Immerse yourself in an experience that is not only adventurous but also knowledgeable. Al Ain Zoo is one of the best recreational destinations in the UAE that brings wildlife closer to you. It is the largest zoo of its kind in the Middle East, attracting hundreds of tourists daily for its fascinating animal encounters. Scroll down to find out what it has to offer.
Overview of Al Ain Zoo
Al Ain Zoo is one of the most important and diverse tourist attractions in both the UAE and globally. This zoo was established in 1968 by H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Former President of the UAE, with a vision to preserve wildlife. Spanning over 4 kilometres, it is home to more than 4,000 animals, including endangered species like Humboldt Penguins and Lemurs.
For over 500 years, the zoo not only has provided a safe home to these animals but also offered knowledge about wildlife conservation. To guarantee the survival of the species, it simulates wildlife habitats, making it one of the best zoos in Abu Dhabi for wildlife lovers.
Experiences
Al Ain Zoo offers a variety of interactive experiences where you can get close to the animals and learn about their natural behaviours.
1. Unique Animal Encounters
For an unforgettable experience in Al Ain, this zoo offers rare and exclusive wildlife interactions you won’t find anywhere else:
Penguin Parade
If you have kids, they will love this unique winter-exclusive penguin parade show. Watch the Humboldt penguins interact face-to-face as they march through the arena paired with their keeper’s unique stories.
Price: Free
Breakfast with the Giraffes
This one-of-a-kind experience takes place every day in the morning. Enjoy a meal with Miss Zafarana the Giraffe and her family while feeding them their favorite snacks.
Price: AED 252
Cheetah Run
Cheetah run is one of the most adrenaline-pumping experiences at the zoo that you definitely don’t want to miss. Watch the fastest land mammals compete for a gold championship title in the amphitheatre filled with a cheering crowd.
Price: Free
2. Engaging Bird Shows
For people who like birds, the zoo also offers interactive aviary performances:
Parrot Show
The parrot show features Blue-winged Macaws and Sulphur Crested Cockatoos. Watch as these parrots do activities like playing basketball, climbing ropes and recognising numbers.
Price: AED 10.50
Wings of the Sahara Show
Wings of the Sahara Show is similar to the parrot show but with popular birds of prey like falcons, eagles, owls and vultures. Interact with and get close to these wild birds during this engaging show where they demonstrate their hunting and flying skills.
Price: Free
3. Animal Feeding
If you’re an animal lover, animal feeding is one of the most interactive activities at Al Ain Zoo. Feed the animals as the keepers tell you about their behaviours and care stories. Animal feeding experiences include:
- Safari Lion Feeding: Ride through the world’s largest man-made safari and feed lions as they roam freely around you.
- Penguin Feeding: Watch penguins eagerly compete for fish during their mealtime.
- Crocodile Feeding: Witness crocodiles snapping up their food in their habitat.
- Giraffe Feeding: Hand-feed giraffes at the high-built feeding station
- Budgie Feeding: Stand among a colourful flock of budgies as they fly around you while you feed them.
4. Observe Wildlife Up Close
Get a closer look at some of the zoo’s fascinating exhibits and their unique inhabitants.
- Lemur Walks: Observe playful lemurs in their habitat as they jump and interact with each other.
- Hippo Exhibit: Watch the Hippopotamus family dance underwater.
5. Keeper Talks
The Keeper Talks at the Al Ain Zoo is an experience where you learn the importance of wildlife preservation. People who care for these animals every day tell you about their interesting behaviours and provide insights into how to care for these animals. These are some of the exclusive keeper talks shows:
- Bird Popup
- Reptile Encounter
- Amur Tiger Keeper’s Talk
- Sand Cat Keeper’s Talk
6. Animal Rides
Visitors can also enjoy the spacious green landscapes around the Children’s zoo while riding an animal. For the price of AED 15.75 choose between a horse, a camel or a pony and take a quick tour of the surroundings.
7. Ahlan Special Services
For a more exclusive experience, visitors can also take a private tour around the zoo in a luxury vehicle. The Ahlan special services accommodate up to six people, costing AED 525 on weekdays and AED 787.5 on weekends.
Education at Al Ain Zoo
Beyond wildlife encounters, Al Ain Zoo offers enriching educational experiences that inspire curiosity and a love for nature.
1. Virtual Programs
These interactive sessions make learning both fun and accessible for everyone. Experts share scientific knowledge through lighthearted chats and engaging examples while occasionally bringing animal guests. They highlight conservation’s importance while covering topics like animal habitats, sustainability and traditional crafts.
2. School Visits
Schools can arrange guided or self-guided tours for students from Kindergarten to Grade 12. These exploratory tours foster hands-on learning about wildlife and conservation.
3. Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre
The Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre features interactive exhibits on the UAE’s desert, archaeology and sustainability. It also houses one of the country’s largest environmental research libraries, which are free to visit.
4. Education Safari Tours
The zoo offers exciting 30-minute safari tours for students, guided by experts, where they explore African wildlife up close.
5. Outreach Programs
Extending learning beyond the zoo, outreach programs cover wildlife conservation, zoo careers, veterinary science and more through events and public celebrations.
6. Camps
Seasonal camps are held at the zoo during school holidays. They teach environmental conservation, scientific concepts, and teamwork through activities like animal feeding, reptile handling and arts and crafts.
7. Heritage Programs
These programs aim to preserve UAE’s rich cultural heritage through interactive activities. Participants explore traditional crafts, music, and clothing through engaging experiences.
Visitor Information
Plan your visit to Al Ain Zoo conveniently with this information on its location, ticket charges and operating hours.
Location
Nahyan The First Street, Shiab Al Ashkhar, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Timings
09:00 am to 06:00 pm (Monday to Sunday)
Contact
- 800-966
- +971-3-799-2000
Entry Fee
- Adults: AED 28.35
- Children (3-12 years): AED 9.45
- Free entry for children under 3 years.
Nearby Attractions
Visit some of the other touristy spots in the area to make the most of your fun day out. Here are some of the best places to visit in Al Ain near the zoo.
- Qasr Al Muwaiji – 13 minutes drive away
- Al Ain Oasis – 16 minutes drive away
- Green Mubazzarah Lake – 16 minutes drive away
- Jebel Hafeet Park – 19 minutes drive away
- Al Jahili Fort – 19 minutes drive away
Nearby Communities
Residents of nearby areas can easily visit Al Ain Zoo after a short drive:
- Al Mnaizlah – 8 minutes drive away
- Industrial Area – 9 minutes drive away
- Al Aras – 10 minutes drive away
- Ugdat Al Mutawaa – 11 minutes drive away
- Oud Bin Saghan – 13 minutes drive away
FAQs
Yes, Al Ain Zoo features an elephant exhibit. The exhibit is home to African elephants and spans 6,200 square metres.
An adult’s ticket for Al Ain Zoo costs AED 28.35 and children’s tickets (3-12 years) cost AED 9.45. These prices include access to Al Ain Zoo, the World Deserts exhibit and the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre.
There are several ways to reach Al Ain Zoo from Dubai. If you have a car, take E66 Dubai-Al Ain Road for a 90-minute drive. For public transport, take the E201 bus from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to Al Ain Central Bus Station. From there, a taxi can take you to the zoo.
Al Ain Zoo is one of the most famous zoos in the UAE because of the unforgettable and unique experiences it offers. Plan a fun family day out at this place of adventure, discovery and learning with various wildlife shows.
