Best places for animal lovers in Abu Dhabi

Most of us look in awe at the wilderness. There is a sense of mysticism about the animal kingdom. If you are an animal lover living or visiting the capital city, you will not be disappointed as there are many animal attractions in Abu Dhabi for you to explore! Take a look at some of the best places for animals lovers to visit in Abu Dhabi and have fun watching the majestic tigers and graceful gazelles at close quarters. If your little ones have a fascination for the animal kingdom, they will definitely enjoy a visit to these zoos in Abu Dhabi. 

Best places for Animal lovers in Abu Dhabi

There is a diverse range of animal attractions in Abu Dhabi. You can either relish the astounding presence of wildlife in many spots or visit a wetland to marvel at the beauty of birds. Alternatively, you can even volunteer at animal welfare centres in Abu Dhabi and play your part in protecting our furry and feathered friends. Here is a list of animal attractions in Abu Dhabi that you must check out.

Emirates Park Zoo

Located in Al Bahia, the Emirates Park Zoo in Abu Dhabi opened more than a decade ago and offers a unique experience. This zoo is among the top animal attractions in Abu Dhabi. There are 1400 animals in the facility divided into various sections such as Wildlife Walk, Snake Alley, Primate Parade, Petting Zoo, Birds Park, Reptile House, Flamingo Park, Camel Farm, Giraffe Park, Mammal Cave, Equine Enclosure and Hippo House.

Each section provides a unique insight into the lives of these incredible, exotic creatures. There is an indoor marine area, with 30 water tanks. Visitors can feed elephants, giraffes, parrots, zebras and other animals during active hours. Children and adults alike can learn about the animal conservation efforts that have taken place over the years. If your child enjoys being close to animals, you can arrange a memorable birthday at the zoo. This is one of the animal attractions in Abu Dhabi which provides an entertaining yet educational experience for people of all ages.

• Timing: 09:00 am to 8:00 pm (Sunday to Wednesday), 09:00 am to 9:00 pm (Thursday to Saturday)
• Entry Fee: AED 30 (3-16 years), AED 35 (16+ years)
• Kids aged 2 and under have no entry fee
• Activities tickets are not included in entry fee

Al Ain Zoo

Al Ain Zoo was established by the late H.H Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in the year 1968. It is another well-known animal attraction near Abu Dhabi. The zoo has a population of over 4,000 animals, making it one of the largest animal attractions in Abu Dhabi. Now, you can also opt for an animal safari and look out for the lions, deer and other animals in all their glory.

Animal lovers can visit the Sheikh Zayed Learning Centre and follow the journey of cheetas, rhinos, tortoises, Arabian Oryx and many more. They also offer a school outreach program which has been developed through years of research about the animals. Children can learn a great deal about how we need to change our practices to ensure the safety and prosperity of these fascinating animals.

The zoo has received global recognition because of its animal conservation program. The management has worked extensively on preserving programs for Dama Gazelle, Brown Capuchin and the Arabian Sand Cat. The idea is to make the experience as real as possible for the public while ensuring it does not strain animals. This factor makes visiting Al Ain Zoo an attractive proposition for animal lovers in Abu Dhabi.

• Timing: 09:00 am to 08:00 pm
• Entry Fee: AED 10 (3-12 years), AED 30 (12+ years)
• Kids aged 3 and under have no entry fee
• Activities tickets are not included in entry fee

Arabian Wildlife Park – Sir Bani Yas Island

Arabian Wildlife Park is one of the largest animal attractions in Abu Dhabi. It is a must visit tourist attraction for an animal lover. 13,000 free roaming animals make it a spectacle like no other. Located in Sir Bani Yas Island, it is a prime example of how preservation efforts bear fruit. Some endangered animals were brought here over 40 years ago and their population has grown steadily.

The Arabian Oryx which was close to extinction in the 1970s have been successfully reintroduced in this park and their current population is close to 500. Hence, it is not just an animal attraction in Abu Dhabi. The wildlife park has served a greater purpose.

