Best Zoo in UAE for Families and Animal Lovers

Kashish Jethani — Sun, 05 Oct 2025 17:17:16 +0000

The United Arab Emirates is believed to be an epitome of luxury and opulence. The stunning skyline of Dubai, the world class attractions of Abu Dubai, the opulent cultural landmarks of Sharjah, and the historical landmarks of the other emirates are what attract people to this Arab country. But amongst all the development and modern attractions, the UAE has managed to preserve its nature and wildlife through its numerous zoos and wildlife parks. These nature reserves are where you can get to see an array of animal species living and thriving in their natural habitat. Hence, a visit to the UAE will not be complete without a visit to a few of these places, especially if you are an animal lover or if you are visiting with your children. Here you will find all the information about the best zoo in UAE.

Emirates Park Zoo and Resort

Image Credit : kayak.ae

Emirates Park Zoo and Resort is the first private zoo in Abu Dhabi. Here, you will find more than 1700 animals among 250 species, some of them endangered. Apart from seeing these animals in their natural habitat, you will also get to enjoy some interesting experiences here like petting, feeding, riding, animal talks etc. You can watch animal shows, feed animals, and have a meal in the company of some of the wild animals like elephants, tigers, and more. The price of the Emirates Park Zoo tickets will depend on the kind of experience you want to enjoy. There are several packages available for you to choose from.

Location: Al Bahia, Abu Dhabi
Timings: 9 AM to 9 PM

Al Ain Zoo

Al Ain Zoo is of the oldest zoos not just in the UAE but also in the whole of the Middle East. It is also the biggest zoo in UAE. It is home to more than 4000 animals, including several indigenous and endangered animals like Arabian leopard, big-horned Barbary sheep, Arabian oryx, tigers, rhinos, African lions, hippos, zebra, wildebeest, etc. The best way to explore this zoo is by going on a safari. You can indulge in giraffe feeding, watching wild animal feeding, keeper talks, lemur walks, etc. There is also a petting zone, where you can feed and pet domestic animals like rabbits, goats, and more.

Location: Al Ain, Abu Dhabi
Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM

Dubai Safari Park

The largest wildlife park or zoo in Dubai, the Dubai Safari Park is popular among families with young kids. Spread around an area of 119-hectares, the Dubai Safari Park houses more than 3000 animals from almost 250 species. There are six zones in the park: Asian Village, African Village, Explorer Village, Al Wadi, Arabian Village, and Kids Farm. At each of the zones, you will find animals and experiences of that particular region. At the Dubai Safari Park, you get to enjoy wildlife talks, safari adventures, animal encounters, live presentations, etc. The park is also gearing up to introduce adventure rides as well. The Dubai Safari Park also takes keen interest in wildlife conservation and education.

Location: Al Warqa 5, Dubai
Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM

Sharjah Desert Park

Sharjah Desert Park is the UAE Government’s step towards ecotourism. Spread around an area of 4.7 square kilometers, the Sharjah Desert Park is divided into different sections. Arabia’s Wildlife Center is where you will get to meet the inhabitants of the zoo like the oryx, the Arabian leopard, and such other animals. The zoo also has a Botanical Garden, where you will get to see the innumerable flora of the desert. The Natural History Museum is your chance to learn about the flora and fauna of the desert. This is also the best petting zoo and a favorite among kids. Sharjah Desert Park also has a Breeding Center for Endangered Arabian Wildlife, which ensures the preservation of the desert wildlife.

Location: Al Dhaid Highway, Sharjah
Timings: 9 AM to 5.30 PM (Sunday to Thursday – Tuesday Closed); 2 PM to 5.30 PM (Friday); 11 AM to 5.30 PM (Saturday)

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

A wetland reserve, Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 6.2 kilometers. What makes this wildlife sanctuary truly unique is that it is located right in the middle of the city, near the Dubai Creek. The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary consists of reed beds, intertidal mudflats, mangroves, lagoons, shrublands, and more. The place is home to 47 species of flora and more than 450 species of fauna, including an array of mammals, fishes, and reptiles. Moreover, the place is a haven for bird watches, as more than 20,000 species of migratory birds arrive here every year, the flamingoes being the star attraction. There are three bird hides here (Lagoon Hide, Mangrove Hide, and Flamingo Hide) to watch the birds.

