In recent years, the UAE has worked to position itself as a global leader in environmental protection. The country has made great strides in protecting its wildlife and now has several world-class game reserves. These sanctuaries allow visitors to view rare and endangered species in their natural habitat. From the Dubai Desert Reserve to the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, there are plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal with the UAE’s magnificent wildlife. This article explores the best places to experience wildlife safari adventures UAE!
List of Wildlife Safari Adventures in UAE
The wildlife Safari in UAE is not what many people think of. But the UAE is more than tall skyscrapers and unique events. Speaking of animals, there are plenty of places to see wildlife in the UAE that doesn’t confine this majestic wildlife to four dreary walls. Here are the top places to see wildlife safari adventures in the UAE
Al Wathba Wetland Reserve
The land, formerly a salt flat, has been turned into a natural man-made lake, allowing much of Abu Dhabi’s wildlife to thrive. You’ll see many majestic pink flamingos, 250 bird species, and various aquatic life. There are two self-guided walking tracks (1.5km or 3km) for visitors to explore and a birding shelter to spot flamingos.
Al Wathba Wetland Reserve Route: Take the E22 Abu Dhabi-Al Ain Road, connect to the E30 Abu Dhabi-Al Ain Truck Road, and follow the Reserve signs.
Open Monday to Saturday, 8 am to 5:30 pm (last entry 4 pm); entry is free. ead.gov.ae
Jubail Mangrove Park
A huge walk through Abu Dhabi Mangroves National Park lets visitors get closer to nature. There are opportunities to kayak through the expansive greenery, but the main purpose of your visit should be to say hello to the wildlife. There is a varied menu of animals, including fish, crabs, birds (including flamingos), turtles, gazelles, and lesser-known creatures.
Jubail Mangrove Park, Jubail Island (next to Saadiyat Island), Abu Dhabi, 8:00 am to 7:30 pm daily, 15 dirhams for adults, 10 dirhams (3-7 years old) ). Tel: (0) 56303 2423. park.jubailisland.ae
Sir Bani Yas Island – Arabian Safari
It takes some time to get to the island, home to more than 11,000 animals, but the views are worth it. It’s almost a 25-minute boat ride from Jebel Dhanna (2 hours from central Abu Dhabi), but once you’re on the island, you’ll enjoy wildlife, romantic views, and more. The list of wildlife on this paradise island includes various endangered species, such as blackbuck and Arabian oryx, as well as giraffes, ostriches, and leopards. Island guests can go on a safari and take the unforgettable opportunity to catch a glimpse of these rare creatures without cages or keepers.
Sir Bani Yas is located 8 kilometers off Jebel Dhanna (a two-hour drive from Abu Dhabi city center) and can be reached by free water taxi or private seaplane. You can book accommodation on the anantara.com website.
Emirates Park Zoo
The animals you will encounter here include wild cats, including lions, tigers, leopards, etc.; herbivores, such as giraffes and zebras. Primates love capuchin monkeys. Birds include majestic owls, hawks, hawks, and parrots—reptiles and more. Enjoy a thrill ride on a zipline, dine with an elephant, or feed a hungry hippo. Zoo tickets are AED 40 per person and can be booked here. Note that a green pass is currently required for entry.
Emirates Park Zoo, Al Bahia 12 Street, Abu Dhabi, open daily from 9 am to 8 pm, tel: (0) (0) 0000501 (0) 2501 0000. emiratesparkzooandresort.com
Al Ain Zoo
The 400-hectare park was established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in 1968. It is one of the largest parks in the Middle East, and many animals, including gorillas, lions, leopards, giraffes, jaguars, lemurs, hippos, chimpanzees, wolves, and crocodiles, call it home. Visitors can see and even interact with endangered species protected and cared for in similar habitats. Experiences include feeding the king of the jungle (above), taking part in a mountain biking experience, and more. Note that the green channel is required for entry. Tickets are AED 31.50 per adult and AED 10.50 per child.
Al Ain Zoo, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, 10am-6pm daily, Tel: (800) 966, alainzoo.ae
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
This sanctuary at the mouth of Dubai Creek is hugely popular, thanks to the 20,000 birds living here. The lagoon here is home to shimmering pink flamingos. You must shake over to one of the three ornamental skins dotted around the sanctuary to see them. Admission is free, and binoculars can also be borrowed.
Dubai Safari Park
The 116-hectare park is currently home to approximately 3,000 animals. This includes 78 species of mammals, ten different carnivores, 17 primates, 50 reptiles, 111 birds, as well as amphibians and invertebrates. You can visit different villages: Arabian Desert Safari; Asian Village, where you can watch the Creature World show; Just a short distance away to meet Africa’s most exciting inhabitants; the Children’s Farm (home to the cutest animals) and the Valley, where you can have dinner or a picnic. A list of all packages can be found here.
Dubai Safari Park, Al Warqa 5, Dubai, is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. M. to 5:00 pm. Ticket prices vary, and children under three and those of determination are admitted for free. Tel: (800) 900.dubaisafari.ae
Sharjah Safari Park
This huge safari park opened in Sharjah on February 17 last month. It is located in the Baridi Reserve in Al Dhaid City and covers an area of 16 square kilometers. It is the largest safari park project outside Africa. Approximately 50,000 animals (120 species) call the safari park home, including deer, giraffes, African wild tortoises, crocodiles, lions, and rhinos (be sure to spot the black rhino before you go as it is the most important and rarest animal in the wild zoo), African rock pythons, elephants, and flamingos.
The safari park has a gigantic natural lake and 100,000 African trees, restaurants and cafes, conference halls, safari visitor camps, and more. The park is open daily from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm. The Bronze Ticket Walking Tour to Explore the “Africa” zone costs AED 40 and is suitable for visitors aged 12 and above. A Silver Bus Ticket for only one part of the Safari Park costs AED 120. The Golden Ticket, which allows you to travel in a limousine, costs AED 275. You must go to the park to collect your tickets, as there is currently no online ticketing portal.
Final Thoughts
Exploring Dubai’s most famous sites would only be complete with participating in a wildlife adventure. Get the chance to see unrivaled views of the rare animal and savor exquisite Arabian cuisine prepared just for you in the middle of the wildlife.
If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly zoo in Dubai, look no further than Safari Dubai. Book your tickets now and hire an expert operator of desert safari in UAE for a once-in-a-lifetime animal interaction you’ll never forget.
