Al Ain Zoo, Abu Dhabi - Timings, Safari Cost, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 8 km from Al Ain Palace Museum, 9 km from Al Jahili Fort and 151 km from Abu Dhabi, Al Ain Zoo is a zoological park situated in the foothills of Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi. It is the largest and most acclaimed zoo park in the Abu Dhabi region.

The Al Ain Zoo was founded in 1968 CE by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the late ruler of Abu Dhabi and the first President of the United Arab Emirates. Being concerned about the wildlife and nature of his homeland, the late ruler established this unique zoo with the vision of creating natural habitats for animals to live freely. Since its founding, Al Ain Zoo has been a center for the conservation of endangered species, most notably the successful breeding of desert antelopes and gazelles, such as the endangered Arabian Oryx.

Covering over an area of 400 hectares, the Al Ain Zoo features a big cat house that is inhabited by lions, tigers, jaguars, and black and spotted leopards. In addition to this, it also has a reptile house, monkey compounds, aquarium, and aviary. Over 4,000 animals reside in the zoo out of which around 130 species are considered endangered. The well-respected conservation and breeding program protects and preserves the rare fauna from extinction.

Highlights of a zoo visit include giraffe feedings, a fascinating walk-through lemur experience, and the world's largest human-made safari, a 217-hectare landscape housing more than 250 African and Arabian animals. There is also a bird show featuring predatory and night birds that lasts 30 minutes starting at 7 pm. Other offerings at the zoo include the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre (SZDLC), a sustainably built multimedia exhibition that features five interactive galleries namely Sheikh Zayed Tribute Hall, Abu Dhabi's Desert over Time, Abu Dhabi's Living World, People of the Desert and Looking to the Future. There are plenty of green public spaces for picnics alongside several playgrounds, a cafeteria and a train tour of the wildlife area.

Timings: 8 AM - 9 PM

Entry: AED. 31 for Adults & AED. 10 for Children (3-12 years) for Entertainer Ticket, AED. 210 per Person for Safari Entertainer Truck & AED. 1050 per Person for Safari Entertainer SUV