We've curated a list of where to go in the UAE for the best family-friendly animal encounters and activities
23 February 2024
| Last updated on 28 February 2024
Nature's calling, and it's a great time to head to a zoo, aquarium, or animal conservation park in the UAE.
From a thrilling crocodile park to stellar petting zoos great for little ones, record-breaking aquariums and the lush tropical forest of The Green Planet, we’ve rounded up the best places in the UAE to see (and for some, interact!) with animals.
Here's a list of where to find four-legged, furry, scaly, and finned creatures in the UAE. Take your pick!
Editor's Note: We recommend reserving tickets in advance for some of these wildlife spots.
1.) The Green Planet, City Walk Dubai
About:
Come rain or shine, The Green Planet's indoor tropical rainforest at City Walk is the place to be to encounter over 3,000 plants and animals - plenty of which are walking and flying around you, cage-free!
Timings:
Open daily, from 10AM until 6PM.
Book your tickets to The Green Planet online.
2.) Emirates Park Zoo and Resort, Abu Dhabi
About:
Take a walk on the wild side and head to Emirates Park Zoo and Resort in Abu Dhabi! On top of seeing the many animals that call this place home, activities include a bird show, Zoo Zip and Climb, elephant show, and more!
The cost of admission can add up if you're visiting with family and/or friends, which is why booking your Emirates Park Zoo tickets on Cobone is one of the best values in town.
Timings:
Open daily, from 9AM until 9PM.
Book your Emirates Park Zoo tickets online.
3.) Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, Dubai Mall
About:
Dive into the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo's aquatic world where you'll be treated to the sights of over 33,000 marine creatures, including the world's largest collection of sand tiger sharks.
Their giant 10 million-litre tank makes it one of the biggest aquariums in the world.
Timings:
10AM until 11PM (Monday to Friday) | 10AM until midnight (Saturdays and Sundays).
Kids aged 2 years old and below go free!
Book your tickets to the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo online.
4.) Dubai Safari Park
About:
See and learn all about exotic animals, plants, and more at Dubai Safari Park, where you'll find around 3,000 animals, including carnivores, primates, and reptiles. Throughout the day, you'll see fascinating wildlife at their four themed villages.
Timings:
Open daily, from 9AM until 5PM (last entry is at 3:30PM).
Book your Dubai Safari Park tickets online.
5.) Dubai Crocodile Park
About:
Explore the marvelous world of crocodiles at the Dubai Crocodile Park, where visitors can learn more about these fascinating semiaquatic reptiles at the lake-themed aquarium, savanna landscapes, Natural History museum, and the exciting curio shop.
Timings:
Open daily, from 10AM until 8PM.
Book your Dubai Crocodile Park tickets online.
6.) The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi - Al Qana
About:
From interactive live-feeding to exploring the 10-themed zones with over 35,000 aquatic animals, The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi promises to excite and educate visitors of all ages.
Encounter rare and exotic sea life, take a mesmerising stroll through the world's longest underwater tunnel, and learn about our planet's marine life with more than 60 educational exhibitions dedicated to conservation.
Timings:
Mondays to Sundays, from 10AM until 10PM.
Book your tickets to The National Aquarium in Abu Dhabi online.
Image source: The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi - Al Qana
7.) Al Ain Zoo
About:
Dubbed the largest zoo in the region, Al Ain Zoo is home to an impressive 4,000 animals across 200 species. From mammals like the African Wolves and Western Lowland Gorillas, to reptiles such as Nile Crocodiles and Giant Tortoises, there are many animals to see.
The UAE-based zoo dedicates itself to the conservation and preservation of wildlife, and has many educational programmes for children and students.
Timings:
Open daily, from 9AM until 5PM.
For more information, visit alainzoo.