Location: Dubai Creek, Dubai
Timings: 7.30 AM to 5.30 PM (Winter Season) and 6 AM to 6 PM (Summer Season)

The Green Planet

The Green Planet is a one-of-a-kind zoo in UAE. This is an indoor zoo; infact, here you will find an entire rainforest inside a glass dome. This rainforest is encapsulated in a biodome, where you will find more than 3000 species of flora and fauna. A large tree lies at the center of this vertical forest and gives you a glimpse of the importance of rainforest in the eco-system. This zoo is filled with different types of exotic animals, including iguanas, echidna, sloths, armadillos, and a wide array of birds. Some interesting experiences also await you here like Bird Encounter, Sloth Encounter, Armadillo Encounter, and more. The Green Planet also gives you the chance to be a Zookeeper for a day. You can also choose to enjoy Camping in the Rainforest here.

Location: The City Walk, Al Wasl, Dubai
Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM

The Green Planet Dubai Book Now

Dubai Safari Park Book Now

Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo Book Now

Jebel Ali Wetland Sanctuary

Dubai’s Jebel Ali Wetland Sanctuary is a nature reserve that spreads across an area of 20 square kilometers. This raw, undeveloped area of Dubai is home to more than 147 marine species, including mottled eagle ray, whale shark, orange-spotted grouper, black-tipped reef shaky, and more. The place also has more than 30 types of corals and mammals. What makes it truly special is that Jebel Ali Wetland Sanctuary is a breeding ground for several endangered animals, including Arabian gazelles, water birds, hawksbill turtles, green turtles, and more. Jebel Ali Wetland Sanctuary also has mangrove forests and is integrated into Jebel Ali Beach as well.

Location: Jebel Ali District, Dubai
Timings: Depends on events organized by the EMEG (Emirates Marine Enviornmental Group)

Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

Dubai is probably one of the very few places where you will find a zoo inside a shopping mall. The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is located inside the enormous Dubai Mall. It holds a large acrylic tank shaped into a tunnel which holds more than 33,000 aquatic animals, including manta rays, sand tiger sharks, and more. Right above the aquarium is the underwater zoo, where you will get to meet Humbolt penguins, a King Cobra, and otters as well. Here you can have some interesting experiences like cage diving, shark feeding, glass-bottom boat tour, and more.

Location: Dubai Mall, Dubai
Timings: 10 AM to 11 PM (Monday to Thursday) and 10 AM to 12 AM (Friday to Sunday)

Conclusion

A holiday in the United Arab Emirates need not be all about checking out its modern attractions and theme parks. In fact, there are plenty of zoos where you will get the chance to spend time amongst the wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the best time to visit the zoos and wildlife parks in the UAE?

The winter months between November and April are the best time to visit the zoos in the UAE, as the climate is usually pleasant during this time of the year. In case you are visiting in summer, visit in the early mornings and late afternoons to avoid the unbearable heat.

Q. Is it necessary to book the tickets in advance?

Although walk-in tickets are available at the venue, it is best to book the tickets online, especially if you are visiting during holidays and weekends. This will help you save a lot of time.

Q. What to wear while visiting the zoos in the UAE?

Wear clothes that will keep you cool. Breathable, cotton clothes are the best. Make sure that you wear modest clothes that cover your arms and knees. Do not forget to wear a good pair of walking shoes.

Q. What are the essential things to carry while visiting the UAE zoos?

Water bottles, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, camera/phone, etc., are the essentials you need to carry while visiting these zoos.

Q. What are the things one must refrain from doing while visiting the zoos in the UAE?

Here are a few things you must avoid while visiting the UAE zoos:

Teasing the animals
Feeding the animals without permission
Littering in the zoo
Making noises or movements that can distress the animals
Eating or smoking in non-designated areas
Not following the rules and guidelines of the zoo

The post Best Zoo in UAE for Families and Animal Lovers appeared first on Things to Do, City Guides, Itineraries, & Travel Tips - Rayna Tours Blog.