ABOUT DDCR

A desert haven for nature, a living heritage for people

Our objective

DDCR was created to preserve the original landscapes and protect the indigenous flora and fauna of Dubai’s inland desert. Through careful and effective management, we aim to encourage the natural processes that lead to the rewilding of the desert habitat. Today, DDCR provides an authentic desert experience for people to enjoy the beauty of a natural environment and explore the living heritage of Dubai.

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THE DUBAI DESERT CONSERVATION BOARD

In 2002, under the chairmanship of HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, also the Chairman of Emirates, a management board composed of tourism, conservation specialists and government figures was chosen to oversee the establishment and operation of the DDCR.

After a major environmental audit of the surrounding areas and research on potential threat to endangered species, as wells as the long term quality of Dubai's tourism experience, the Dubai Conservation Reserve was established by special ruler's decree by late HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai and Vice President of the UAE. The conservation team of the Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, which already managed the 27 sq.km conservation reserve in the area, then officially took over the operations of the DDCR.

Download Law No. 11

Download Ruler's Decree

chairman

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum

Chairman of Emirates and President of the Department of Civil Aviation

General Secretary and Head of Operations

Mr. Ali Soori

Executive Vice President

Our goals

The strategic management goals for the 2025 – 2030 planning period are as follows:

Reduce and then regulate ungulate populations to the reserve’s natural carrying capacity by end of 2026 by introducing an Apex predator, ultimately resulting in the restoration of ecological balance that aligns with the natural regenerative properties of the available vegetation.
Achieve IUCN Green List recognition by the end of 2025, showcasing effective management, good governance and planning that highlights optimum conservation outcomes.
Increase regional and global attendance of conservation congresses, forums, seminars and webinars. Resulting in the DDCR being recognized as a leader in biodiversity conservation through building resilience to climate change in arid land ecosystems.
Increase public awareness through publishing scientific research papers in reputable journals, increasing DDCR’s visibility and impact within the scientific community.
Increase the usage of sustainable energy throughout the DDCR’s energy requirements by installing solar car park energy systems, ultimately reducing the carbon footprint of the reserve.
Conduct quarterly training sessions for all safari drivers of approved tour operators within the DDCR, that will result in the DDCR being promoted and recognized as the premier destination for authentic nature-based experiences in the UAE.
Maintain continuous engagement with Universities and other scientific bodies to further explore and expand research regarding urban-encroachment, natural habitat rehabilitation and inland desert ecosystem biodiversity.

Reserve history

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2002

1999

2020

MOU signed with Loughborough University, UK, to work in conjunction with Zayed University on Drone studies within the DDCR and machine learning on the images collected.

2020

Director of Kew Foundation, UK, Meredith Pierce Hunter visits the DDCR.

2020

Installation of weather and virtual reference station in corporation with Survey Department- Dubai Municipality.

2020

Wildlife Diplomacy Delegation from USA visits DDCR.

2019

DDCR Management plan completed for the next 5 years (2019 -2023)

2019

DDCR implement a paperless Visitor Management System and reporting solution.

2019

Launch the DDCR Approved tours to promote high quality tours with a focus on nature and local culture.

2019

Nara Desert Escapes becomes a concession holder in the DDCR to provide unique desert experience to visitors.

2019

MOU signed with Prague University and MSc. Student starts a camera trap study in the Reserve.

2019

Research Collaborations

Mohammad Bin Rashid University of Medicine and health sciences (college of Medicine) on small mammals in DDCR.
UAE university- (College of food and agriculture-department of veterinary medicine) on Pathogen risk assessments of felines in DDCR.
East Anglia University for MSc project on pitfall traps sizes efficiency surveying arthropods.
Natural History Museum of London studying desert termites.

2018

Camera Traps set during the annual Biosphere Expedition capture only the second record of a Cinereous Vulture in the UAE.

2018

Memorandum of Understanding for co-operation on environmental research is signed with the University of Coimbra – Centre for Functional Ecology (Portugal).

2018

The DDCR welcomes its first Intern from the Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi.

2018

The Director General of the IUCN, Inger Anderson, visits the DDCR.

2017

A rare UAE sighting of six Short-eared Owls in the DDCR.

2017

Memorandum of Understanding for co-operation on environmental research are signed with Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and Malaga University

2016

New wasp species, Palarus inexspectatus, is discovered in the DDCR by visiting entomologist, Dr. Sarah Gess from Albany Museum, Grahamstown, South Africa

2016

Major rainfall event (85.2mm)

2015

A partnership with Frying Pan Adventures to provide a photographic and food trail through the DDCR.

2015

A purpose built DDCR operations office and workshop are built

2014

A young Sand Fox is caught as part of Biosphere Expedition, proofing that this elusive species is breeding in the DDCR.

2012

Largest Vulture Sighting ever in the UAE, 47 Lappet-faced Vultures; 2 Griffon Vultures and a UAE first ever sighting in the wild of a Cinereous Vulture

2012

Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum implements a new graded sand road network in the DDCR as well as the planting of 25 000 indigenous trees.

