Wildlife you can see on a Dubai desert safari

Introducing some of the largest animals you might see on your Arabian Adventures desert safari.

Arabian oryx

The undisputed icon of the DDCR, the Arabian oryx symbolises both the fragility and resilience of desert wildlife. Once extinct in the wild, it has returned thanks to pioneering conservation efforts - including breeding and protection within the DDCR.

Their bright white coats reflect the heat, while their long, elegant horns make them unmistakable during one of our safaris. You’ll often find small herds grazing calmly on desert grasses or resting in the shade of acacia trees. Don’t forget to grab your camera to capture a photo of these majestic animals.

Fun fact

Astonishingly, Arabian oryx can detect rainfall from miles away, moving across the desert to find fresh vegetation.

Arabian gazelle

Similar looking to the stunning oryx, but more delicate and slender, the Arabian gazelle is known for its alert posture and graceful movements. These dainty gazelles like to live in low altitude mountains, occasionally in very steep terrain, but can also be found in open desert and coastal dunes too.

They’re one of the more commonly spotted animals during a DDCR safari and relatively easy to capture a photograph for your album.

Look out for their oversized dark eyes and gentle, deer-like movement across the dunes. They’re unmissable.

Fun fact

Would you believe us if we told you that the Arabian gazelle can reach speeds of 65km per hour? This makes them one of the fastest animals in the DDCR

Sand gazelle

Rarer and more timid, the sand gazelle tends to wander in small groups across more secluded areas of the reserve. They are exceptional runners, capable of bursts of speed to escape predators.

Unlike many other gazelle species, the females are typically - though not always - hornless. Male sand gazelles on the other hand display long, elegantly curved black horns that sweep outward before curling back at the tips. In Mongolia and China, some of their other habitats, females are almost entirely hornless, but across the Arabian Peninsula they often grow well-formed horns.

Fun fact

They can go their entire lives without drinking free-standing water - taking all moisture from desert plants.

Arabian hare

The Arabian hare is one of the DDCR’s most agile residents, perfectly adapted to life among dunes and sparse vegetation. With long, powerful hind legs and oversized ears, it can accelerate rapidly across soft sand and detect predators from remarkable distances. These hares are most active during the cooler parts of the day - dawn and dusk - making them a rewarding sight for guests who enjoy early-morning safaris.

Their sandy-brown coats provide excellent camouflage, blending seamlessly with the desert landscape. You’ll often spot them nibbling on hardy shrubs or making sudden, zig-zagging sprints if startled.

Fun fact

Unlike rabbits, Arabian hares do not live in burrows. Instead, they rely on camouflage for their protection.

You may struggle to see these animals on your desert safari, but if you do, the experience is all the sweeter. Don’t forget to have your camera close by.

Arabian red fox

A small but charismatic predator, the Arabian red fox adapts seamlessly to life in the harsh desert. With a thick, bushy tail and sandy coat, it blends perfectly into the dunes.

Although mostly nocturnal, foxes are sometimes found trotting across the sand in the early morning or late evening, making an evening desert safari an ideal opportunity to spot them.

Fun fact

They often pause to stand perfectly still, listening for insects and rodents beneath the sand.

Gordon’s wildcat

The Gordon’s wildcat is one of the most elusive predators in the DDCR - a shy, nocturnal feline that few visitors are lucky enough to see. Slightly larger than a domestic cat but far more muscular, it has a thick, sandy-grey coat marked with faint stripes that help it disappear effortlessly into the dune landscape. Its broad head, powerful jaws and piercing yellow eyes reveal its status as a skilled hunter.

These solitary cats roam large territories at night in search of prey like rodents and lizards. During the heat of the day, they retreat into burrows or dense vegetation to stay cool. Their secretive behaviour and exceptional camouflage make sightings especially memorable for wildlife enthusiasts.

Fun fact

Gordon’s wildcats are incredibly quiet hunters - their padded paws allow them to move almost silently across the sand.

Ethiopian hedgehog

These charming hedgehogs live among rocky outcrops and feed on insects, the smallest of lizards and plants. Because of their diets, they play a very important role in controlling insect populations within the DDCR.

Like European hedgehogs, they roll into a tight ball when threatened and can sometimes be found near camps after dark.

Fun fact

These cute little critters sleep on their sides, so their spines give them some protection while they rest.

Despite the scorching temperatures and arid landscape, a variety of reptiles thrive in the DDCR thanks to their incredible adaptations.

Desert monitor lizard

Large (the largest lizard in the UAE to be precise), impressive and highly intelligent, the desert monitor lizard can grow up to 1.5 metres long.

You may see one basking on rocks during morning safaris or lumbering slowly across the sand.

Fun fact

When threatened desert monitor lizards will inflate their bodies with air and hiss loudly.

Leptien’s spiny-tailed lizard

The Leptien’s spiny-tailed lizard is a striking reptile commonly found basking on rocks and dune edges in the DDCR. Its robust, spiny tail isn’t just for show - it acts as a powerful defence mechanism against predators, allowing the lizard to block burrow entrances or deliver a strong swipe if threatened.

