Al Ain Zoo is one of the UAE's most extraordinary wildlife destinations – a 400-hectare park at the foot of Jebel Hafeet mountain that is home to over 4,000 animals across 200 species, with at least 130 of them classified as endangered. Founded in 1968 by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the zoo was built on his deep conviction that preserving nature and wildlife was a national duty, and that mission shapes everything the zoo does today.
Whether you're looking for a family day exploring world-class animal habitats, an adrenaline-charged African safari through 217 hectares of open savannah, or the exclusive Ahlan VIP guided experience complete with giraffe feeding and reserved show seating, Al Ain Zoo has an experience tailored to every kind of visitor. Book your Al Ain Zoo tickets on Thrillark and choose the experience that fits your group.
Whether you're looking for a family day exploring world-class animal habitats, an adrenaline-charged African safari through 217 hectares of open savannah, or the exclusive Ahlan VIP guided experience complete with giraffe feeding and reserved show seating, Al Ain Zoo has an experience tailored to every kind of visitor. Book your Al Ain Zoo tickets on Thrillark and choose the experience that fits your group.
Key Highlights
- Meet over 4,000 animals from 200 species, including 130 endangered, at one of the Middle East's most celebrated wildlife destinations
- Drive through 217 hectares of open African savannah at the foot of Jebel Hafeet, one of the world's largest man-made safaris
- Come face-to-face with African lions, southern white rhinos, Rothschild's giraffes, cheetahs, hippos, and the UAE's iconic Arabian oryx.
- Watch master predators own the sky at the Wings of the Sahara Show – falcons, vultures, and eagles in breathtaking live flight
- Hand-feed a Rothschild's Giraffe and feel that famous 45cm blue-violet tongue wrap around your fingers
- Wander through a walk-through Lemur Exhibit, meet penguins up close, and let budgies eat from the palm of your hand
- Step inside five immersive galleries at the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre and discover the story of Arabia's desert world
- Go full VIP with the Ahlan Package, including a private golf cart, reserved show seats, giraffe feeding, and refreshments all included (Optional add-on)
About Al Ain Zoo Ticket
There is no zoo experience in the UAE quite like Al Ain Zoo. Located in the Garden City of Al Ain, just 90 minutes from both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the zoo sits in a unique setting: lush, shaded parkland spread across 400 hectares at the base of the dramatic Jebel Hafeet mountain.
The zoo's collection is genuinely impressive. Big cat enthusiasts will find African lions, white tigers, jaguars, pumas, South African cheetahs, and the rare Arabian leopard.
Primates include western lowland gorillas, chimpanzees, and multiple species of macaque. The ungulates section features Southern White Rhinos, Common Hippos, Rothschild's Giraffes, Zebras, and a range of gazelles, including species indigenous to Arabia, such as the iconic Arabian Oryx, the UAE's national animal.
The bird collection spans Chilean and Lesser Flamingos, desert eagle owls, steppe eagles, blue-necked ostriches, and vulturine guineafowl.
The Al Ain Safari is the zoo's crown jewel – a 217-hectare open safari set aside for Africa's most iconic megafauna. African lions roam freely, white rhinos graze across open plains, and giraffes wander at eye level with the top of your vehicle as you explore by private SUV or shared safari truck.
Don't just watch nature documentaries. Be in one. Book now on Thrillark.
The zoo's collection is genuinely impressive. Big cat enthusiasts will find African lions, white tigers, jaguars, pumas, South African cheetahs, and the rare Arabian leopard.
Primates include western lowland gorillas, chimpanzees, and multiple species of macaque. The ungulates section features Southern White Rhinos, Common Hippos, Rothschild's Giraffes, Zebras, and a range of gazelles, including species indigenous to Arabia, such as the iconic Arabian Oryx, the UAE's national animal.
The bird collection spans Chilean and Lesser Flamingos, desert eagle owls, steppe eagles, blue-necked ostriches, and vulturine guineafowl.
The Al Ain Safari is the zoo's crown jewel – a 217-hectare open safari set aside for Africa's most iconic megafauna. African lions roam freely, white rhinos graze across open plains, and giraffes wander at eye level with the top of your vehicle as you explore by private SUV or shared safari truck.
