Zoo in Abu Dhabi

A visit to a zoo in Abu Dhabi is among the favourite ways to spend time for families and animal lovers. These places offer a chance to see wildlife from around the world. MakeMyTrip features 985 zoo attractions in Abu Dhabi for 2025, each with safe enclosures and engaging exhibits. From exotic animals to interactive spaces for children, every corner of the zoo is designed to educate and entertain. Shaded areas, cafes and rest stops make it easy to spend a full day exploring. With Abu Dhabi zoo ticket prices starting from INR 397, it’s an affordable outing for all ages. Spend time with your loved ones this December by booking your Abu Dhabi zoo tickets through MakeMyTrip.

Best Zoos in Abu Dhabi: Wildlife Encounters in the Heart of the Emirates

In Abu Dhabi’s most celebrated animal parks, the focus isn’t just on seeing wildlife; it’s on stepping into their world. One moment you might be eye-to-eye with a towering giraffe, the next you’re gliding past a herd of gazelle in an open-air safari truck. These are places where every path leads to a new encounter, every enclosure tells a conservation story, and every visit feels like a miniature expedition.

From carefully designed habitats that mirror the savannah or desert to interactive experiences that bring you closer to the animals than you thought possible, each visit to an Abu Dhabi zoo offers an experience that blends adventure with awareness.

Whether you come for the thrill, the learning, or simply the joy of watching wildlife up close, these destinations prove that a day at the zoo can be every bit as memorable as a journey into the wild.

Why Visit Zoos in Abu Dhabi

Close-up Wildlife Encounters

Feeding a giraffe, watching elephants from just a few feet away, or seeing a sea lion perform in an interactive show are just some of the experiences that make both Emirates Park Zoo and Al Ain Zoo special. Visitors can also enjoy unique interactions, from hand-feeding parrots to joining guided lemur walks.

Open and Spacious Habitats

Abu Dhabi’s zoos focus on giving animals room to roam. Large, naturalistic enclosures replace cramped cages, ensuring animals can display natural behaviours. Cleverly placed barriers give visitors unobstructed views while keeping wildlife safe and comfortable.

Family-Friendly and Educational

Daily shows, keeper talks, interactive feeding sessions, and educational displays make these parks perfect for children and adults alike. Kids can learn about conservation in fun, engaging ways, while adults gain insight into the global challenges of wildlife preservation.

Easy to Reach

Emirates Park Zoo is only 30 minutes from central Abu Dhabi and about 10–15 minutes from Yas Island. Al Ain Zoo is less than a two-hour drive from the city and is well connected by road, so it’s perfect for a day trip that combines nature with sightseeing.

Value for Money

The Abu Dhabi zoo ticket price is affordable considering the experiences on offer. You can opt for standard entry tickets or upgrade to premium packages that include safaris, animal encounters, and special presentations.

Unique Photo Opportunities

From the early morning light falling on a giraffe’s long neck to the dramatic backdrop of Jebel Hafeet behind a herd of white lions, these parks are a dream for photographers. Whether you’re using a phone camera or a DSLR, you’ll find plenty of moments worth capturing.

Strong Conservation Focus

Both zoos play an important role in preserving endangered species. They participate in international breeding programmes, support habitat restoration, and engage in public awareness campaigns that reach thousands of visitors each year.

Top Zoos in Abu Dhabi

From immersive wildlife resorts to sprawling safari parks, Abu Dhabi’s leading zoos offer distinctly different ways to experience the animal kingdom. Each combines engaging attractions with conservation-driven design, ensuring every visit is as meaningful as it is memorable. Here are the top zoos in Abu Dhabi:

1. Emirates Park Zoo and Resort

Location: Al Bahyah, Abu Dhabi

Overview:

Emirates Park Zoo is a unique combination of wildlife park and resort, making it one of the most versatile family attractions in the UAE. Opened in 2008 as a small petting farm, it quickly expanded into a full-fledged zoo by 2012. Today, it houses more than 1,500 animals from over 200 species, ranging from gentle giraffes and powerful tigers to playful primates and colourful tropical birds.

