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| Ras Al Khor ("Head of Creek") is a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, located smack in the middle of one of the fastest-growing cities. In the center, a grey heron and flamingo catch shade and look for food. Background - Burj Khalifa, Earth's tallest building. |
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary lies at the head of Dubai Creek, along the Central Asia-Africa flyway. These tidal mudflats, mangrove swamps, and desert wetlands provide migrating birds a rest stop at the edge of endless dunes that make up the Arabian Peninsula's Empty Quarter to the southwest. Birds use Southeast Louisiana's barrier islands in a similar way before crossing the Gulf of Mexico. I visited Ras Al Khor in early April while staying in Sharjah.
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| Waterway edges have been drastically altered by humans and surrounded by buildings. |
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| Water taxis carry folks between sides of Bur Dubai (Old Dubai) upcreek from Ras Al Khoor. Edges of the creek are lined by wharfs, restaurants, malls, hotels, and other built interventions. |
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| Restoration of Ras Al Khor began in 1985. Camel had previously grazed the area barren. Hydrologic disconnection from tidal energies comes from upstream dredging, built developments, and pollution barriers. Tidal shifts are artificially created by a pump station at the head of the creek. |
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| Access to Ras Al Khor is barred except for select spots. Here is public birdwatching blind, constructed with traditional date palm fronds woven together. Last year 15,000 people visited the location. Bayou Sauvage in New Orleans (a city with 25% Dubai's population) hosts 50,000 people annually. |
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| Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary provides binoculars, tripod telescope, and identification books for guests. Nice touch. Here is another grey heron. |