Eco-tourism in Abu Dhabi is expected to grow exponentially in coming years as more attention is given to this high potential industry. Abu Dhabi and the rest of the United Arab Emirates have been particularly acknowledged as one of the top four destinations in the whole Middle East for bird-watching tours. Birdwatchers can chance upon the largest collection of birds the region has to offer during the migration seasons. Abu Dhabi is permanent home to over 80 species which bread in a landscape that ranges from sand dunes to oases, and mountains to wadis and pockets of wetlands. These are the natural habitat for birds like Chestnut- bellied Sand grouse, Socotra Cormorant, Purple Sunbirds, Crab Plover and Arabia’s Greater Flamingos. Among recently identified home-grown species are Corvus Corax and fan-tailed raven Corvus rhipidurus.
In autumn (October-November) and spring (February-March), the bird population of Abu Dhabi multiplies by many folds as it also becomes home to 
migrating birds such as gulls, spoonbills, storks, herons, plovers, dunlins, whimbrels, and countless other wading birds.
Desert birds that can be seen in the emirate include Grey Francolins (Francolinus pondicerianus), Crested Larks (Galerida cristata), Marsh Harriers (Circus aeruginosus) and, occasionally, Desert Wheatear (Oenanthe deserti), Spotted Eagles (Aquila clanga) and falcons.
Birdwatchers don’t need to travel far to have a glimpse of what the emirate has to offer. The high-rise, bustling capital city of Abu Dhabi, which is built on an island, draws to its mangrove colony and parks many bird species that could be seen around the city. The Equestrian Club, Eastern Lagoon in the New Corniche, Mushrif Palace Garden and the port area are among the best places for visitors to spot the colourful indigenous bird species of Abu Dhabi city, especially in the early morning hours.
Bird watching trips can also be arranged. An excellent day out for bird watching should include a visit the Sir Bani Yas Island to the west of Abu Dhabi where there is a wild life reserve. The Gulf coast of Abu Dhabi has three wetland reserves, which would be of particular interest to bird watchers, in addition to Al-Ain Oasis and the nearby mountain area.
Several research programmes have been undertaken by the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi (EAD), which is primarily responsible for the protection of Abu Dhabi’s wildlife and natural habitat. The agency’s most recent activity was monitoring the movement of flamingos from and into Al Wathba wetland reserve. The agency has also been successful in breeding nearly 500 houbara bustard Chlamydotis undulata) through captive-breeding programmes to boost their diminishing population. This species has a flamboyant display such as in raising the white feathers of the head and throat and withdrawing the head.