Don't just watch nature documentaries. Be in one. Book now on Thrillark.
Inclusions
- Admission to the Al Ain Zoo
- Access to a Safari SUV (based on the option selected)
- Access to a Safari truck (based on the option selected)
- Ahlan VIP Pass (based on the option selected)
Exclusions
- Add-on animal experiences
- Food and beverages beyond Ahlan VIP refreshments
- Hotel transfers and transportation
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Insiders' Tips
The morning hours are cooler, and the animals are most active; giraffes are at their most responsive at the feeding station in the early hours before the midday heat. Try to book around these hours.
Additional Information
Opening Hours
- Open daily: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM
- Evacuation of the park begins 30 minutes before closing.
- Hours may vary on public holidays
- Free entry for people of determination and visitors over the age of 60
- The safari truck experience is not ideal for children under the age of 5
- Children under the age of 3 enjoy free admission
- Junior tickets are applicable for children aged 3–11
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Rental wheelchairs and strollers
- Shuttle services
- Free parking
- Running, roughhousing, or any unsafe or disruptive behavior is not permitted.
- Any form of verbal or physical harassment, discrimination, or threatening conduct toward others is strictly forbidden.
- Please respect fellow guests and avoid disturbing or interfering with the animals.
- Flash photography and any equipment that may disturb the animals or other guests are not permitted
- Smoking is prohibited
- Loud music, amplifiers, or disruptive noisemaking devices are not permitted
Cancellation Policy
- Tickets cannot be cancelled or refunded
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Al Ain Zoo worth visiting?
Al Ain Zoo is one of the UAE's most rewarding wildlife destinations, home to over 4,000 animals across 200 species in beautifully landscaped habitats. The combination of the main zoo, African safari, interactive animal experiences, and the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre makes it a full-day experience unlike anything else in the region. For families, wildlife enthusiasts, and first-time visitors to Al Ain, it is consistently rated as a must-visit attraction.
How long does it take to explore Al Ain Zoo?
A visit to Al Ain Zoo covering the main highlights takes around 3–4 hours at a comfortable pace. If you plan to include a safari, the Wings of the Sahara Show, giraffe feeding, and a meal on the grounds, allow a full 5–6 hours. Arriving at opening time gives you the best chance of seeing the animals at their most active before the midday heat sets in.
What animals can you see at Al Ain Zoo?
Al Ain Zoo is home to an impressive range of wildlife, including African lions, southern white rhinos, Rothschild's giraffes, cheetahs, western lowland gorillas, chimpanzees, hippos, zebras, and the UAE's iconic Arabian oryx. The zoo also houses a rich collection of birds, reptiles, and primates, with many species classified as endangered. The African safari section offers the rare opportunity to see lions and rhinos roaming freely across open savannah terrain.
What is the Al Ain Safari experience like?
The Al Ain Safari covers 217 hectares of open landscape modeled on the African savannah, set dramatically against the backdrop of Jebel Hafeet mountain. Guests can choose between a private air-conditioned SUV for up to 6 people or a shared open-sided safari truck, both led by an expert guide. The safari brings you face-to-face with free-roaming African lions, white rhinos, giraffes, and zebras in one of the largest man-made safaris in the world.
Is Al Ain Zoo good for kids?
Al Ain Zoo is one of the most family-friendly attractions in Abu Dhabi, with dedicated children's zones, interactive animal encounters, and hands-on experiences like budgie feeding, camel rides, and pony rides. The walk-through Lemur Exhibit and Penguin Encounter are particular favorites with younger visitors, while the Wings of the Sahara Show delivers genuine wow-factor for all ages. Children under 3 enter the zoo free of charge.
How do I get to Al Ain Zoo from Dubai or Abu Dhabi?
Al Ain Zoo is approximately a 90-minute drive from both Dubai and Abu Dhabi via the E66 highway, making it an ideal day trip from either city. Free parking is available directly at the zoo entrance, and the drive itself passes through scenic desert landscapes with Jebel Hafeet rising dramatically on the horizon. Public buses from Al Ain Bus Station (Routes 202 and 203) also stop at the zoo's main entrance for those traveling without a car.
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