Get closer to nature
The Arabian Wildlife Park is a beautiful nature reserve that occupies more than half of the island. It was established in 1977 by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan when he passed a law preventing hunting on the island. His vision was to create a haven for animals – both local and foreign – to roam free and live naturally.
It’s now home to thousands of animals, and your local expert guide will help you spot many different species as you explore – and give you plenty of photo stops along the way. Look out for gazelles, llamas, giraffes, ostriches and one of the world’s largest herds of endangered Arabian oryx. There are cheetahs, hyenas, and more than 100 species of indigenous wild birds, while the waters around the island are home to sea turtles and dolphins.
All developmental work on the island has been carried out with a view to conserving its fragile ecosystem. You’ll return to the ship having enjoyed time alongside some wonderful creatures you may otherwise never see in such a natural setting. If you’re in a larger group, you can tour the nature reserve together in a truck instead of a 4x4.
