Zoo in Dubai

A visit to a zoo in Dubai 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 528 zoo attractions in Dubai 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 Dubai zoo ticket prices starting from INR 470, it’s an affordable outing for all ages. Spend time with your loved ones this December by booking your Dubai zoo tickets through MakeMyTrip.

Dubai’s Best Zoos and Wildlife Parks: A Family Day Out Like No Other

Dubai is not just about towering skylines and luxury shopping. It is also home to some of the UAE’s most thoughtfully designed wildlife experiences. The city’s zoos blend conservation, education, and family-friendly fun, offering meaningful ways to engage with nature.

Whether you want to explore open-air safari zones, walk through a lush indoor rainforest, or observe giant Nile crocodiles up close, each zoo in Dubai offers something unique. From the expansive Dubai Safari Park to the tropical immersion of The Green Planet and the reptile-focused Dubai Crocodile Park, these destinations make wildlife accessible and inspiring.

In the sections ahead, explore the top zoos that bring together ethical animal care, interactive exhibits, and memorable experiences for visitors of all ages.

Why Visit Zoos in Dubai

Immersive Wildlife Experiences

Dubai’s zoos are designed to replicate natural ecosystems, from African savannahs to lush rainforests. Open habitats and interactive zones offer a more authentic and engaging encounter with wildlife.

Year-round Accessibility

With climate-controlled spaces like The Green Planet and seasonal planning for outdoor parks like Dubai Safari Park, zoos in Dubai can be explored comfortably throughout the year.

Emphasis on Education and Conservation

From endangered species talks to interactive displays, Dubai’s zoos blend entertainment with environmental education. Guided tours and exhibits encourage learning for all age groups.

Wildlife Rehabilitation and Ethical Practices

Zoos like Dubai Safari Park lead efforts in ethical tourism, rescuing and rehabilitating animals while promoting biodiversity through conservation and breeding programmes.

Family-friendly Design

With pram-friendly paths, kids’ areas, shaded seating, and shows, Dubai’s zoos are perfect for families. Attractions like The Green Planet and Dubai Safari Park offer engaging, educational fun for children and adults alike.

Modern Amenities and Tourism Integration

Dubai’s zoos are close to top attractions and shopping hubs, with easy access via car or taxi. Combo passes and online bookings on platforms like MakeMyTrip make planning seamless.

Unique Interactive Encounters

From breakfast with giraffes at Dubai Safari Park to the Sloth Encounter at The Green Planet, these experiences transform a regular zoo visit into a memorable adventure.

Top Zoos in Dubai

Whether you're seeking a wild safari adventure or an up-close rainforest encounter, each zoo in Dubai brings something truly unique to the table. These attractions go beyond traditional animal parks, blending immersive environments, interactive encounters, and strong conservation values. Here's a curated list of the best zoos in the city for families, nature lovers, and curious explorers alike.

1. Dubai Safari Park

Location: Al Warqa 5, Dubai

Brief Overview:

Spanning over 119 hectares, Dubai Safari Park is the largest and most ambitious zoo in Dubai, home to more than 3,000 animals across 250 species. Developed with sustainability in mind, the park uses solar energy, recycled water systems, and environment-friendly transport. The park is divided into several themed zones including the African Village, Asian Village, Explorer Village, and the Arabian Desert Safari.

Featured Animals: African elephants, cheetahs, Arabian oryx, Nile crocodiles, white lions, tigers, giraffes, rhinos, ostriches, lemurs, and numerous bird species.

Key Highlights:

• Explorer Village: An open safari ride where visitors journey through African and Asian habitats in a guided bus.
• African Village: Large open enclosures where giraffes and antelopes roam freely.
• Asian Village: Home to species like the moon bear and Komodo dragon, alongside immersive cultural architecture.
• Arabian Desert Safari: Focuses on native species such as the Arabian wolf and oryx.
• Kids Farm: A dedicated space with ponies, goats, sheep, and educational barnyard sessions.
• Conservation & Breeding: Actively involved in species preservation programmes in the UAE, including the Arabian oryx and addax.

Opening Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Last entry at 4:00 PM. Timings may vary slightly during public holidays or special events.

Ticket Price: Entry ranges from INR 1,200 to 2,800 depending on age and experiences selected. Safari Journey packages cost more than standard access. Children under 3 usually enter for free.

Visitor Tips:

• Best visited between November and March for outdoor comfort.
• Start early to explore all zones without rush.
• Tram service is available for guests with mobility issues or young children.
• Wear sunblock, sunglasses, and bring water bottles for hydration.

2. The Green Planet

Location: City Walk, Al Wasl, Dubai

Brief Overview:

The Green Planet is Dubai’s very own vertical rainforest. It is an indoor biodome that replicates the ecosystem of a tropical forest with over 3,000 species of flora and fauna. More than just a zoo in Dubai, this facility is an immersive experience where visitors can walk among free-flying birds, climb multi-level canopies, and witness the full lifecycle of a rainforest in motion. Designed for education and conservation, it’s a year-round favourite for families, schools, and eco-conscious travellers.

