€£$
по-русскиen Español (pronto)
enter
1511things to do
in the world
117things to do
in Emirates
81things to do
in Dubai

See uromastyxin Dubai, United Arab Emirates

#72of 81 things to doin Dubai

Oddviser

adventure's step-by-step
recipes & lifehacks
How to ride a board on volcano in Nicaragua?How to walk inside the active volcano in Greece?How to feed flying dogs in the jungles of Thailand?How to cycle along the Great Wall of China?How to swim in the famous Trevi Fountain in Rome?How to ride a kayak along the canals of Venice?How to walk on the roofs of skyscrapers in Dubai?
Join usit's more fun together :)
Walking through the desert Rub-al-Khali, try to find this reptile. You will recognize it by yellow color and a thick, spiked tail.
How to see uromastyx in Dubai
Near Dubai in the Rub 'al Khali Desert, in spite of the harsh climate and lack of water sources, it is full of reptiles such as geckos, snakes, toads and lizards. The most common inhabitant is an uromastyx - a 75-centimeter lizard with a small flattened head, massive legs and a short tail covered with thorns.

Uromastyx, Dubai
Photo: Uromastyx not far from Dubai, © Abdullah Al Amrou

Interesting facts


• Life expectancy is 80 years.
• Meat is considered to be a delicacy for many nations of the Persian Gulf.
• Perfectly adapted to live in the desert, satisfied with a minimum of food and months without water.

How to do?

1. To get to one of the largest deserts in the world from Dubai, rent a car and drive along the E11. Your road runs through Abu Dhabi. Take the E45 for Tarif Liwa Road on Abu Dhabi Tarif Road. You will pass through Madinat Zayed. At the circle turn onto Hamim Arada Road / E90 and drive to the Liwa oasis. It is located on the very outskirts of the desert.

2. Of course, an uromastix won`t come out to meet you, knowing that you have come, so be all eyes. Take binoculars with you - most likely, you will notice the uromastix at a distance, looking out from behind bushes or stones. In any case, if you want to watch it, try not to make noise.

Where to do?

#1Rub' al Khali desert in DubaiRub' al Khali desert

Dangerous, unbearably hot climate, constant lack of water and endless tons of sand, stretching for hundreds of kilometers.

Tips and hints

In summer, in the desert the temperature reaches 50°, and in winter - "just" 30°.

Be sure to put on a hat or tie an Arab headscarf on your head and do not forget about the water.

Reviews

Guest06 May 2025

More things to do in Dubai

DMARC CheckGet instant DMARC check on DmarcDkim.comadvertisement

DMARC allows you to discover, monitor, and fix weak spots in your email setup, prevent email spoofing, and increase email deliverability. Is your domain vulnerable?

#13Buy burqa in DubaiBuy burqaoddviser

Try on a traditional Arab accessory that used to be a symbol of beauty and femininity. Feel the Arab authenticity.

20
#1Go buggy driving in the desert in DubaiGo buggy driving in the desertEugene Krasowski

While everyone else is going on toured buggy racing, we will tell you how to go driving buggies and ATVs in dunes on your own.

200Big Red Sand Dune
#77Fly in a wind tunnel in DubaiFly in a wind tunnelEugene 2K

If you're still mentally not ready to jump from a plane, take a step towards skydiving, fly in a wind tunnel.

195City Centre Mirdif
#79See Dubai from the perspective of A Falcon's Eye View in DubaiSee Dubai from the perspective of A Falcon's Eye View

Do not miss the opportunity to view Dubai "from the eyes of a falcon" in the smallest detail.

300Burj Khalifa
#6Admire the singing fountain in DubaiAdmire the singing fountainR.R.Mix

Look how the fountain jets draw fancy colored patterns, flying up to a height of 150 meters. It`s an absolute stunner.

FREEThe Dubai Fountain
#40Fly a hot-air balloon over the Arabian desert in DubaiFly a hot-air balloon over the Arabian desertoddviser

At an altitude of 500 meters, you will see the desert sands under the beams of the rising sun.

750
#25Try wadi bashing in DubaiTry wadi bashingMohammed Lee

Four wheels plus tricky road equals mind-blowing adventure! For thrill-seekers only! Get ready to charge your batteries!

Hatta Wadi
#61Enjoy the Dubai World Cup in DubaiEnjoy the Dubai World Cupoddviser

Buy a ticket to the Dubai World Cup, and you will see the most expensive and upscale horse racing in the world.

FREE
#35Try Karak tea in DubaiTry Karak teaDarina

UAE citizens begin their day with one special drink and end the day with it — it is time for you to try traditional Bedouin Karak tea.

2
#43Try Umm Ali in DubaiTry Umm Alioddviser

Start the morning in Arabic style with a cup of coffee and a portion of Umm Ali - dessert from baked dough with the addition of raisins, dried fruits and nuts.

20
#33Ride a camel on Marina Beach in DubaiRide a camel on Marina Beachoddviser

Ride on the traditional local "transport" - a camel, which is here called the God`s gift to the Bedouins. It`s very calming experience.

200Marina Beach
Know more things to do?Guest

Share your ideas of what to do in Dubai with other travellers — together we'll make our travellings more interesting!

Photo credit © Michael R. Reilly