Make happy memories at the best animal attractions in the UAE
Be it the furry, feathery or scaly, animal encounters are an amazing experience for both young and old. There are some excellent animal attractions in the UAE that allow you to get up close and personal with creatures of the wild. Whether it’s the king of the jungle, birds of prey or friendly dolphins from the deep blue sea, here are all the best places to see animals in the UAE.
ABU DHABI
EMIRATES PARK ZOO
First up on our list of animal attractions in the UAE is Emirates Park Zoo, where there are over 1700 animals housed across several different zones. Visit the Primate Paradise to meet the cheeky monkeys or observe the Nile crocodiles lazing away in their pool. There’s a camel farm, a giraffe park, an equine enclosure and much more to explore at this animal zoo in the UAE.
- Timings: Tuesday to Thursday 09:00 am – 08:00 pm | Friday to Monday 08:00 am – 09:00 pm
- Tickets: From AED 40 per person
- Location:12th Street, Al Bahyah
- Contact: +971-5-501-0000
AL AIN ZOO
Al Ain Zoo is one of the most popular animal attractions in the UAE. The facility has been home to more than 200 species of animals that include reptiles, mammals and birds.
The 4,000 animals that live in the zoo are provided with living conditions that mirror their natural habitats. This animal zoo in the UAE offers fantastic experiences for visitors as well, including feeding the giraffes and watching the resident cheetahs compete for a win!
- Timings: 03:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Tickets: AED 10.50 per adult | AED 5.25 per child aged between 3 to 12 years old
- Location: Nahyan The First Street – Shiab Al Ashkhar
- Contact: +971-800-966
ABU DHABI FALCON HOSPITAL
Spend a few hours with the magnificent falcons at the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital (ADFH). Primarily a veterinary hospital for birds, the facility offers guided tours for visitors that help them learn about falconry in the UAE. You get to observe these incredible birds up close and learn about their diets, hunting skills and importance in UAE culture.
Book a tour online with ADFH’s official website, explore the various sections and learn more about these majestic birds as well as other animals.
- Timings:
- Monday to Thursday 10:00 am and 02:00 pm
- Friday and Sunday 10:00 am
- Tours are closed on Saturdays and Public Holidays
- Tickets: AED 170 per adult | AED 60 per child aged between 5 to 9 years old
- Location: Near the Abu Dhabi International Airport, Sweihan Road
- Contact: +971-2-575-5155
Note: Sunday Tours are not available from 1 May until 30 September.
PETTING ZOOS
If you’re looking for domestic animals in the UAE, these petting zoos in Abu Dhabi are a good place to start.
DUBAI
THE GREEN PLANET
Experience a tropical rainforest in the desert at The Green Planet Dubai. Preserved in a biodome, this man-made rainforest is one of the best animal attractions in the UAE, with more than 3,000 species of flora and fauna residing within. It’s the only place where you can get a closer look at a giant anaconda in Dubai. The newest addition brings two massive anacondas, the first exhibit of its kind in the emirate.
From snorkelling with the piranhas to meeting sugar gliders, sloths and other tropical birds and animals — you’re in for a unique experience at Green Planet.
- Timings: 10:00 am – 06:00 pm
- Tickets: From AED 140 | AED 110 online (daily admission)
- Location: City Walk – Al Wasl
DUBAI SAFARI PARK
Dubai Safari Park is sectioned into four wildlife villages. You can see animals that live in the UAE in The Arabian Village. The African Village houses elephants, lions and giraffes. Tigers, moon bears and gibbons can be found in the Asian Village. There’s a Grand Aviary at the facility as well, where native and exotic birds reside.
The Explorer Village offers the African-style open safari experience for visitors as they venture out in search of cheetahs, nilgai, nubai ibex and other animals in the village. Dubai Safari Park also has a Kid’s Farm and a bunch of fun activities for everyone.
- Timings:
- Monday to Thursday 09:00 am – 05:00 pm | 06:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Friday to Saturday 09:00 am – 05:00 pm | 06:00 pm – 12:00 am
- Tickets: From AED 50 per adult | AED 20 per child aged between 3 to 12 years old
- Location: Al Warqa 5
- Contact: +971-800-900
DUBAI DOLPHINARIUM
Watch the dolphins deliver an action-packed performance as they jump through hoops, dance, play ball, sing and juggle in the main pool at Dubai Dolphinarium. This immersive experience is followed by a performance from fur seals! Rest assured, you’re in for a good dose of entertainment and fun.
- Timings: 10:00 am – 07:30 pm ( show timings may vary)
- Tickets: From AED 105 per adult
- AED 50 per child aged between 2 to 11 years old
- Tickets prices may vary for other shows
- Show prices do not include entry fee
- Location: Creek Park Gate 1
- Contact: +971-800-365-7446
THE ATLANTIS
If you’re fascinated by marine life, The Atlantis offers two amazing animal places in the UAE that you will love. Explore the Lost Chambers Aquarium which houses more than 65,000 marine animals including stingrays and sharks. This aquarium in the UAE also offers snorkelling and diving experiences, along with a chance to feed the predators.
Dolphin Bay Atlantis Aquaventure is a great place to visit if you’re looking for dolphin encounters. This place allows you to interact with the dolphins, swim with them and even take pictures with them. Now that’s an animal encounter we’re interested in.
- Tickets:
- Lost Chamber Aquarium: From AED 115 per person
- Dolphin Bay Atlantis Aquaventure: From AED 1,075
- Location: Crescent Road, The Palm Jumeirah
SKI DUBAI
Not just an animal attraction in the UAE, but you can meet the penguins here, and who wouldn’t want to meet penguins right?! Besides being famous for indoor skiing in Dubai, this attraction is home to two species of penguins. You get a chance to meet and interact with these fascinating birds.