Featured Animals: Sloths, macaws, toucans, pythons, sugar gliders, leafcutter ants, bats, tree frogs, and slow lorises.

Key Highlights:

• Four-layer Rainforest: Explore the emergent layer, canopy, midstory, and forest floor as you ascend a spiral path through the biodome.
• Sloth Encounter: Meet the resident two-toed sloths in a close-up guided session (limited slots, separate booking).
• Reptile Encounters: Hold or observe snakes and lizards under expert supervision.
• Bat Cave & Bug Station: See nocturnal and crawling critters in specially controlled environments.
• Rainforest Thunderstorm Simulation: Experience the sound, mist, and lighting of a tropical rainstorm, scheduled several times a day.
• Animal Talks & Feeding Sessions: Learn from experts about sustainable rainforest ecosystems, deforestation, and species conservation.

Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Ticket Price: General admission is typically between INR 2,800 and 3,300. Special experiences like the Sloth Encounter or Zookeeper for a Day range from INR 4,800 to 9,500. Children under 2 enjoy free entry.

Visitor Tips:

• Perfect for summer or rainy days, the place is fully air-conditioned and indoors.
• Avoid weekends for a quieter, more intimate experience.
• Book experiences (like Sloth Encounter) at least 24 hours in advance.
• Great educational opportunity for school-age children; ask staff for worksheets or activity packs.
• Photography is allowed, but flash is prohibited for animal safety.

3. Dubai Crocodile Park

Location: Mushrif, Dubai (next to Mushrif Park)

Brief Overview:

Opened in April 2023, Dubai Crocodile Park is one of the newest additions to the city’s growing list of wildlife attractions. Spanning over 20,000 square metres, the park is home to more than 250 Nile crocodiles, including juveniles, sub-adults, and massive adult specimens, living in large, climate-controlled enclosures designed to replicate their natural African habitats. The park combines zoology, conservation education, and cultural exhibitions, making it an engaging stop for wildlife enthusiasts and families alike.

Featured Animals: Nile crocodiles of varying sizes and life stages, from hatchlings to massive 5-metre adults.

Key Highlights:

• Crocodile Lake: A sprawling outdoor habitat where crocodiles can be seen basking, swimming, and feeding.
• Natural History Museum: A curated indoor space highlighting crocodilian evolution, biology, and the species’ role in ancient African and Egyptian culture.
• Crocodile Aquarium: Offers underwater viewing of crocodiles gliding through water, a truly rare and eerie sight.
• Educational Talks: Park guides deliver scheduled sessions about crocodile conservation, biology, and misconceptions about the species.
• Feeding Time: Watch the controlled and safe feeding of crocodiles (timings vary and are announced daily).

Opening Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Ticket Price: Tickets generally range from INR 1,600 to 2,500 based on age. Family bundles are also available at discounted rates. Entry is free for children below 3 years.

Visitor Tips:

• Visit during early morning or just before sunset for active crocodile viewing.
• The museum is fully air-conditioned, great for midday visits in summer.
• Avoid flash photography in the aquarium section.
• Ideal for school field trips or families with kids aged 6+.
• Entry is separate from Mushrif Park, but they are adjacent so can be combined in one trip.

Tips for Visiting Zoos in Dubai

Go for Online Advanced Ticket Booking

Book your zoo tickets in advance on MakeMyTrip to skip queues, access family bundles, and enjoy exclusive deals. This is especially useful for experiences like safari rides or sloth encounters. It saves time and avoids last-minute stress.

What to Bring

Wear comfortable shoes and breathable clothes. Carry sunscreen, sunglasses, a refillable water bottle, and a phone charger. A small backpack with tissues and light snacks is helpful, especially when visiting outdoor parks like Dubai Safari Park.

Accommodation and Transportation

Stay near Mirdif or City Walk for easier access to Dubai's main zoos. Taxis or private cabs are the most reliable option. While some hotels offer shuttle services, public transport access is limited for most zoo locations.

Options for Food and Beverages

All major zoos have cafes or food stalls. Some allow packed food, while others do not. It is best to check in advance. Vegetarian meals and kid-friendly menus are available at most outlets, especially in larger parks.

Sustainability Efforts

Dubai's zoos focus heavily on sustainability. Parks use solar energy, water recycling, and plastic-free operations. Visitors can help by using recycling bins, avoiding littering, and respecting conservation signage throughout the parks.

Family-friendly Services

Zoos in Dubai are designed for families. Most parks offer shaded seating, stroller access, nursing rooms, and play zones. Kids can enjoy petting zoos, bird feeding, and animal shows scheduled throughout the day.

Stay Updated on Latest Information

Before your visit, check each zoo’s official website or social channels for schedules, closures, or event timings. Some parks also post daily activity boards at the entrance, so review them when you arrive.