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The Wild Side of the UAE: Most Iconic Animals
More than camels and falcons.
The UAE is home to some of the Arabian Peninsula’s most fascinating wildlife. Alongside national symbols like the falcon and Arabian oryx, its deserts and mountains are inhabited by rare sand cats, striped hyenas, Arabian leopards and other species perfectly adapted to one of the harshest environments on Earth. Some are deeply connected to Emirati culture, while others are so elusive that few people ever see them in the wild.
Sand Cat. Photo credit: Google
A small wild cat perfectly adapted to desert life. Its oversized ears help it detect prey underground, while thick fur on its paws protects it from hot sand. Sand cats rarely need to drink water and spend most of their lives hidden from humans.
The fur covering their paws helps them walk across hot desert surfaces and leaves almost no visible tracks. In the UAE, they can occasionally be found in remote desert areas and protected reserves.
The fur covering their paws helps them walk across hot desert surfaces and leaves almost no visible tracks. In the UAE, they can occasionally be found in remote desert areas and protected reserves.
Sand Cat
Jerboa
This tiny desert rodent moves with kangaroo-like jumps and can cover surprising distances in seconds. Jerboas spend most of the day inside underground burrows and become active after sunset when temperatures drop.
Despite their small size, some jerboas can jump up to three meters in a single leap, helping them escape predators across open desert landscapes.
Despite their small size, some jerboas can jump up to three meters in a single leap, helping them escape predators across open desert landscapes.
Jerboa. Photo credit: Google
Arabian Leopard. Photo credit: Google
One of the rarest big cats in the world and the most endangered predator of the Arabian Peninsula. Arabian leopards inhabit remote mountain regions and are rarely seen in the wild.
Fewer than 200 Arabian leopards are believed to remain in the wild today. Historically, they lived throughout the Hajar Mountains that stretch into the eastern UAE.
Fewer than 200 Arabian leopards are believed to remain in the wild today. Historically, they lived throughout the Hajar Mountains that stretch into the eastern UAE.
Arabian Leopard
Falcon. Photo credit: Google
A symbol of strength, freedom and Emirati heritage. Falconry has been practiced across the Arabian Peninsula for centuries and remains one of the UAE’s most important cultural traditions.
Some highly trained falcons can be worth tens of thousands of dollars and even travel with their owners on commercial flights using official falcon passports.
Some highly trained falcons can be worth tens of thousands of dollars and even travel with their owners on commercial flights using official falcon passports.
Falcon
Arabian Oryx
The national animal of the UAE and one of conservation’s greatest success stories. Once extinct in the wild, the Arabian oryx was successfully reintroduced through breeding and protection programs across the region.
The Arabian oryx became the first animal ever to move from “Extinct in the Wild” back to a vulnerable conservation status. Large populations now live in protected areas including Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve and Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve.
The Arabian oryx became the first animal ever to move from “Extinct in the Wild” back to a vulnerable conservation status. Large populations now live in protected areas including Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve and Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve.
Arabian Oryx. Photo credit: Google
Striped Hyena
A shy nocturnal scavenger that plays an important role in keeping ecosystems healthy. Despite its intimidating appearance, striped hyenas avoid humans whenever possible and are extremely difficult to spot in the wild.
They can travel dozens of kilometres in a single night while searching for food. In the UAE, striped hyenas are mostly associated with mountainous regions near the Hajar Mountains.
They can travel dozens of kilometres in a single night while searching for food. In the UAE, striped hyenas are mostly associated with mountainous regions near the Hajar Mountains.
Striped Hyena. Photo credit: Google
Dromedary Camel
The one-humped camel has been at the centre of life in the Arabian desert for thousands of years. It played a crucial role in transport, trade and survival long before modern cities appeared in the region.
A thirsty camel can drink around 100 litres of water in just a few minutes. Today, camels remain an important part of Emirati culture through racing, beauty contests and heritage festivals.
A thirsty camel can drink around 100 litres of water in just a few minutes. Today, camels remain an important part of Emirati culture through racing, beauty contests and heritage festivals.
Dromedary Camel. Photo credit: Google
Arabian Gazelle (Reem)
Known for its elegance and speed, the Arabian gazelle is one of the most recognizable animals of the region. It has adapted to harsh desert conditions and can survive long periods without direct access to water.
The gazelle is often mentioned in Arabic poetry as a symbol of beauty and grace. Today, it can be found in protected reserves across Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
The gazelle is often mentioned in Arabic poetry as a symbol of beauty and grace. Today, it can be found in protected reserves across Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Arabian Gazelle (Reem). Photo credit: Google
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Date of the article's release: spring 2026