8.) SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, Yas Island
About:
A must-visit for anyone wanting to explore the incredible world of our planet's aquatic creatures. On top of its mission for conservation and research, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is an entertaining and educational marine life theme park with loads of unforgettable family-friendly experiences in store.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi has more than 100 animal experiences and presentations, 35 interactive rides and activities, 17 dining options, live entertainment and performances, and more.
Timings:
Open daily, from 10AM until 8PM.
For more information, visit seaworldabudhabi.com
9.) Arabia's Wildlife Centre, Sharjah Desert Park
About:
Located in Sharjah Desert Park, Arabia's Wildlife Centre is home to several animals, such as the UAE's national animal, the Arabian Oryx, the UAE’s national animal, and the other local animals such as the Arabian leopard.
Marvel at these rare animals living within their perfectly recreated environments.
Timings:
Wednesday, Thursday, and Monday (9AM until 6:30PM) | Fridays (2PM until 6:30PM) | Saturdays and Sundays (11AM until 6:30PM).
Arabia's Wildlife Centre is closed on Tuesdays.
For more information, visit epaashj.ae
10.) The Lost Chambers Aquarium, Palm Jumeirah Dubai
About:
Located in the fabulous Atlantis, the Palm, Dubai, is a massive indoor aquarium that's just as magnificent. The Lost Chambers Aquarium welcomes visitors of all ages to marvel at around 65,000 marine animals and embark in an underwater adventure with any of their unique experiences and guided tours.
Timings:
Open daily, from 10AM until 9PM.
11.) Sharjah Aquarium, Al Khan Old area
About:
Sharjah Aquarium opened its doors in 2008 to bring the world of our planet's marine life to curious visitors, from creatures found in coral reefs and mangroves to rock pools and lagoons.
Get up-close views of aquatic animals, participate in their campaigns dedicated to raising environmental protection awareness, and join in the educational fun including the aquarium's fish feeding time or expert talks about these impressive species (almost 100 available at Sharjah Aquarium!).
Timings:
Saturdays to Wednesdays (8AM until 8PM) | Fridays (4PM until 8PM).
For more information, visit sharjahmuseums.ae
Image source: Sharjah Museums
12.) Kalba Bird of Prey Centre, Sharjah
About:
The Kalba Bird of Prey Centre is located in the Khor Kalba nature reserve, near Al Hefaiyah Conservation Centre. This equally entertaining and educational wildlife centre showcases the long Bedouin tribes' heritage of hunting with birds of prey, such as falconry.
SEE ALSO: Falconry in the UAE - What is it and Where to Watch Live Falconry
Featuring free-flying demonstrations along with fascinating aviaries with owls, vultures, eagles, and falcons, the Kalba Bird of Prey Centre is a must-visit for those interested in these majestic birds.
Timings:
Tuesdays to Thursdays (9AM until 6:30PM) | Fridays (2PM until 6:30PM) | Saturdays and Sundays (11AM until 6:30PM)
Kalba Bird of Prey Centre is closed on Mondays.
For more information, visit epaashj.ae
13.) UAE Pygmy Zoo, Ajman
About:
The family-friendly UAE Pygmy Zoo is based in Al Zorah Marina, Ajman. It's a great spot for kids and parents looking for some fun wildlife encounters, including exotic birds, llamas, goats, rabbits, and more!
Timings:
Sundays to Thursdays (3PM until 10PM) | Fridays and Saturdays (1PM until 10PM)
For more information, visit their official Instagram page @uaepygmyzoo
14.) The Zoo Wildlife Park, Umm Al Quwain
About:
Located along E55 Al Shuwaib Umm Al Quwain Road, The Zoo Wildlife Park is home to some incredible animals including bears, lions, giraffes, tigers, and crocodiles to name a few. For first time visitors, we recommend feeding the animals, hop on a horse ride, and roam around the park with the friendly orangutan, Habouba.
Timings:
Mondays to Fridays (8AM until 8PM) | Saturdays and Sundays (8AM until 10PM).
Children aged 1 year old and below can go for free.
Image credit: The Zoo Wildlife Park
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