These lizards are herbivorous, feeding primarily on desert plants and seeds, making them an important part of the desert ecosystem.

Fun fact

When threatened, Leptien’s spiny-tailed lizards can wedge themselves into crevices and lash their spiny tails outward, effectively deterring even much larger predators.

Arabian sand skink

The Arabian sand skink is a fascinating little reptile perfectly adapted to life beneath the desert sands.

Its smooth, elongated body and tiny limbs allow it to “swim” through loose sand with ease, disappearing from view in seconds. Skinks feed on small insects and larvae, playing a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of the desert circle of life.

Fun fact

The Arabian sand skink can move entirely beneath the sand’s surface, using undulating movements like a powerful mini-submarine - a skill that helps it escape predators and the extreme daytime heat.

Despite the sparse appearance of the dunes, the DDCR is surprisingly rich in birdlife, from tiny songbirds to mighty raptors. Here are a few you can keep an eye out for on your desert safari.

Arabian great shrike

The Arabian great shrike is a striking bird of prey often seen perched on desert shrubs or fence posts, surveying the surrounding dunes for lizards and small rodents.

Recognisable by its bold black-and-white plumage and hooked beak, this bird is both a skilled hunter and a vigilant sentinel of the desert. Shrikes are known for their unique hunting behaviour of impaling prey on thorns or barbed wire, earning them the nickname “butcher birds”.

Fun fact

Despite its small size, this bird exhibits remarkable strength and precision, capable of catching prey larger than itself and storing it for later meals.

Arabian green bee-eater

The Arabian Green bee-eater is a vibrant, eye-catching bird that adds a splash of colour to the golden desert landscape.

Sporting bright green plumage with hints of blue and a slender, slightly curved beak, this bird is often seen darting through the air to catch flying insects, especially bees and dragonflies. They are social birds, frequently perching in small groups on shrubs while keeping a watchful eye for prey.

Fun fact

Arabian green bee-eaters are expert aerial hunters - they can snatch bees mid-flight with such precision that they often return to a perch to remove stingers before eating.

Brown-necked raven

The Brown-necked Raven is one of the largest and most intelligent birds in the DDCR, often seen soaring over dunes or investigating safari vehicles with curious eyes.

Recognisable by its glossy black plumage with a subtle brown sheen on the neck, this raven is highly adaptable and opportunistic, feeding on insects and even carrion (the carcass of dead animals). Its intelligence is evident in its problem-solving skills and ability to use tools in the wild.

Fun fact

Brown-necked Ravens are known to mimic sounds from their environment - including the calls of other birds and even human noises.

These small creatures keep the desert ecosystem functioning, even if they’re not the stars of most Instagram posts.

Camel spiders

The camel spider is one of the desert’s most intriguing - and often misunderstood - creatures. Despite its fearsome appearance and impressive speed, it is actually harmless to humans.

These nocturnal arachnids are expert hunters, feeding on insects, small reptiles and other invertebrates. They are well adapted to the desert, using their powerful legs to scuttle across sand at remarkable speeds and burrow to escape the heat during the day.

Fun fact

Camel spiders can run up to 16km per hour – that’s fast enough to briefly outrun a human over short distances.

Darkling beetles

The darkling beetle is a hardy desert insect that plays an important role in the DDCR ecosystem. With its tough, dark exoskeleton, it thrives in the harsh heat and arid conditions of the desert, feeding primarily on decaying plant material and helping recycle nutrients back into the soil.

These beetles are most active at night or during cooler parts of the day, often seen slowly moving across sand or rocky terrain.

Fun fact

Some darkling beetles can collect water from fog or dew using grooves on their backs, allowing them to survive in the driest desert environments.

Although the desert may appear vast and empty, it bursts into life with butterflies and moths, particularly after seasonal rains.

These insects feed on the nectar of desert flowers and play an important role in pollination. Their fleeting, colourful presence adds an unexpected vibrancy to the golden sands, providing a spectacular show for visitors.

Examples you might see on your safari:

• Yellow hindwing - A vibrant butterfly with striking yellow wings that stands out against the sand.
• Blue pansy - Recognisable by its deep blue markings and distinctive eye spots on the wings.
• African migrant – A fast-flying butterfly often seen during migration periods across desert regions.

Thankfully, the DDCR is alive with wildlife no matter what time you visit – but certain species prefer set times of day.

• Early morning: Best for gazelles, oryx, hares, and birdlife.
• Late afternoon: Good for foxes, hedgehogs, and reptiles.
• Night safaris: Reveal the desert’s secretive nocturnal world - including sand cats and lizards.

It’s also important to make sure you are dressed appropriately for your safari too. Our helpful guide will tell you everything you need to know about the best clothing for your particular safari tour.

A Dubai Desert Safari inside the DDCR isn’t just an adventure; it’s a journey into a living, breathing ecosystem filled with rare and remarkable wildlife and plants. Get in touch with us today to find out which of our incredible desert safaris is the right one for you.