW by 2030, with investments totalling Dh50 billion. When completed, the solar park will save over 6.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions, annually. The Solar Park is open to the public. On your visit, you will be ushered to the auditorium, where you will watch a video of the Solar Park’s mission, following which, you can enjoy a tour of the Solar Park’s Dubai Exhibit Area, which has plenty of zones to explore, from stations that teach you the properties of light and the future of energy, to a hologram show and a unique Metaverse experience. How to get there : Insert these coordinates – Q989+52G – into Google Maps, to access the exact location. The Mohammed Bin Rashid Solar Park is situated in the Saih Al Dahal region, about 50km south of Dubai. Visiting hours : The Solar Park is open to visitors from Saturday to Wednesday, 9am to 4pm, and on Thursdays, from 9am to 12 noon. It is closed on Fridays and public holidays. Entry fee : The admission fee for adults is Dh50, while for students and children above three years old, it is Dh30. It is free of charge for people of determination. Saruq Al Hadid The 3,000-year-old Saruq Al Hadid archaeological site, one of the oldest sites in the country that dates back to the Iron Age, is also located within the reserve, making it a popular cultural and historical attraction. Excavations at the site have revealed historic artifacts, including bronze, pottery and stone vessels, various weapons such as daggers and swords, as well as gold jewellery and bronze ornaments. Although Saruq Al Hadid is not open to public, you can see excavated artifacts at Saruq Al Hadid Archaeology Museum, in Dubai. How to get there : Saruq Al Hadid Archaeology Museum is located at 136 49th Street in Al Fahidi district, Dubai. Visiting hours : The museum is open from 7.30am to 7pm from Monday to Thursday. On Fridays and Sundays, it is open from 9am to 5pm. It is closed on Saturdays. Entry fee : Tickets are priced at Dh50 for adults and Dh20 for children (ages 5 to 24). Book through Al Shindagha Museum’s website (museumtickets.dubaiculture.gov.ae) or purchase the ticket at the venue. Al Qudra Lakes and others Al Marmoom encompasses over 10 square kilometres of lakes, including the popular Al Qudra Lakes. Here, residents and visitors can enjoy picturesque sunrises and sunsets, and even have picnics and barbecues, provided they bring their own equipment and clean up afterwards. Apart from Al Qudra Lakes, the following lakes are also part of Al Marmoom: Love Lake Expo Lake Crescent Moon Lake Flamingo Lake How to get there : The D63 Al Qudra Road takes visitors directly to Al Qudra Lakes. For the other lakes, some off-roading is required, so ensure your vehicle is equipped to handle desert sand. Visiting hours : The lakes are open to the public 24/7. Entry fee : Visiting the lakes is free of cos