Leopard Gecko – Friendly, Low-Maintenance Lizard for Reptile Lovers in the UAE

The Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius) is one of the most popular pet lizards worldwide and an ideal reptile for first-time owners and seasoned herpetologists alike. Native to arid regions of Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan, these small, hardy reptiles adapt well to indoor life in the UAE. Known for their unique spotted appearance, gentle temperament, and ease of care, Leopard Geckos are a top choice for families, students, and anyone looking to start their reptile-keeping journey.

At Sahara Exotics in Ajman, we provide healthy, captive-bred Leopard Geckos, fully acclimated to terrarium life and ready for new homes across Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and all Emirates.

Appearance and Size

Leopard Geckos are small-to-medium-sized lizards that grow to about 20 to 25 cm in length, with a stocky build and short, thick tail. Their most recognizable feature is their skin pattern—spotted like a leopard, hence the name. While the wild-type Leopard Gecko has yellow skin with black spots, breeders have created dozens of morphs with unique colors and patterns, including albino, blizzard, tangerine, high yellow, and more.

Another distinguishing feature is their movable eyelids—unlike many other geckos—which allows them to blink and sleep with closed eyes, giving them a more expressive, relaxed look.

Behavior and Temperament

Leopard Geckos are calm, slow-moving, and easily handled, making them one of the most beginner-friendly reptile pets. They rarely bite, show minimal stress when held gently, and quickly grow accustomed to routine care.

Behavior highlights:

• Nocturnal—most active at night or in the early evening

• Solitary—prefer to live alone and do not require companions

• Silent and clean—no noises or strong smells

• Recognize their caregivers and show gentle curiosity

They do not require much interaction but will tolerate regular handling, making them suitable even for younger or less experienced pet owners.

Housing and Environmental Setup in the UAE

Leopard Geckos are desert reptiles, so their enclosure setup should mimic a dry, warm environment. In UAE homes, where indoor air conditioning is common, attention must be paid to maintaining appropriate warmth.

Recommended enclosure:

• Minimum: 20-gallon tank for one adult gecko

• Substrate: Reptile carpet, paper towel, or tile (avoid loose sand to prevent impaction)

• Temperature:

  • Warm side: 30°C to 32°C

  • Cool side: 24°C to 26°C

  • Night: No lower than 21°C

• Heat source: Under-tank heating pad or ceramic heat emitter (avoid heat lamps that dry the air)

• Humidity: 30%–40% with a moist hide for shedding

• Decor: Hiding spots on both warm and cool sides, low branches or rocks, water dish

UVB is not required but may support vitamin D3 synthesis in juveniles or breeding females. A consistent day-night cycle (12 hours of light/dark) is helpful for regulating behavior.

Diet and Feeding

Leopard Geckos are insectivores, meaning they eat a diet composed entirely of insects. Feeding them is simple, affordable, and easy to manage with commercially available feeder insects.

Common food items:

• Crickets

• Mealworms

• Dubai roaches

• Occasional waxworms or silkworms as treats

Feed juveniles daily and adults every other day. All feeder insects should be gut-loaded (fed nutritious food) and dusted with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements before being offered.

Fresh water must be provided in a shallow dish and changed daily.

Lifespan and General Care

With proper care, Leopard Geckos can live for 15 to 20 years in captivity, making them a long-term companion for reptile lovers.

Routine care includes:

• Spot-cleaning waste daily

• Full enclosure clean monthly

• Ensuring proper temperatures at all times

• Monitoring for healthy sheds (tail fat, clear eyes, active movement)

• Annual vet checkups with an exotic animal specialist if needed

At Sahara Exotics, our Leopard Geckos are well-socialized and raised on a proper diet, making them ready for seamless integration into your home environment.