Birding in Dubai during Summer

Summer Birding in Dubai: Quiet Deserts, Active Wildlife

Birding in Dubai during the summer might not sound like the most comfortable hobby—but for those willing to embrace the early starts and warm evenings, it opens up a side of the desert that’s wild, quiet, and deeply rewarding.

Beat the Heat, Catch the Magic

It all comes down to timing. The trick is to head out before sunrise, when the desert is cool, calm, and stirring with life. A couple of good hours in the early morning can reveal more than you'd expect. Then, retreat indoors during the heat of the day, and return in the late afternoon when shadows stretch and the desert slowly comes alive again.

Fewer People, More Wildlife

Unlike the bustling winter months—with campers, off-roaders, and dune bashers crisscrossing the sands—summer is surprisingly peaceful. That absence of noise and movement invites wildlife to roam a bit more freely.

Foxes, including red and Rüppell’s, are more visible, often trotting along dune crests or hanging around known burrows. Nocturnal birds like the Pharaoh Eagle-Owl, Little Owl, and Barn Owl are far more active and easier to spot.

Summer Specialties

One of the season’s highlights is the presence of Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters. These brilliantly colored birds are a delight to watch as they flit over open areas, chasing insects with elegance and speed.

Also notable is the Egyptian Nightjar. Often hard to find in other seasons, they congregate in certain areas during the summer. If you know where to look, you may come across them resting in groups, so well camouflaged that you only notice them when they flutter up in a burst of silent wings.

Reptiles Rule the Night

Summer is when the desert’s cold-blooded residents take center stage. As the temperatures drop after sunset, reptiles become active and easier to spot. Desert monitors emerge to patrol their territory, and with a bit of luck, you might spot a Sand Boa slithering silently across the sand. Even vipers can be seen coiled near rocks or making their way across warm trails. It’s a fascinating time for herpers and photographers alike.

Graceful Grazers

The summer stillness also draws out some of the desert’s most iconic mammals. Arabian Oryx, Mountain Gazelle, and Sand Gazelle roam more freely when the human footprint shrinks. Catching sight of them against the orange glow of a summer sunset is always a special moment.

Final Thoughts

Dubai's summer isn't for the faint-hearted—but it rewards those who adapt. By shifting your schedule and respecting the desert's rhythm, you'll discover that this season offers something winter doesn't: space, silence, and the chance for intimate, unexpected encounters with creatures that thrive in the heat.