Khor al-Beida

25°31'52''N + 055°34'22''E

Khor al-Beida is a large estuary with dunes and salt flats half-way between Dubai and Ra's al-Khaimah. As with so many birding sites in the UAE Khor al-Beida is under threat of development.

As of April 1st 2007 the site is virtually inaccessible due construction. Be aware of security staff present.

As of December 2007 the site is under massive development, with a large marina, villas and highrises planned.

It is called Khor al Beidah on page 34 in the Shell Birdwatching Guide.

Best timing for a visit is 2 hours before high tide (check local newspapers or the Internet tor timeings), but I have also had good birds, even in mid-summer during low tide.

Warning; you will be driving on sandy tracks, normally passable with a saloon car, but after heavy rain this site is virtually inaccessible. At all times stay in the well-worn tracks, even with 4WD vehicles.

Warning; due to the close proximity of the Ruler's Palace and the new palace being constructed on the beach (construction started in 2005), security is tight! There are old signs along the Palace wall warning of No Stopping and No Photography.  Birders have recently been intercepted by uniformed security people in cars below the new palace, asking for identity papers (passport is fine) and they have been asked to move on.

Three new signs warning of Restricted Area,  No Fishing have recently (July 2006) been erected near the new palace being built.

The area is no longer open to public.

As of April 1st 2007 the site is virtually inaccessible due heavy construction. Be aware of security staff present.

The area from the marking 'Great Knot' and eastwards should have NO security issues, but is quite difficult to reach from the inland track. A sturdy 4WD car is a must!

Regular birds are Socotra Cormorant (offshore), Crab Plover, Slender-billed Gull, Saunders's Tern, Gull-billed Tern, Black-crowned Sparrow-lark and Greater Hoopoe-lark.

During winter Great Knot will mingle with the Bar-tailed Godwits, Great Spotted Eagles are often in view, the sand dunes hold Desert Wheatear and Asian Desert Warbler with Steppe Grey Shrike often recorded.