Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve - in pictures

With its rolling dunes, abundant wildlife and thriving vegetation, the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is an oasis of nature a short drive from the city.

The reserve is now 15 years old and home to 450 wild Arabian oryx, but it has not always been so peaceful.

When the fences went up around the 22,500-hectare site, it was common to see campsites, rubbish bags and 4x4s dune bashing.

The reserve’s herd of wild oryx has increased from 70 in 1999.

Dr Gary Brown, a freelance ecologist and Tamer Ali Khafaga, the conservation officer, survey a part of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.

Ghaf and acacia trees are booming.

Mr Khafaga said he could see the boom in the vegetation and its effects on the wildlife.

In forested areas, ghaf and acacia trees are booming, with the acacia having a “dramatic increase”, said Mr Khafaga.

Only four tour operators now operate in the reserve. They are given specific routes on which to drive and designated campsites. Fines of Dh500 were introduced for dropping litter, going off-route and speeding.

Royal Shaheen is one of only a handful of tour companies that visit the reserve to offer a falcon experience.

”By making strict rules, the dunes are pristine, the flora and fauna are flourishing, as are the birds and insects,” said Peter Burgh, the Royal Shaheen founder.

“We wanted a clean environment and the reserve was the only place that had that.”

The pioneering project is visited by more than 250,000 people every year.

There are 300 Arabian Gazelle at the reserve.

Now 15 years old, the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is an oasis of nature a short drive from the city. Words Melanie Swan. All photos by Victor Besa for The National