Introduction to Dubai Zoo and Dubai Safari Park
Dubai Zoo and Dubai Safari Park are two generations of popular animal attractions in Dubai. The zoo was shut down in 2017 due to overcrowding and was replaced by the amazing Dubai Safari Park. The safari park is far more extensive and brings a new experience to viewing and understanding animals. Let’s take a look at some history first.
Table Of Contents
- Dubai Zoo
- Dubai Safari Park
- Pricing Dubai Safari Park
- Transportation
- Summary
- Useful Links
- Key Takeaways
Dubai Zoo
Dubai Zoo was the first animal park to open in Dubai, in 1967. It was located on Jumeirah Beach Road near Mercato Mall. The zoo covered an area of approximately 1.5 hectares and was home to around 230 species of animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
One of the unique features of Dubai Zoo was its focus on animals from the Arabian Peninsula, such as the Arabian oryx, the desert hare, and the sand cat. The zoo also had a large collection of primates, including several species of monkeys and apes.
Visitors to Dubai Zoo could enjoy a range of experiences, such as watching animal feeding sessions and live shows, as well as interacting with some of the animals in designated areas. The zoo also had a children’s area, where young visitors can learn about the animals and participate in educational activities.
Despite its long history and popularity, Dubai Zoo has come under criticism in recent years for its small and outdated facilities. In 2017, the zoo announced that it would be closing its doors permanently, and its animals would be relocated to a new facility, the amazing Dubai Safari Park.
Dubai Safari Park
Dubai Safari Park is a new and modern animal attraction that opened in 2017. It covers an area of approximately 119 hectares and is located in the Al Warqa’a area of Dubai. The park has over 3,000 animals worldwide, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish.
One of the unique features of Dubai Safari Park is its focus on conservation and education. The park is designed to provide a natural and spacious environment for the animals, and visitors can learn about the animals and their habitats through various educational programs and experiences.
The park is divided into several themed sections, each representing a different region of the world. The African section, for example, is home to animals such as lions, giraffes, and zebras, while the Asian section features tigers, elephants, and pandas. The park also has a large aviary, where visitors can see a variety of bird species up close.
African Village
This park area focuses on African animals, including elephants, gorillas, chimpanzees, reptiles, and birds.
Arabian Desert Safari
This part of the park focuses on animals found in the Arabian desert, such as the Arabian Wolf, Arabian Oryx, Addaz, and Gazelle.
Explorer Village
This attraction at the park is a drive-through safari where you will see different animals associated with Africa and Asia. Probably the main attraction here is the Cheetah, the fastest land mammal on Earth. But there are also Lions, Tigers, Rhinos, and Zebras, and you can feed Giraffes, which is fantastic. There are various live shows as well, like one about Birds.
Asian Village
This environment shows animals that are from Asia, such as the Moon Bear, Gibbons, Ducks, and Cassowary. There is also a theatre where different live shows are given every day.
There are many more animals and attractions to see, and it will take a whole day to visit everything. I highly recommend this one for the family because it is fun and educational. Book online and book tickets in advance to avoid any queuing when you get there.
In addition to the animal exhibits, Dubai Safari Park has a range of other attractions, such as a children’s area, a zip line, and a cinema.
The Dubai Safari Park is a fantastic addition to the attractions in Dubai and a far better facility than the old Dubai Zoo. Credit to the Dubai government for making the change and providing a facility to educate and help preserve animals for future generations.
Pricing
| Ticket Type | Price (AED) Adult / Child |
| Day Pass (Walking tour through Al Wadi to African Village, Explorer Village, and Asian Village. Arabian Desert Safari, Live Shows, Kids Farm) | 50 / 20 |
| Day Pass+ (Transported tour to African Village, Explorer Village, and Asian Village, unlimited train rides, Arabian Desert Safari, reserved seats at live shows, Kids Farm) | 75 / 45 |
| Safari Journey (Transported tour to African, Asian and Explorer villages, unlimited train rides, Safari Journey, Arabian Desert Safari, Live Shows, Kids Farm) | 90 / 35 |
| Safari Journey+ ((Transported tour to African, Asian, and Explorer villages, unlimited train rides, Safari Journey, Arabian Desert Safari, Reserved seats at live shows, Kids Farm) | 110 / 55 |
The prices above can change, so for the latest information, please check HERE.
Transportation
The easiest way to get to the Safari Park is by driving. There are plenty of free parking spaces and charging points for electric vehicles. The next best way is by taxi; you can get a taxi from Downtown Dubai for around AED 55. By metro, you would need to go to Al Rashidya Metro Station and take a taxi from there. By bus you will need to take a bus to the Dragon Mart (N30 or 50) and then take a taxi.
Summary Dubai Zoo / Dubai Safari Park
The Dubai Safari Park is a great replacement for the old Dubai Zoo. This new location has allowed for better treatment of the animals, much greater variety, and fantastic facilities for the preservation and study of these animals. I have been to this park once, and I really enjoyed it. The animals are well looked after, and the staff is very friendly and clearly enjoy their jobs.
Useful Links Dubai Zoo / Dubai Safari Park
- You can find out more info about the park HERE
- HERE is a great video of a family touring the park.
- Want to know more about Dubai? Then check HERE.
- Dubai entry requirements can be found HERE
- Looking for fine dining options. Check HERE
- Try the AYA Universe light show experience in Al Wafi Mall.
Key Takeaways
- Definitely take a car or a taxi to get there. It’s complicated by public transport.
- Where comfortable and respectable clothing.
- You cannot bring your own food and drink into the park, but there are many F&B outlets.
- Book your tickets online before you come.
- You can use your e-ticket, which will be emailed to you, to enter the park.