If you take a tour of the Arabian Wildlife Park in Abu Dhabi, there is a chance to observe 25 mammal species and 170 types of birds. You could catch a glimpse of striped hyenas or the Arabian Tahr. There are hundreds of animals in the park that have grown comfortable with the human presence at a distance.

Sir Bani Yas Island offers an entirely exclusive experience. You can spend a lot of time here just witnessing wildlife. But there are many other indoor activities one can enjoy while staying in resorts on the Sir Bani Yas Island. You can travel by car and continue your journey on a boat to reach the island. Or simply book a whole package with a tour operator. Many luxurious hotels, resorts and spas are present on the island. The time and expenses depend on the package you choose. Considering that it is one of the top animal attractions in Abu Dhabi, it will be money well spent. 

Al Wathba Wetland Reserve                                      

Located 40 kilometres from Abu Dhabi’s mainland is the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve. It comprises natural and man-made surface bodies which have become a home for many bird species. Over the past two years, it has gained popularity and it has attracted a large number of tourists. This site has great importance because it has been internationally recognised as one of the 2,000 wetlands around the world. Last year, it was placed on the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas.

Al Wathba Wetland Reserve might be comparatively smaller compared to other animal attractions in Abu Dhabi, but the lack of size is compensated by the diversity of wildlife. There are more than 250 bird species in the area. The most prominent population is that of the flamingos. Flamingos can be spotted from a mile, but to look for hundreds of smaller bird species, it would be best to bring your own binoculars. 

This is another animal attraction in Al Wathba near Abu Dhabi. From mainland Abu Dhabi to reach this spot, you can either travel through Mussafah or Baniyas. To maintain the ecosystem, the authorities have allowed no eateries in the area. Therefore, it would be wise just to take some packaged food with you. Among all animal attractions in Abu Dhabi, this one is more suited for bird lovers.

Open Days: Thursday & Saturday

Timing: 08:00 am to 04:00 pm (last entry at 02:00 pm)

Entry Fee: Free entry

Mangrove Lagoon National Park

Do you want to mix adventure with the thrill of watching animals in their natural habitat? Then Mangrove Lagoon National Park is the place to be. You can kayak your way around the natural forest and find crabs, hundreds of different fish species and turtles floating around. The water is crystal clear and shallow in some areas. If you are lucky that day, you might see stingrays. A kingfisher might also appear out of nowhere and fly past your boat leaving you happily surprised. The environment is blissful with birds chirping their sweet tunes. This is one of the animal attractions in Abu Dhabi where you can spend hours.

The cost depends on how long you want to stay around and submerge yourself in the serene environment.

Volunteering at Animal Welfare Centres

A true animal lover will seek out opportunities to help out our furry friends. Many charities supporting stray animals operate in Abu Dhabi. For example, organisations like Strays of Abu Dhabi offer you a chance to spend time and help abandoned animals. In exchange for your hard work, there will be an instant reward in the shape of unconditional love from your four-legged friends. You can have a fulfilling and enriching experience even if you are not an Abu Dhabi resident by making a quick donation. This might not be your typical animal attraction, but it offers a different kind of learning experience and satisfaction. The Saluki Centre in Abu Dhabi and the Falcon hospital are also places that offer volunteering opportunities. 

If you enjoy interacting with horses, the Al Forsan Equestrian Centre is a great option. The Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club and the Baniyas Stables are other great places for equestrians to explore in Abu Dhabi. 

There are plenty of animal attractions in Abu Dhabi, each offering a vastly different experience. You can go for a desert safari and keenly observe the lifestyle of the magnificent falcons and camels or visit the wetlands to witness flamingos flocking around. If you are an animal lover touring or staying in Abu Dhabi, you are spoilt for choice. For those of you looking at other things to do in the capital, there are plenty of tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi and you can expect a lot more in the near future. 

If you want to see wild animals in their natural habitat, there are plenty of places across the UAE. In Dubai, nature lovers would be able to soon visit Dubai Mangrove Forest. You can also spot lots of different animals at Jubail Mangrove Park Abu Dhabi.