UAE Wildlife Photography Trips: Shorebirds, Vipers, and Desert Discoveries

Sep 14

Many places in the UAE are well known among birdwatchers and considered true hotspots. Sites like Al Qudra in Dubai or Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain attract countless visitors seeking good sightings, photo opportunities, and species diversity. But for me, the goal has always been different: I wanted to focus on spots closer to home, places I can visit regularly. Frequent returns not only improve the chances of better images but also create a unique competitive edge.

While much of the competition tends to focus either on famous locations like Al Qudra or on specific species such as owls or Arabian Red Foxes, my vision is broader. I want to document the entire UAE’s wildlife — birds, mammals, and herpetofauna — without limiting myself to a single area or taxon. That said, living in the north of the Emirates, in Ras Al Khaimah, naturally gives me an advantage: I can specialize in mountain species, Desert and shorebirds, three of the UAE’s most distinctive habitats.

The first week of September proved this approach right. In just a few short trips, I achieved what once felt impossible: quality photographs of both the elusive Eurasian Oystercatcher and the elegant Crab Plover. And during two herping outings, I stumbled across an impressive lineup — the Arabian Sand Viper, the Saw-scaled Viper, and even the rare False Cobra (Moila Snake). These encounters reaffirmed my belief that persistence, locality, and broad coverage can yield extraordinary results.

In one week i have seen and photographed more than 25 species of birds, mammals and reptiles.

As I continue building this journey, my aim is not only to photograph and document but also to share these experiences with others. Through guided wildlife photography trips across the UAE — from Ras Al Khaimah’s mountains to Dubai’s wetlands, from desert wadis to Fujairah’s coastline — I invite you to join me in exploring the Emirates’ hidden biodiversity. Whether your passion is bird photography, herping at night, or simply escaping the city for landscapes and wildlife, there is a trip designed for you.