All About the Famous Zoos in the UAE

Baby feeding giraffe in a UAE zoo

From birds chirping nearby to monkeys swinging on trees, a zoo in UAE is a great entertainment option. It can be the ideal day out with your family. Let’s explore some of the famous zoos of UAE, where you can enjoy watching these animals and learn more about them.

 UAE zoo

Here are the top zoos in the UAE for great family fun.

1. Al Ain Zoo

Al Ain Zoo is the largest zoo in the Middle East, home to over 4,000 animals across 200 species. Visitors can explore enclosures housing African lions, Rothschild’s giraffes, and the Arabian oryx. For a close-up experience, the zoo also offers:

  • Camel rides
  • Giraffe feeding 
  • Elezba petting 

Its conservation programs play a vital role in preserving endangered species, including a walk-through lemur experience.

For a unique adventure, visitors can book an Al Ain Safari tour, led by passionate Emirati guides, to explore 23.4 million square feet. Here, you can encounter animals like African lions, white rhinos, zebras, and gazelles. The Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre, an interactive space promoting sustainability, is also a must-visit.

 visiting elephant exhibit in Dubai zoo

Location

Near Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) Al Ain Women’s College, Al Nahyan the First Street, Al Ain, UAE

Timings

Daily: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Tickets

  • Adults: AED 31.50
  • Children (3-12 years): AED 10.50

Note: 10% discount available on online booking

Contact

+971 3 799 2000

2. Emirates Park Zoo

This zoo is a blend of education and entertainment, where you can learn about different animals, their species and habitat. Amuse yourself by feeding the animals. Watch the magnificent king of the jungle roam and roar and watch the cheerful monkeys swing about in their enclosure.

Emirates Park Zoo is one of the famous zoos of UAE, a must-visit for anyone seeking an amazing experience.

feeding goats in UAE zoo

Location

12th Street, Al Bahyah, Abu Dhabi, UAE  

Timings

Daily from 09:00 AM to 08:00 PM (Monday – Thursday) | 09:00 AM to 09:00 PM (Friday – Sunday)

Tickets

  • AED 50 – AED 52
  • Entry for Children aged 1 and 2: FREE. All prices exclude VAT.
Meet & Feed

AED 55

Afternoon Breeze

AED 70

Explorer Ticket

AED 120

Contact

+971 2 501 0000

3. The Green Planet

The Green Planet is a fantastic indoor zoo and garden that recreates a tropical rainforest, situated in City Walk in Dubai. Its striking bio-dome is home to more than 3,000 plants and animals, including fish, birds and reptiles. 

Visitors can come up close and personal with the creatures as they walk freely in their open habitats. However, it is advised to avoid touching them. Swimming with tropical fish and amazing sleepovers in the rainforest are truly unforgettable experiences.

Tourist photography in a zoo

Location

The Green Planet, City Walk, Al Wasl, Dubai, UAE

Timings

10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Daily)

Tickets

AED 139

Contact

800 7699

4. The Lost Chambers Aquarium at Aquaventure

The Lost Chambers Aquarium is a great place to discover the ocean’s wonders without the need to dive underwater. It’s located at Atlantis The Palm Resort in Dubai, UAE. Over 65,000 marine species from across the world live there. 

The sea animals all live in a massive water tank with over 11 million litres of water. The aquarium design was built to resemble the mythical Lost City of Atlantis. You can get very close to the tank and even see a live demonstration of feeding the fish. 

Enjoy an underwater experience in a glass tunnel with fish swimming all around. Book tickets in advance online through their website.

feeding giraffe in a UAE zoo

Location

Atlantis, The Palm, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE

Timings

Daily 10:00 AM – 09:00 PM

Tickets

AED 115 

Duration

3 hrs

Contact

+971 4426 1040

5. Sharjah Aquarium

Sharjah Aquarium was first opened to the public in 2008. It is located in the Al Khan district in  Sharjah. It is considered the biggest aquarium in the UAE, with 20 tanks on 2 floors. It is home to over 150 marine species. 

Here, you can observe some exotic marine life closely, such as reef sharks, rays, seahorses, and eels swimming around.

Location

Al Meena Street, adjacent to Sharjah Maritime Museum, Al Khan, Old area, Sharjah, UAE

Timings

08:00 AM  – 08:00 PM (Saturday – Thursday) | Friday 04:00 PM – 08:00 PM

Tickets

Adults AED 20-25

  • Kids under 12 years of age AED 10-15
  • Kids under 2 years of age FREE
  • Government school trips: Free
  • Private school trips: AED 5 each
  • Government university trips: Free
  • Private university trips: AED 5 each
  • Seniors (60+) + one companion: Free
  • People with disabilities: Free

Contact

+971 6 528 5288

6. Sharjah Desert Park

Here, you can experience the habitat of many wildlife species such as Arabian leopards, the oryx and other rare animals. It’s a unique blend of nature and education. 

One of the most featured attractions is its tree garden, The Arboretum. The Sharjah Desert Park also has a Children’s Farm where kids can interact with different domestic and farm animals. This way, they can feed them and learn about them too.

Location

Al Rafea, Sharjah, UAE

Timings

09:00 AM -06:30 PM (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday) | 11:00 AM -06:30 pm(Saturday, Sunday) | 02:00 PM – 06:30 (Friday)

Tickets

  • Adults: AED 15
  • Children over 12 years AED 5
  • Children under 12 years of age FREE

Duration

2-3 hrs

Contact

+971 6 531 1999

FAQs

1. Which Is the Most Famous Zoo in the UAE?

Al Ain Zoo is often regarded as the most popular zoo in the UAE. It is famous for its diverse animal display, conservation initiatives and distinctive experiences such as dining with lions.

2. How Many Zoos Are There in the UAE?

You can visit 6 zoos in UAE: Umm Al Quwain, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

UAE is home to many rare and exotic as well as domestic and wild animals. Most of them are famous for their different and fun activities. Kids can enjoy nature and educate themselves about wildlife. It’s a place where adults and kids can all enjoy and have fun. So, plan your trip to the zoo in the UAE today. 

Learn more about exciting places to visit in the UAE at Property Finder Blog.

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