Desert Ecosystem

The desert of the UAE is part of the Rub al-Khali (Empty Quarter) — at 650,000 km², the largest contiguous sand desert on Earth. At first glance, nothing seems to live here. But upon closer inspection, an amazingly adapted ecosystem is revealed.

Wildlife

• Arabian Oryx: The majestic white antelope was extinct in the wild — a breeding program in the UAE (Al Ain Zoo, Al Marmoom Reserve) has brought them back. Today, over 6,000 animals live in the region.
• Arabian Gazelle (Ghazal): Sleek, agile gazelles that survive with minimal water supply.
• Desert Fox (Rüppell's Fox): Nocturnal, large-eared fox. With luck, can be seen on an overnight safari.
• Camels (Dromedaries): No longer wild animals, but culturally central. Over 400,000 dromedaries live in the UAE.
• Falcons: The national bird of the UAE. Falconry is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and remains a prestigious sport. Price for a hunting falcon: up to 1 million AED (250,000 EUR).

Flora

The desert is more barren than one might think, but not empty: Ghaf trees (Prosopis cineraria) — the national tree of the UAE — survive with roots that reach up to 30 meters deep. Sidr trees provide the famous Sidr honey (one of the most expensive in the world). After rare rains, the desert transforms into a sea of blossoms — for a few days.