- Timings: Monday to Friday 10:00 am – 01:00 am | Saturday and Sunday 09:00 am – 01:00 am
- Tickets: Day Pass from AED 295
- Location: Sheikh Zayed Road Al Barsha
PETTING ZOOS
Apart from the animal attractions listed above, there are petting zoos in Dubai that you can visit. Some of them, like the camel farm, initially served as animal farms in the UAE, before opening to the public.
SHARJAH
SHARJAH DESERT PARK
Residents of Sharjah looking for animal places in the UAE can head over to the Sharjah Desert Park. This animal attraction in the UAE is home to a gorgeous botanical garden, a proper petting farm and a breeding facility for rare desert animals rescued from their endangered habitats.
This is a great place to visit for those who want to see the animals that live in the UAE. Arabia’s Wildlife Centre, which is part of the Sharjah Desert Park facility houses various native avian, nocturnal, reptile and mammalian species. You can see the Arabian wolves, honey badgers, puffer snakes, houbara bustards and rare Arabian leopards.
- Location: Al Suyoh Suburb, Al Riqaibah 1
KALBA BIRD OF PREY CENTRE
Kalba Bird of Prey Centre is one of the top animal attractions in the UAE, providing its visitors with the chance to learn about the majestic birds of prey found in the country. The facility is home to various species of falcons, eagles, vultures, hawks and owls.
Activities at the Kalba Bird of Prey Centre include educational tours that inform you about the various hunting habits and habitats of the raptor birds native to the UAE. You also get a chance to watch the birds in action as they take flight and hunt.
SHARJAH AQUARIUM
SHJ Aquarium, located in Al Khan, is where you can see more than 150 species of marine life that dwell in the Arabian Gulf. Watch the fascinating sea population in their habitats that range from dense mangroves to colourful coral reefs. At the Sharjah Aquarium, you can sight delicate seahorses, docile reef sharks, beautiful clownfish and elusive moray eels among other creatures.
- Timings: 08:00 am – 08:00 pm | Friday 04:00 pm – 08:00 pm
- Location: Al Meena Street, Al Khan Old Area, Adjacent to Sharjah Maritime Museum
AJMAN
UAE PYGMY ZOO
One of the newest places for animals in the UAE is the pygmy zoo in Ajman. Officially called the UAE Pygmy Zoo, this place is home to various reptile, mammal and bird species. You can find llamas, emus, deer, macaws and ostriches here among other animals.
The most adorable residents here are the pygmy goats and cute little pups that kids can play with. Pony and camel rides are also available for kids at the UAE Pygmy Zoo in Ajman.
- Location: Al Zorah
UMM AL QUWAIN
ZOO WILDLIFE PARK
For the residents of Umm Al Quwain, Zoo Wildlife Park is a great place to see wild animals in the UAE. This is where you can make friends with Abooba the orangutan, watch the resident brown bear laze around his pen and get mesmerised by majestic big cats, including lynx, tigers, leopards and lions.
Zoo Wildlife Park also has a population of Arabian oryx, vultures and hyenas. The domesticated cats and playful bunnies are a popular attraction for kids as well.
- Timings: 10:00 am – 06:00 pm
- Location: Kabir Umm Al Quwain
RAS AL KHAIMAH
RAK ZOO
Last on our list of animal attractions in the UAE is the Ras Al Khaimah Zoo and Park, also known as the RAK Zoo. This popular attraction is home to around 40 animal species, including some of the endangered ones. Get a chance to meet the big cats, including cheetahs, golden tigers, black panthers and the rare white lions.
Other prominent animal species at the zoo include Arabian and gray wolves, rare antelopes, deer species, crocodiles and friendly chimpanzees. RAK Zoo also has an equestrian club where ladies and children can enjoy horse riding.
- Timing: 09:00 am – 08:00 pm
- Location: Digdada 155
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IS THERE WILDLIFE IN THE UAE?
From coastal mudflats to the sandy deserts, the UAE enjoys a diverse ecosystem that makes a thriving habitat for a number of wildlife species. Wildlife in the UAE includes a variety of birds, mammals and reptiles. The most commonly found wildlife species in the UAE include Arabian oryxes, houbara bustards, sooty falcons, sand gazelles and caracals among others.
ARE THERE BEARS IN THE UAE?
There are no bear species native to the country, but you can find bears in some of the zoos across the UAE.
ARE THERE ANY BUTTERFLY GARDENS IN THE UAE?
If you want to see the butterflies, there are two places where you can observe a variety of them. Visit the Dubai Butterfly Garden – this seasonal animal attraction in the UAE is home to 15,000 butterflies of more than 50 different species. Another butterfly garden in the UAE can be found inside Al Noor Island in Sharjah.
WHERE CAN I SEE BIRDS IN THE UAE?
Green Planet in Dubai, Kalba Bird of Prey Centre in Sharjah and the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital are some of the places where you can see birds in the UAE. Then there are a bunch of wildlife and nature reserves in the UAE that are home to various species of native and migratory birds. However, since these are not regulated aviaries, bird sightings are a matter of chance and luck.
That’s all we have for you now. If you love nature and the impressive biodiversity it offers, it’s worth taking the time to explore the different natural places in the UAE. From the wadis in Fujairah to the fossil rock formations in Abu Dhabi, there is a world of natural wonder just waiting to be discovered.
