Three years ago, Bahya Sanctuary was just a regular farm with a few plants and palm trees. Now it has several animal enclosures and hosts more than 70 cats, about 10 dogs, five donkeys, two ponies and three desert hedgehogs.
The environment is animal-friendly with wide-open areas allowing the animals to roam free.
The idea came from Gogem Artug, from Turkey, who, after rescuing several animals from a construction site near Emirates Palace, was able to convince her brother-in-law, an Emirati, to use his farm as a home.
The sanctuary has a team of volunteers who work to create a better place for the rescued animals.
Their motto is “Until all Allah’s creations are loved and respected”.
The sanctuary is open the second Saturday of each month. Visitors usually come to escape the city and enjoy the atmosphere at the farm. Families can enjoy the animals and teach their children how to interact with them.
The sanctuary is largely supported by donations.
jnicholson@thenational.ae










