Built by the municipality, the opening of the three watchtowers at the sanctuary has been awaited by regular tourists to the emirate, researchers and scientists, nature lovers, and students since their completion late last year. The civic body has plans for as many as 10 more towers in different locations at the sanctuary, but the implementation of the idea depends on the success of the existing towers in terms of minimal impact to the environment of the area.

The sanctuary is home to 25,000 birds mainly in January, with the density of waders reaching to 21 birds per hectare in spring-autumn and as many as 60 per hectare in winter. There are 32 types of birds, and over 88 species of birds have recorded at the sanctuary, which is also home to some 313 species of wild fauna and flora. Located at the end of Dubai Creek, the sanctuary's total area of 6.2 square kilometres is internationally recognised by IUCN, the World Conservation Union, as an important wetlands area.

The watchtowers, the interior designs of which reflect UAE's heritage, have been carefully designed to mix with the character of the sanctuary, and special care was given in choosing the right kind of material for their construction. The municipality has provided within the towers a number of facilities to allow tourists, photographers, nature artists, and researchers to observe nature without disturbance. Each tower is provided with binoculars, informative literature on the species of birds found in the sanctuary, seating arrangements for a maximum seven people to avoid overcrowding. Keeping in mind the age range of visitors to the sanctuary, the municipality has made seating arrangements to suit the elderly, children and people with special needs. The car parking area has been constructed well away from the sanctuary to minimise disturbance to the birds.

The covered walkway leading to the tower is provided shadow with palm fronds that conceal human presence, which in itself is a disturbance to wildlife. The watch towers are not provided with power, and smoking and consumption of food and beverages is also not allowed.

The special permit required to visit the sanctuary is currently given free of charge by the civic body, but there are plans to introduce at least nominal charges for an entry ticket. The proposal is under study and a decision in this regard is likely in the near future.

Mohammed Abdul Rahman Hassan, Head of Marine Environment and Sanctuaries Unit in the department said there are special programmes to measure water and soil index to protect the area from pollution and to prepare a database for the wildlife in the area, both local and visiting.

Future plans of the project at Ras Khor, apart from the possibility of about 10 more watchtowers, also include a control gate, a full fledged visitor's centre with auditorium, and an extensive walkway to pass through the various eco-systems of the sanctuary.