€£$
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

Guest30 January 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?

#54Try manakish in DubaiTry manakishoddviser

Try manakish, a sort of traditional "Arabic street food” made of pita and melted cheese with lots of herbs.

14
#23See zillions of gold jewelries at Dubai Gold Souk in DubaiSee zillions of gold jewelries at Dubai Gold SoukJDI

You should definitely see tons of gold on Dubai Gold Souk market.

FREEGold Souk
#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
#4Get on the top of the Burj Khalifa in DubaiGet on the top of the Burj KhalifaMargaret Cain

Get on the observation deck of the world’s highest building - the view from up there is just fascinating!

125Burj Khalifa
#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
#58Try parasailing in DubaiTry parasailingoddviser

Try an unusual sport — «parachute swimming» or parasailing that combines yachting and skydiving. Feel yourself like a sky conqueror!

#3Go to a desert jeep safari in DubaiGo to a desert jeep safarioddviser

Desert safari on all-wheel jeep will make your trip to Dubai one of the most memorable adventures in you life.

Rub' al Khali desert
#18Take a trip in a glass-bottom boat in DubaiTake a trip in a glass-bottom boatoddviser

Get on a glass-bottom boat and watch sea creatures of underwater world.

120Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
#12See the King Croc in DubaiSee the King CrocJDI

You can see one of the largest crocodiles in the world in Dubai Aquarium. It's a descendant of the dinosaurs that weighs 750 kilograms.

200Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
#22Try camel milk ice-cream in DubaiTry camel milk ice-creamoddviser

You can try exotic Emirati dessert in arabic cafe "The Majlis" – camel milk ice-cream.

The Majlis café
#60Try the "real" shawarma in DubaiTry the "real" shawarmaoddviser

Try the "real" Arab shawarma and compare it with the same dishes cooked in your country. Which is better?

4
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