2012

Partnership with Platinum Heritage Luxury Tours & Safaris to provide heritage safaris in open top vintage Land Rovers.

2012

As a part of our vegetation monitoring two enclosures are built to exclude ungulates and thereby study the effect of grazing on the natural desert flora.

2012

During a baseline Rodent survey, Egyptian Spiny Mouse are capture on Jebel Nazwa, this is a new species for the DDCR.

2011

Partnership with Biosphere Expeditions to implement volunteer based conservation program.

2011

Removal of the fence surrounding the original Al Maha Reserve (27km²)

2011

Partnership with Royal Shaheen Events to provide falconry demonstrations and interactive experiences for tour operators and visitor to the DDCR.

2010

Rare sighting of a Golden Eagle in the UAE, present in the DDCR for a week.

2010

First sighting Keyhole Glider dragonfly in the UAE

2010

Houbara Re-introduction program is started in the DDCR. Initial release of 29 in March and 170 in December.

2009

Major rainfall event (196mm)

2009

Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum implements the construction of two lakes within the DDCR

2009

Comprehensive vegetation survey is carried out as part of the DDCR Biodiversity monitoring program.

2008

All domestic livestock are removed from the DDCR

2007

Ground fauna baseline study Phase (2)

2007

Arabian Oryx are fitted with GPS collars to monitor their movement and utilization of the natural habitat.

2006

Three weather stations are installed to record weather data across the DDCR

2006

Ground fauna baseline study Phase (1)

2005

Seven Camera traps were deployed to gain baseline data on nocturnal and cryptic species within the DDCR

2005

Thematic Geographical Information System (GIS) program started whereby all data collected would be geo-referenced and added to our database.

2004

A comprehensive Vegetation Baseline Survey is carried out across the DDCR

2004

Translocation 41 Arabian Oryx from Al Maha into the north of the DDCR

2003

The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR), an area of 225 square kilometres, 4.7% of Dubai’s total land area, was created to protect the last remaining pristine desert landscape of this forward thinking emirate.

2002

Resort managers began a major environmental audit of the surrounding areas. Researchers were tasked with exploring current and potential threats to endangered species and disappearing desert habitats, as well as the long-term quality of Dubai’s desert tourism experience.

2002

The Al Maha management submitted proposals to the government on the formation of a formal national park.

2002

The proposal was accepted and the Dubai Conservation Board was established.

2002

The Board established a detailed constitution and all the necessary regulatory measures were in place for the physical creation of the Reserve. Emirates airline entered into a five year sponsorship deal worth over US$ 14 million. Additional funds of US$7 million were set aside by the Dubai Government to create the initial infrastructure and facilitate the start-up work.

1999

The Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa was established with a 27km² conservation reserve, for the protection of desert fauna and flora.

1999

70 Arabian oryx are re-introduced 6000 indigenous trees and shrubs are planted.

FLORA AND FAUNA

The importance of species diversity

Maintaining a balanced ecosystem is critical to our goal of creating a sustainable natural desert habitat.

Starting with 70 Arabian oryx in 1999, there are 400 oryx currently on the reserve, the largest free-roaming herd of its kind in the UAE. In addition, there are approximately 300 Arabian Gazelles and 100 Sand Gazelles.

Along with the reintroduction of oryx, we planted 6,000 indigenous trees and shrubs. Acacia trees and Calligonum shrubs have since become a welcome, naturally occuring addition to the original seeding project.

In 2003, there were 60 recognised birds in the DDCR. With the improvement of the environment, we now record 126 species. Other species that occur naturally include the Gordon’s Wildcat, Arabian Hare, Ethiopian Hedgehog and the Arabian Red Fox. There are also a number of reptiles as well as both resident and migrating bird species.

Currently, 74 plants, 18 mammals, 26 reptiles, 140 bird species and 300 arthropods call DDCR their home.

Discover our flora and fauna

Preserving our desert habitat with you

With the support of our approved tour operators and the public, we've put measures in place to help maintain the DDCR.

Using solar power to pump water from water holes
Recycling waste at all the tour operators' camps
Providing limited access to designated areas on the reserve to selected tour operators for minimal impact
Training tour guides in best practice methods for conducting desert excursions and increasing their knowledge of wildlife and conservation practices
Placing strict limits on all activities that have an environmental impact
Careful zoning within the reserve to limit vistor trafic and unnecessary interference on the more vulnerable habitats and particularly sensitive locations

Sponsors & associations

DDCR Map Tour operators Vegetation

DDCR

No effort has been spared to protect the fragile desert ecosystem. The Reserve represents a permanently protected area ensuring the future of the region’s desert habitats and bio-diversity managed according to sound scientific ecological principles, aimed at protecting natural resources and maintaining original desert landscapes.
Zones

In line with international conservation practices, the Reserve is segregated into four zones, each with a prescribed utilisation plan, from a complete exclusion zone which can be visited only on foot by researchers, to a limited vehicle access zone for safari groups, excursions and dune camps.
Wilderness Zone

No human intervention is allowed in this area, except entry for research and observation purposes. This prevents unnecessary interference to breeding sites and locations which support plant regrowth. The wildlife is free to move around this entire Reserve Zone area.
Rehabilitation Zone

Human intervention is limited to infrastructure which supports wildlife and habitat programmes, such as watering points, enhanced and re-habilitated habitats. This Zone is used for ‘seeding’ indigenous plant populations.
Ecotourism Activities Zone

Areas in this zone are set aside for low environmental impact activities, such as nature walks and camel and horse rides.
Development & Recreation Zone

This Zone is comprised of areas set aside for recreational desert excursions as well as tourism and other developments. Only approved Dubai-based safari operators with qualified and registered guides are permitted to conduct four-wheel dune driving excursions and organise small dune dinner camps in these areas. Four-wheel excursions are restricted to pre-planned routes.

