Sanctuary in the making

I often take the road that connects the Dubai-Al Ain Road to the Academic City Road every time I go to the Dubai Municipality’s sewage treatment plant in Al Warsan.

Until last year, the road was a two-lane, two-way strip.

The road has now expanded to six lanes to accommodate the increasing number of tankers, lorries and heavy vehicles going to the Aweer Sewage Treatment Plant as well as residents visiting the used car showroom and vegetable market areas.

The reservoir opposite the car showroom roundabout where treated water from the sewage plant flow has also been remodelled.

I never expected to see any wildlife in the area as I haven’t seen one in the past.

That is why I was surprised to see a flock of flamingoes chilling out at the reservoir while I was driving to Academic City through Nad Al Sheeba Road last April.

Nesting ground

I immediately made a detour to the reservoir and found the entrance completely covered by wind-blown sand. When the birds started sounding alarm calls to warn of my presence, I knew the place has become a nesting ground. It was heartening to see a good bird sanctuary coming up in the middle of the industrial area.