The Arabian Horned Viper (Cerastes gasperettii), also known as Gasperetti’s Horned Viper, is a venomous snake native to the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Yemen. It is a relatively small viper, usually measuring between 30 to 60 cm, with some individuals reaching up to 85 cm. Its body is thick and covered in keeled scales, colored in sandy or grayish tones that blend seamlessly with its desert environment. One of its most distinctive features is the presence of horn-like scales above its eyes, although not all individuals display these horns. It is a nocturnal species and is especially active during the evening and night, often using a unique sidewinding motion to move efficiently across soft sand.

This species is well-camouflaged and often buries itself beneath the sand, leaving only its eyes or horns exposed, making it difficult to spot. As such, caution is advised when walking in desert environments, especially after dark. For wildlife photographers and researchers, sightings of this viper are valuable and relatively rare, and any documentation should include location, time, and habitat to support scientific and conservation knowledge.