The City Nature Challenge Dubai 2026 is officially live, and it costs nothing to join. Running citywide from Friday, April 24 to Monday, April 27, 2026, inviting residents to spot, photograph, and document the wildlife living around them, whether from neighbourhood parks, beach walks, or even their daily commute. Led by Terra at Expo City Dubai, this is one of the most accessible free events on the city’s calendar right now.
What Is the City Nature Challenge Dubai 2026
Launched by the California Academy of Sciences and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County in 2015, the City Nature Challenge has logged over 7 million species observations across hundreds of cities worldwide, helping scientists understand and protect biodiversity on a global scale.
The concept is straightforward: if you see a plant, bird, insect, or animal, photograph it and upload it to the free iNaturalist app. No scientific knowledge required. Every photo submitted contributes to real data used by scientists to better understand and protect urban biodiversity.
Last year, Dubai participants recorded over 1,300 observations in just four days, capturing everything from purple sunbirds and damselflies to sand geckos, scorpions, and salmon Arab butterflies.
The Nature and Wonder Festival at Terra
For anyone who wants a more structured experience, Terra is hosting the Nature and Wonder City Nature Challenge Festival on April 25 and 26, from 4pm to 9pm. Tickets are AED 50, with children under three entering free. The festival includes guided biodiversity walks running every 30 minutes, workshops, talks, creative activities, indoor screenings, and an eco-market.
Guests of all ages can explore the beauty and balance of nature through immersive and interactive experiences. The festival introduces elements of urban biodiversity and community science, encouraging visitors to observe, document, and connect with nature within Expo City.
Expert sessions include a marine life talk with Susanne Fisher on both days at 5pm, and a butterflies and urban biodiversity session with Sheena Khan at 9pm.
How to Take Part
The challenge works on two levels. The wider citywide challenge is completely free to join through the iNaturalist app, while the Terra festival programme is ticketed at AED 50. You can do one, or both. Observations can come from anywhere in the city. A plant on your balcony, a bird spotted during a morning walk, or an insect near a park bench all count. The only requirement is that the subject is wild and not domesticated.
After the observation window closes on April 27, there is an upload and identification period from April 29 to May 4, with final results announced on May 5. Participants also have a chance to win four free tickets to Terra and see their winning wildlife photo featured in an exhibition.
Terra, Expo City Dubai is located on Expo Road, Dubai South, Jebel Ali. The Dubai Metro Red Line serves Expo 2020 Station, which sits in the heart of the site.
Why This Matters
Cities like Singapore, Cape Town, and Tokyo have already secured spots on the global leaderboard in previous years, with the aim being to log the highest number of observations, species, and participants. Dubai’s participation this year adds to an already competitive city-by-city record.
The challenge runs only four days a year. If you have not downloaded iNaturalist yet, now is the time.
Event Details
- Event: City Nature Challenge Dubai 2026
- Dates: April 24–27, 2026
- Cost: Free (iNaturalist app citywide) / AED 50 (Terra festival, April 25–26)
- Festival Hours: 4pm–9pm (April 25 and 26)
- Children under 3: Free
- App: iNaturalist (free download)
- Location: Terra, Expo City Dubai, Expo Road, Dubai South, Jebel Ali
- Results Announced: May 5, 2026
Cover Image: AI-Generated for Illustration Purposes