The zoo is designed for interactive experiences. Guests can get closer to animals than in most traditional settings with feeding sessions, photo opportunities, and themed dining events allowing for memorable encounters. The adjoining resort offers chalet-style accommodations, some with balconies overlooking animal enclosures, so guests can start their mornings with giraffes strolling by.

Key Highlights:

• Unique dining experiences that combine gourmet meals with up-close animal encounters, like breakfast with giraffes and brunch with leopards
• Daily shows featuring sea lions, exotic birds, and reptiles
• Aerial play park with zipline, climbing walls, and rope bridges
• Over 100 arcade games for kids and teens
• Educational workshops, including bee talks and wildlife conservation sessions

Featured Animals: Giraffes, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, camels, crocodiles, exotic birds, reptiles, and more

Opening Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Ticket Price:

• Standard entry: ₹1,170–₹1,180 per person (children aged 1–2 enter free)
• Explorer Ticket: ₹2,670–₹2,680 per person, includes access to shows, animal encounters, and premium exhibits

Visitor Tips:

• Book VIP animal dining sessions early, especially on weekends and holidays
• Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be on your feet for much of the visit
• Staying overnight at the resort gives you early access and less-crowded encounters with the animals in the morning

2. Al Ain Zoo

Location: Al Ain, at the foothills of Jebel Hafeet, Abu Dhabi Emirate

Overview:

Al Ain Zoo is the emirate’s largest and oldest zoological park, founded in 1968 by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Covering 400 hectares, it is a landmark institution for wildlife conservation in the region. Home to more than 4,000 animals from nearly 200 species, it includes vast safari areas, dedicated aviaries, and specialised habitats for big cats, reptiles, and primates.

The zoo’s layout is expansive, with shaded walking paths and spacious viewing areas. One of its standout features is the African safari experience, where visitors can ride open-air trucks or private SUVs through landscapes that mimic the savannah. Here, herds of antelope, giraffes, zebras, and other species roam freely.

The Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre within the zoo offers interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations, and educational displays about desert ecosystems, sustainability, and conservation.

Key Highlights:

• African safari truck rides and private SUV tours through open-range habitats
• Giraffe feeding platforms, camel rides, and petting farm areas
• Lemur walk-through experiences and bird shows
• Dedicated reptile house and big cat enclosures for lions, cheetahs, and tigers
• Desert Learning Centre with interactive conservation exhibits

Featured Animals: Arabian oryx, white lions, cheetahs, giraffes, chimpanzees, meerkats, ostriches, hippos, and crocodiles

Opening Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (varies seasonally)

Ticket Price:

• General entry: ₹700–₹720 (adult), ₹230–₹240 (child)
• Safari Truck: ₹4,720–₹4,740 per person (ages 5+)
• Private Safari SUV: ₹23,600–₹23,700 per vehicle (up to 6 guests)

Visitor Tips:

• Allow at least half a day to fully explore the zoo and take a safari ride
• Wear a hat and bring water because the safari zones are mostly open
• Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Jebel Hafeet for scenic views and photo stops

Tips for Visiting Zoos in Abu Dhabi

Book Tickets in Advance

Safaris and VIP experiences often sell out, particularly during weekends, public holidays, and peak tourist seasons.

Plan for the Weather

Most of the animal enclosures are outdoors. Visit in the cooler months (November to March) for the most comfortable experience, and always carry sunscreen, hats, and drinking water.

Check Show and Feeding Times

Arriving at least 5–10 minutes early for presentations and feeding sessions ensures better viewing spots and photo opportunities.

Combine Visits with Other Attractions

Emirates Park Zoo pairs well with a trip to Yas Island’s theme parks, while Al Ain Zoo can be part of a day exploring the Al Ain Oasis, Jebel Hafeet, and Al Jahili Fort nearby.

Look for Combo or Multi-Experience Deals

Some ticket packages bundle entry with additional encounters or shows, offering better value than buying each experience separately on-site.

Stay Overnight for Something Special

At Emirates Park Zoo, resort guests enjoy a more relaxed pace, wildlife views from their rooms, and early access to certain areas.