Arabian Lynx Spotted Again in UAE After Many Years

The elusive Arabian lynx, one of the UAE’s rarest wild cats, has been spotted once again in Wadi Wurayah National Park, Fujairah. This marks a heartwarming moment for nature lovers and conservationists across the country.

The lynx was caught on motion-sensor cameras set up under the “Notice Nature” initiative — a project supported by Mashreq Bank, Fujairah Environment Authority, and Emirates Nature–WWF. These cameras work day and night using infrared light, silently capturing wildlife activity deep inside the reserve.

This new sighting confirms that the Arabian lynx still roams the UAE’s rugged mountains. The species was last recorded in Jebel Hafeet in 2019 and near Wadi Shees in 2023. Its return to Fujairah in 2025 shows the success of ongoing efforts to protect natural habitats and endangered species.

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Known for its strong body and distinctive black ear tufts, the Arabian lynx plays an important role in keeping the ecosystem balanced. It hunts small animals, helping to maintain the natural food chain in desert and mountain regions.

Dr. Ali Hassan Al Hammoudi, Director of Biodiversity at the Fujairah Environment Authority, said the lynx’s return is a symbol of hope and comes just as the world marks World Habitat Day. He added that the park has become a true sanctuary for rare wildlife, including species like Blanford’s fox.

Dr. Andrew Gardner from Emirates Nature–WWF called the sighting both rare and important. He said it reminds everyone that while such discoveries bring hope, we must continue to protect nature for future generations.

The reappearance of the Arabian lynx shows that with care, patience, and teamwork, nature can indeed recover and thrive once again in the UAE’s wild landscapes.