Top operators

Our tour operators have been selected to operate within the area to ensure exclusivity and minimal impact on the environment, with a total of nine camps which are primarily used for Bedouin style dining and limited camping. They conduct dune driving excursion on predetermined routes, as well as camel riding and falconry displays.
Al Maha

Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort and Spa, Dubai is a private, guest-only resort set in the lush palm groves, emerald canopies and iconic sand dunes of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.

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Arabian Adventures

Arabian Adventures is the most experienced tour and safari operator in the region and is part of the Emirates Group.

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Platinum Heritage

Platinum Heritage is the only Ecotourism Desert Safari company in Dubai and are advocates of sustainable travel with a mission to conserve the natural environment, wildlife, and culture of Dubai and its people.

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Royal Shaheen

Royal Shaheen is a private tour company that offers falconry experiences that combine the traditional sport with insights on UAE culture and traditions.

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Travco

Travco Group offers travel and leisure solutions across the UAE for small groups, individuals and corporate organisations.

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Nara Escape

Nara Escape creates authentic, elegant and eco-friendly desert camp experiences for all to enjoy, complete with a dining offering and activities, including a cruise along the Omani Gulf.

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Flora Diversity

The Brillouin index was used to estimate the floral diversity across the DDCR, where the highest distribution class represents flora diversity hotspot.
Soddom's Apple

Soddom's Apple (Calotropis procera) is an evergreen shrub up to 5m tall; milky sap excreted when any part of the plant is broken, old branches are hollow; while young branches are smooth, whitish. Leaves; opposite attached directly to the stem; gray green; round to ovoid up to l7cm to 25cm, covered with fine white woolly hairs when leaves are young while turn smooth when older.
Centropodia forsskaolii

A small loosely tufted, perennial grass up to 30cm, with Rhizomes often with adherent sand, stems covered with minute hairs, much branched from base, forming tussocks.
Crotalaria aegyptiaca

Erect and spreading perennial shrub up to 1m with undivided or branched stiff stems, grey green, slightly hairy. Branches stiffly ascending or short and pointed, branches forking at right angles.
Cyperus conglomeratus

Perennial sedge, variable in aspect from dwarf form with single stem a few cm high to bushy plants with several stems up to 70cm in height. Roots rigid, fibrous and woolly covered with a thick coating of sand, base of the plant usually surrounded by old brown leaf sheaths. Stems stout; young growth pale green but for much of year plant is dull brown or straw-like.
Dipterygium glaucum

Perennial shrub but often flowering and fruiting in the first year, glabrous, yellowish green, erect to 80cm high. Stems slender much branched from woody base, above rootstock branches thin, smooth and pliable.
Fagonia indica

Perennial shrub with woody base up to 80cm, stems much branched with smooth but slender pale green stems, mostly ascending, circular in cross section with short grooved internodes and swollen joints, each node bears 3-5 unequal spines, 5mm to 2cm.
Heliotropium digynum

Perennial densely branched shrub with woody base, stems round, whitish, small plant erect; older ones spreading outwards, up to 60cm.
Indigofera colutea

Perennial, woody, stems straggly, spreading, up to 50cm, densely covered with glands and very short hairs.
Leptadenia pyrotechnica

Perennial leafless shrub up to 3m high, milky latex produced when stems or branches broken, branches are smooth, slender, and green.
Limeum arabicum

Straggly perennial erect shrub up to 80cm, stems intricately tangled; very thin waxy-white angular stems, branches gently zigzagging at 3-5cm intervals. Whole plant appears fragile, whole plant covered with minute glands to which fine sands tend to cling.
Moltkiopsis ciliata

Small perennial woody base shrub, up to 25cm high, with white younger branches, the plant covered with stiff white hairs.
Pennisetum divisum

Tufted perennial shrubby desert grass with short woody rootstock, much branched, up to 120cm high, stems bent at swollen brown nodes and often appears dry and dead.
Rhanterium epaposum

Perennial shrub intricately branched up to 70cm high.
Stipagrostis plumosa

Tufted perennial grass up to 60cm, base of the grass are dense with many dead stems and old sheaths, whitish in colour, stems thin, bent at lowest nodes but erect above, lower stems between nodes and leaf sheaths are woolly.
Tribulus sp.

Perennial, stems branching from the base, prostrate or spreading, up to 40cm high, covered with short white hairs