If you’re looking for a fun and educational activity to enjoy with your kids during the upcoming Eid Al Adha holiday or a weekend outing, consider visiting a zoo near you. No matter where you are in the UAE, there is likely a fantastic place offering exciting animal encounters.
One such option is SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, the region’s largest marine life theme park that recently opened to the public. This park is just one of many animal sanctuaries across the country that provide unforgettable experiences for visitors.
Here is a list of some places where you can get up close and personal with creatures you may have only seen in movies or nature documentaries:
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, spanning an impressive 183,000 square meters, is a marine wonderland divided into eight distinct zones, home to over 100,000 marine animals. From the Abu Dhabi Ocean to the Once Ocean, visitors are transported through various realms including the MicroOcean, Endless Ocean, Tropical Ocean, Rocky Point, and the Polar Ocean featuring the Arctic and Antarctica (the latter is currently under development).
The park offers more than 15 interactive experiences and rides, 100 animal encounters and presentations, including over 10 up-close animal encounters, and 20 live characters and performances. Additionally, visitors can choose from 18 dining experiences both above and below the water, and enjoy 13 shopping experiences.
Conveniently located on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, tickets can be easily purchased online. Admission prices are set at Dh375 for adults and Dh290 for children, with children under the age of three entering free of charge. Visit SeaWorld Abu Dhabi for an unforgettable marine adventure!
Al Ain Zoo and Wildlife Conservation Park
Al Ain Zoo boasts a diverse collection of over 4,000 animals, offering visitors a plethora of exciting experiences. From feeding giraffes to riding camels and interacting with animals at the charming Elezba petting zoo, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this renowned destination.
As the largest and most prestigious zoo in the region, Al Ain Zoo takes great pride in its expansive and meticulously maintained facilities. The zoo’s transparent enclosures showcase a variety of indigenous and exotic species, allowing visitors to observe animals such as the majestic Arabian oryx, Barbary sheep with their impressive horns, rhinos, hippos, tigers, lions, and many more.
The Al Ain Zoo is conveniently situated near the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) Al Ain Women’s College on Al Nahyan the First Street.
Admission prices are Dh30 for adults and Dh10 for children aged three to 12. By booking tickets online at alainzoo.ae, visitors can enjoy a 10% discount on their purchase.
Emirates Park Zoo and Resort
Embark on a wild adventure at Emirates Park Zoo, where a diverse array of animals awaits your visit. Prepare to come face to face with majestic wildcats such as lions, tigers, and leopards. Witness the grace of herbivores like giraffes and zebras, and observe the playful antics of primates like capuchins. The vibrant birdlife includes magnificent owls, hawks, eagles, and colorful parrots. Additionally, reptiles and other fascinating creatures are waiting to be discovered.
For those seeking an adrenaline rush, an exhilarating zipline experience is available to add an extra thrill to your visit. Looking for a unique dining experience? Dine with elephants and create memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t forget to feed the hungry hippos, adding a touch of adventure to your zoo experience.
Located in the Al Shahama area of Abu Dhabi, Emirates Park Zoo offers an unforgettable experience for just Dh50 per person. Children under three years old can enter for free. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with nature and create lasting memories at Emirates Park Zoo.
Dubai Safari Park
Dubai Safari Park is a seasonal venue that closes during the summer months, covering a vast 119-hectare site. It is home to approximately 3,000 animals, showcasing a diverse range of wildlife. The park boasts 78 species of mammals, including 10 different carnivores and 17 primates. Additionally, visitors can encounter 50 types of reptiles, 111 kinds of birds, as well as various amphibians and invertebrates. With such a wide array of animals in their natural habitat, Dubai Safari Park offers a unique opportunity for guests to observe and appreciate the wonders of the animal kingdom.
Explorer Village offers guests the chance to embark on a safari journey and enjoy a bird show. The Asian Village Theatre hosts shows like “Amazing Creatures of the World,” which is sure to captivate younger visitors. Other popular attractions include giraffe feeding, bird feeding, goat feeding, and pony walks, making Dubai Safari Park a must-visit destination for families looking to experience the beauty of nature up close.
Dubai Safari Park is a seasonal venue that closes during the summer months, covering a vast 119-hectare site. It is home to approximately 3,000 animals, showcasing a diverse range of wildlife. The park boasts 78 species of mammals, including 10 different carnivores and 17 primates. Additionally, visitors can encounter 50 types of reptiles, 111 kinds of birds, as well as various amphibians and invertebrates. With such a wide array of animals in their natural habitat, Dubai Safari Park offers a unique opportunity for guests to observe and appreciate the wonders of the animal kingdom.
Explorer Village offers guests the chance to embark on a safari journey and enjoy a bird show. The Asian Village Theatre hosts shows like “Amazing Creatures of the World,” which is sure to captivate younger visitors. Other popular attractions include giraffe feeding, bird feeding, goat feeding, and pony walks, making Dubai Safari Park a must-visit destination for families looking to experience the beauty of nature up close.
Dubai Crocodile Park
Animal enthusiasts can celebrate the opening of the Crocodile Park, a new family-friendly attraction that welcomed visitors just days before Eid Al Fitr in 2023. The park is home to 250 Nile crocodiles housed in a spacious 20,000-square-meter facility, where these fascinating reptiles of all ages thrive in a carefully controlled environment. Among the crocodiles, visitors can observe 150 adults, including 30 males and 120 females.
In addition to the impressive crocodile population, the park offers a range of family-friendly activities. These include a unique natural history museum, an African lake-themed aquarium, and expansive outdoor landscaped areas. Visitors have the opportunity to view the crocodiles from various perspectives and can even participate in feeding them at designated feeding stations.
Located in Dubai’s Mushrif area, adjacent to Mushrif Park, the Dubai Crocodile Park offers tickets priced at Dh95 for adults and Dh75 for children aged 3 to 12. Don’t miss the chance to experience these magnificent creatures up close and personal at this exciting new attraction.
The Green Planet
Families can embark on an exciting adventure by visiting the Green Planet, home to a stunning bio-dome comprised of four unique levels: the Canopy, the Midstory, the Forest Floor, and the Flooded Rainforest.
Residents of the UAE now have the exclusive opportunity to participate in the official “Adopt an Animal” program. This innovative initiative allows individuals to support and care for a variety of captivating creatures within the tropical rainforest, which is home to over 3,000 plants and animals spread across its four indoor levels.
Animal enthusiasts can select from a range of remarkable species to adopt, such as Lemon the sloth, Kendrick the lemur, Amal the slow loris, and many others. By joining the program, individuals can commit to provide ongoing care and support for their chosen animal for a full year.
For those simply visiting, both children and adults will have the chance to learn about different plants and animals, as well as cultivation and sustainability methods, all while gaining insight into interconnected ecosystems.
The Green Planet is conveniently located in the heart of Dubai at City Walk, Al Wasl. General admission ticket prices are Dh140, with a discounted rate of Dh110 available for online bookings. Children under 3 years old can enter for free.
Also read: Top attractions in Abu Dhabi, both indoors and outdoors