Explore Dubai's hidden Nature and join Terra Expo City to help scientists protect biodiversity

Dubai: Have you ever wondered what wildlife exists right outside your doorstep? Are you curious about how ordinary moments can turn into extraordinary contributions to conservation? If you’re excited to take part in an engaging adventure that aids scientists in protecting urban biodiversity, grab your cameras and prepare for the City Nature Challenge at Terra, Expo City Dubai!

From April 25 to 28, join a global movement that invites citizens to explore their neighbourhoods and document the plants, animals, and fungi that call them home. This initiative not only empowers you to connect with nature but also supports vital scientific research aimed at preserving the rich urban biodiversity around us.

With stunning species waiting to be discovered, you’ll never look at your morning coffee on the balcony the same way again. Led by Terra in collaboration with Emirates Nature-WWF, Dubai Holding Entertainment, and Nature Wave, this challenge offers everyone—whether you’re a budding naturalist or a seasoned explorer—the chance to make a difference.

Imagine capturing the vibrant flutter of a salmon Arab butterfly or the quick movements of a sand gecko, all while contributing to a global database that helps scientists understand our planet better.

“Expo City Dubai was designed to be more than a place — it’s a blueprint for what a sustainable city of the future can and should be,” said Marjan Faraidooni, Chief of Education & Culture at Expo City Dubai.

“Anchoring this vision is Terra, where architecture, innovation, and education converge to bring sustainability to life in a tangible, impactful way. Through initiatives like the City Nature Challenge, we are not only inviting people to reconnect with nature — we are empowering communities to become part of something bigger: a movement to protect the planet, starting right here at home.”

Launched by the California Academy of Sciences and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County in 2015, the City Nature Challenge turns simple moments into powerful acts of conservation, logging over 7 million species across hundreds of cities to date, and helping scientists better understand and protect biodiversity worldwide.

“Nature doesn’t start at the edge of a forest — it’s all around us,” added Arabella Willing, Head of Conservation Outreach & Citizen Science from Emirates Nature in association with WWF. “This initiative empowers people to become scientists in their own communities. The data collected has real-world impact.”

The event also taps into Dubai’s competitive spirit. Cities like Singapore, Cape Town and Tokyo have already secured their spot on the leaderboard in previous years. The aim is to log the highest number of observations, species, and participants — turning a simple walk into a step toward global recognition.

The observation window runs from April 25 to 28, followed by an upload and identification period from April 29 to May 4. The final results will be announced on May 5.

To get started, sign up for iNaturalist today and visit the website for step-by-step guides.

But there’s more! By participating, you stand a chance to win four free tickets to Terra and even see your winning wildlife photo featured in an exhibition.

Terra is one of the UAE’s icons of sustainability and a hub to drive climate action and environmental innovation and increase awareness about sustainability, biodiversity and conservation.