New visitor centre opens at Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

UAE, Dubai, October 4, 2023 – The new Visitor Centre, which opened today in time for World Animal Day, provides visitors to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) with an immersive introduction to the native flora and fauna of the United Arab Emirates.

Visitors can also learn about the Reserve, its efforts to conserve this stunning but vulnerable ecosystem, and more.

“We are pleased to improve the experience of visitors to the DDCR and help promote awareness of habitat conservation and the accomplishments of the Reserve,” said Ali Mubarak Al Soori, executive vice president of facilities, projects management, and group procurement & supply chain for the Emirates Group.

We anticipate welcoming visitors to the tourist centre and nurturing in them an awareness for Dubai’s animals and ecosystem as the busy winter season approaches.

The DDCR Visitor Centre features carefully curated content from the Reserve’s conservation experts in 5 distinct areas:

• Visitors are welcomed into the centre by the receiving hall, an appealing open area with a large wall and stretch ceiling photographs showcasing the Arabian Oryx in their natural habitat. Visitors can browse a map of the Reserve using an interactive kiosk to find out where elusive animals like the Arabian Fox have been spotted.
• From its founding in 1999 as the first protected area in the UAE to its current position as a successful example for habitat protection, controlled tourism, education, and scientific research, the cultural hall highlights the DDCR’s significant achievements. Falconry, date farming, and camel rearing are examples of cultural practises strongly related to the UAE’s desert heritage that are also highlighted in this hall as part of the history of the DDCR.
• The AV hall is a “mini cinema” where visitors can watch a short, beautifully-produced feature film to get an overview of the Reserve.
• Dispelling the misconception that deserts are barren, the habitat hall features the diverse indigenous flora and fauna of the Reserve, via true-to-life 3D-printed models, holographic displays, interactive kiosks, and push-button devices which play the melodies of the various bird species found inside the DDCR. There are also real-life specimens on display for keen nature enthusiasts.
• Providing a whole new perspective on nightlife in Dubai, a dome display using cutting-edge technology in the nocturnal hall provides an immersive showcase of the nocturnal wildlife inhabitants of the DDCR.

View a video tour of the DDCR Visitor Centre.