Posted by Species, Habitats & Dangers 2025
Dubai is known for luxury, sunshine and desert landscapes – but what about snakes? Many travelers wonder whether Dubai has dangerous or venomous species. The answer: Yes, a few – but encounters are extremely rare. Most snakes in the Emirates are shy, non-venomous, and live far from the city. In this article, you’ll learn everything about snakes in Dubai, their habitats, behavior, and how to react in the unlikely event of an encounter.
>>> Click here to book a great day tour from Dubai to Abu Dhabi
1. Snakes in Dubai – Myth & Reality
Although Dubai lies in the desert, the risk of encountering a snake is low. Within the city itself, snakes are very uncommon, and in popular tourist areas they are almost never seen. Snakes avoid humans and are mostly nocturnal.
- In the city: very few snakes
- ️ In the desert: rare, many are active at night
- In the mountains: several species in the Hajar Mountains
→ Get tickets for the Dubai Aquarium
2. How many snake species are there in Dubai?
About 12 snake species live in the United Arab Emirates, of which only two are truly venomous. Most species are harmless and even help maintain ecological balance by hunting insects and rodents.
- Venomous species: 2 (e.g., sand viper, horned viper)
- Non-venomous species: around 10 (e.g., sand boa, house snake, desert python)
>>> Book a desert tour in Dubai
3. Venomous snakes in Dubai
Venomous snakes in Dubai occur only in remote desert and mountain regions. They strike only if they feel threatened.
Sand Viper (Cerastes vipera)
The most well-known desert snake of the region. It is small (30–60 cm) and perfectly camouflaged in the sand. Its venom is painful but rarely life-threatening. It usually flees when approached.
- Habitat: sand dunes & dry valleys
- Activity: nocturnal
- ⚠️ Tip: Never walk barefoot in the desert!
Horned Viper (Cerastes cerastes)
Recognizable by the small horn structures above its eyes. It lives in deeper desert areas and moves with a characteristic “side-winding” motion. Encounters are rare.
- Size: up to 80 cm
- Venom: hemotoxic (affects blood & tissue)
- Danger: only if bitten directly, not very common
Sand Boa (Eryx jayakari)
Often mistaken for venomous, but harmless. This small desert snake lives underground and only comes to the surface at night. It can be found in oases and sandy valleys.
4. Non-venomous snakes in Dubai
Most snakes found in and around Dubai are completely harmless. They even help reduce pests.
Desert Python (Liasis burtonis)
A harmless rodent hunter living in rocks and crevices. Very shy, rarely seen.
Sand Boa (Eryx jayakari)
A small, stout reptile that buries itself under the sand. Not venomous and harmless to humans.
House Snake
Lives in gardens, farms and oases. Feeds on mice and small birds. Mostly nocturnal and quick.
- Role in the ecosystem: regulates rodent populations
- Threats: construction projects & road traffic
5. Snake habitats
Most snakes live far outside the city limits. They prefer dry, warm areas with rocks, shrubs or sand. Some species live in the mountains, others deep in the desert or near oases.
- ️ Desert: sand viper, horned viper, sand boa
- ️ Mountains: rocky pythons, Arabian racers
- Oases: house snake, small tree snakes
6. How dangerous are snakes in Dubai really?
The danger of being bitten by a snake in Dubai is practically zero. Even rangers and locals rarely see them. Snakes avoid humans and hide in the shade during the day.
- ⚠️ Almost no known fatalities from snakebites in Dubai
- Very few snakes in residential areas, hotels or tourist zones
- Caution only needed on independent desert trips
7. Emergency behaviour – first aid
If a snakebite does occur (very unlikely), follow these steps:
- Stay calm: panic increases venom circulation.
- Immobilize the affected limb and avoid movement.
- Do not cut, suck or tie off the bite!
- Call 999: hospitals have antivenom available.
Dubai’s major hospitals are well equipped to deal with snakebites. Medical care is excellent.
8. Snakes in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
In the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, some snake species live, including the sand boa and occasionally a viper. On organized tours, you’ll only see them with experienced rangers – safely and respectfully from a distance.
9. Conservation projects & education
The Emirates actively promote reptile conservation. Many species are protected. Rangers educate locals and tourists about wildlife to reduce fear and misunderstandings. The goal is to ensure harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.
10. Conclusion – fascinating but harmless
Snakes in Dubai are fascinating but rarely seen desert inhabitants. Most species are non-venomous and shy. Even the few dangerous ones live far from the city. By following simple rules – wearing shoes, staying alert, not touching wildlife – you can safely enjoy Dubai’s nature.
| Dubai Guide – Key Topics & Essential Information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Jellyfish in Dubai | Sharks in Dubai | Snakes in Dubai |
| Tiger Mosquito Dubai | Dangerous Animals Dubai | |
| Dubai Prices | Alcohol in Dubai | Dubai Bans & Rules |
| Smoking in Dubai | Customs Dubai | Supermarkets Dubai |
| Taxi & Uber Dubai | Photography Dubai | |
| Vaccinations Emirates | ||