Ten times rarer than the Giant Panda, the Arabian leopard or 'nimr' as it is known locally, still exists in the Hajar mountains and the Musandam Peninsula. It is estimated that less than 100 'nimr' remain in all the mountains of Arabia.

It is much smaller and lighter in color than its African counterpart and is rarely seen due to its nocturnal nature and inhospitable habitat. Mountain farmers above Ras Al Khaimah have hunted leopards in the past because they eat their livelihood, the goats. In May 1993, two leopards were hunted near Ras Al Khaimah, of which one was killed and one wounded. Since then, there have been several sightings and a few more kills.

In the UAE today, there are probably no more than six to ten 'nimr' alive in the mountains.
The Arabian Leopard Trust was legally established in 1993, by the Emiri Decree of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi for the conservation of indigenous Arabian Wildlife, especially the large predators of the mountain regions. The leopard is its flagship species but all wildlife is included in the conservation program.

A special breeding center for the Arabian Leopard is housed at the Desert Park, in order to boost the numbers of this near extinct species. Lucy and Arnold, the two Arabian leopards presently in captivity, will be the first residents of the breeding center. It is hoped they will successfully procreate this magnificent species.

The breeding center also houses foxes, caracal, wolf, cheetah, ibex, oryx, gazelles, wild cat and many other animals.

The Arabian Caracal is a medium sized cat similar to the European lynx. Still found in the UAE mountains, the caracal is frequently hunted when it attacks livestock.

The Arabian Wolf is probably extinct in the UAE mountains, but it can still be found in Southern Arabia.