Desert Icons of the UAE: Camels, Oryx, Gazelles and More

The deserts of the United Arab Emirates appear inhospitable at first glance, yet they host a remarkable range of wildlife that has adapted to heat and scarcity. As a Dubai‑based taxidermy business, we find inspiration in the animals that shaped Emirati culture and identity. Preserving these creatures ethically—only when they pass away naturally—allows us to celebrate their beauty and educate visitors from around the world. In this blog we highlight several indigenous species, including camels, the Arabian oryx, various gazelles, and a glimpse at other desert dwellers. We weave cultural history, conservation success stories and insights into ethical taxidermy services together to create a rich, keyword‑dense article ideal for search engines and curious readers alike.

Camels – ships of the desert and national treasures

No animal is more closely tied to the UAE than the Arabian camel, or dromedary. Historically, camels were the Bedouin’s primary means of transportation and a measure of wealth; they facilitated trade routes across the desert and supported pearl divers and traders. Many Emirati families still breed camels for milk, meat and racing, while camel safari tours showcase these gentle giants to tourists. Fun facts for your next trivia night: camels can survive for around ten days without drinking water and can sustain speeds of up to 40 km/h. They digest tough desert plants thanks to specialized stomachs and can extract moisture from thorny shrubs.

Camels remain a national symbol—appearing on currency, stamps and government logos—and hold spiritual significance in Islam. They embody resilience, patience and survival. In our taxidermy studio, we respect camels by preserving those that die naturally or from accidents, allowing future generations to study their anatomy and cultural importance.

The Arabian oryx – conservation success story and desert monarch

Sometimes called the white oryx, the Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx) is the largest mammal native to the Arabian Peninsula and is considered by many the national animal of the UAE. This graceful antelope has a gleaming white coat that reflects sunlight and long, straight horns. Its broad hooves prevent it from sinking into sand, and its ability to detect rainfall from up to 90 kilometres allows the herd to move toward fresh grazing. Like camels, oryx can obtain moisture from desert plants and travel long distances without drinking. These adaptations enable them to survive extreme heat and drought.

By the 1970s the Arabian oryx was hunted to near extinction. Recognizing the cultural and ecological loss, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan launched a captive‑breeding and reintroduction program. The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi reintroduced oryx to reserves in 2007, and today the UAE hosts more than 10,000 Arabian oryx—the largest population in the world. Most live in protected reserves around Abu Dhabi. Their success has become a symbol of effective conservation in the Gulf, illustrating how laws, breeding programs and public awareness can bring a species back from the brink.

Gazelles – swift desert spirits

Arabian sand gazelle and adaptations

The Arabian sand gazelle (also known as the gazella marica or houbara gazelle) is smaller and more vulnerable than the oryx. These elegant antelopes glide effortlessly across dunes and can survive for extended periods without drinking water. They have developed extraordinary physiological tricks: research shows that sand gazelles can shrink their livers by up to 30 percent during times of drought. By decreasing the number of active mitochondria in the liver, the gazelle breathes less often and loses less water through respiration. This adaptation helps them thrive in one of the hottest, driest environments on Earth. Sadly, populations remain low—fewer than 10,000 individuals in the wild—but targeted conservation and habitat protection offer hope.

Arabian gazelle and Dama gazelle

Another indigenous species is the Arabian gazelle (Gazella arabica), sometimes called the mountain gazelle. The Emirates often categorise them along with the sand gazelle; both species are slender, tawny and known for their speed and agility. The critically endangered Dama gazelle, native to Sahelian Africa but historically present in the Arabian Peninsula, is also receiving attention. In 2024 the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi partnered with reserves in Chad to release six Dama gazelles, monitoring their reproduction to support species revival. This international collaboration underscores the UAE’s commitment to conserving not just local fauna but global wildlife.

Gazelles in urban oases

Urban projects have embraced gazelle conservation too. At Dubai Hills Golf Club, visitors can observe populations of Arabian gazelle and sand gazelle peacefully coexisting with golfers and maintenance vehicles. These animals are indigenous to the Arabian Peninsula, and while their numbers remain below 10,000, they have increased because the golf course provides a safe breeding habitat. This example shows how urban developments can incorporate wildlife corridors and enhance biodiversity while meeting human needs.

Other desert natives – more than meets the eye

The Arabian Desert is far from barren. According to Connect With Nature, the UAE’s deserts are home to a variety of species beyond mammals: sand cats, houbara bustards, Barbary falcons, Ruppell’s foxes, Arabian sand geckos, Egyptian spiny‑tailed lizards (known locally as dhub), desert monitors, Arabian horned vipers and yellow‑spotted agamas. Many desert plants and animals have evolved to minimise water loss and often become nocturnal or live underground. These adaptations illustrate the complex ecology of the desert and why conservation efforts must protect entire habitats, not just flagship species.

Respecting wildlife through ethical taxidermy

Taxidermy, when practiced responsibly, is an art form that preserves animals for education, scientific study and cultural appreciation. The process is meticulous: skins are tanned with chemicals and mounted on custom forms, glass eyes and artificial parts are added, and the final mount is a blend of anatomy, sculpture and painting. CVRL has preserved everything from insects to tigers and keeps a waiting list of specimens, illustrating the demand for high‑quality preservation.

Our taxidermy studio follows similar principles. We require legal paperwork for any specimen and refuse requests involving hunted or illegally obtained animals. We abide by the UAE’s 2017 law banning the private ownership of wild or exotic animals; only zoos, wildlife parks and research centres may keep them, and violations carry heavy fines and jail terms. By working within these regulations, we help conserve wildlife while offering museums, schools and collectors a way to showcase desert biodiversity ethically.

Conclusion – celebrating desert heritage through preservation

The UAE’s indigenous animals—from the enduring camel to the resilient oryx and swift gazelles—represent the heritage and resilience of the Arabian Desert. Conservation initiatives have brought the Arabian oryx back from near extinction and are giving gazelles a fighting chance, while urban oases demonstrate that wildlife can coexist with modern development. As a taxidermy business, we take pride in preserving these animals ethically so that future generations can appreciate their beauty and learn about the ecological balance of the desert. By combining respect for tradition, adherence to conservation laws and dedication to artistic excellence, we contribute to a sustainable legacy where Arabian camels, oryxes, gazelles and countless other desert creatures continue to inspire wonder and awe.