Al Ain Zoo
A family-friendly wildlife attraction featuring animals, nature experiences, and engaging activities for visitors of all ages.
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Al Ain Zoo Abu Dhabi
Explore moving through the zoo and seeing wildlife from the UAE and other regions. Along the way, there were animal presentations, safari experiences, feeding encounters, family facilities, and a complimentary train ride to help get around the grounds.
Highlights
- See more than 4,000 animals across around 200 species.
- See Arabian and African wildlife including giraffes, white rhinoceroses, oryxes, gazelles, jaguars, lemurs, and primates.
- Take a Safari SUV or Safari Truck experience.
- Watch animal presentations such as the Sand Cat Keeper Talk and Reptile Encounter.
- Join dedicated feeding experiences with birds, giraffes, or penguins under keeper guidance.
- Explore the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Center and other visitor facilities.
- Use shuttle and train services to move around the zoo.
- Enjoy picnic areas, restaurants, cafés, and family-friendly facilities.
About Al Ain Zoo Abu Dhabi
Al Ain Zoo is a wildlife attraction in Al Ain, established in 1968 by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to preserve wildlife and showcase the UAE's cultural and environmental heritage. Today, the zoo is home to more than 4,000 animals across around 200 species, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. Visitors can see species such as white rhinoceroses, jaguars, oryxes, giraffes, gazelles, lemurs, primates, flamingos, crocodiles, tortoises, and other wildlife.
The zoo combines animal habitats with a range of experiences and educational activities. Visitors can take part in Safari SUV and Safari Truck experiences, join guided tours, watch animal presentations, and participate in dedicated feeding experiences with birds, giraffes, and penguins under keeper guidance. The zoo also has the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Center, air-conditioned indoor areas, playgrounds, picnic spaces, restaurants, cafés, lockers, and visitor transport services.
Al Ain Zoo covers a large area, so some walking is involved. Shuttle and train services can help visitors move around, while wide, mostly flat and paved pathways make the zoo accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Wheelchairs are available for visitors to use free of charge. The zoo also welcomes families and senior visitors, with shaded areas available for rest.
What's Included
✓ Admission to Al Ain Zoo
✓ Complimentary train ride around the zoo
Location
Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Opening Hours
Opening hours vary by season. Check the current timings before your visit.
| Day | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Everyday | Check Opening Hours |
Important Information
Know Before You Go
- Allow around 3–4 hours to explore the zoo.
- The zoo covers a large area, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- Shuttle and train services are available to help visitors move around the zoo.
- Visitors can bring their own food and drinks and use the available picnic areas.
- Restaurants and cafés are available inside the zoo.
- Indoor areas include air-conditioned restaurants and the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Center.
- Lockers and storage facilities are available for visitors.
- Photography is allowed, but flash should be avoided to prevent disturbing the animals.
- Comfortable, modest clothing covering the shoulders and knees is recommended.
- Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are recommended for protection from the sun.
Age Policy
- Children under 3 years can enter the zoo free of charge.
- Children aged 3–12 are included in the zoo's child admission category.
- Specific requirements may apply to individual animal experiences.
Restrictions & Activity Requirements
- Animal feeding experiences take place under keeper guidance.
- Safari experiences and individual animal activities may have their own requirements.
- Dinner with the Lions and Safari Lion Feeding are currently not operating according to the official FAQ.
- Avoid using flash when photographing animals.
Accessibility
✓ Wheelchair accessible
✓ Wide, mostly flat and paved pathways
✓ Wheelchairs available for use free of charge
✓ Suitable facilities for visitors of different abilities
Ticket, Entry & Redemption
- Present your e-ticket sent via email to gain entry to the zoo.
- Some safari and private tour experiences require separate tickets or bookings.
- Check the requirements for individual experiences before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What animals can I see at Al Ain Zoo?
Al Ain Zoo is home to more than 4,000 animals across around 200 species, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. Wildlife includes white rhinoceroses, jaguars, oryxes, giraffes, gazelles, lemurs, primates, flamingos, crocodiles, tortoises, and other species.
Does Al Ain Zoo have safari experiences?
Yes. The zoo offers two safari experiences: Safari SUV and Safari Truck.
Are guided tours available at Al Ain Zoo?
Yes. Guided options include Safari Truck and Safari SUV tours. The Al Maha Royal Service and Ahlan Group tour also offer private tour experiences.
Can I watch animal presentations?
Yes. Animal presentations include the Sand Cat Keeper Talk, Reptile Encounter, and Birds Popup.
Can visitors feed the animals?
Yes. Dedicated feeding experiences allow visitors to feed birds, a giraffe, and a penguin under keeper guidance. Some animals can also be watched during scheduled feeding times.
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Yes. Visitors can bring their own food and drinks into the zoo. Picnic areas are available, and restaurants and cafés are also provided.
Is photography allowed at Al Ain Zoo?
Yes. Photography is allowed, but visitors should avoid using flash so that the animals are not disturbed.
Is Al Ain Zoo wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The zoo is wheelchair accessible, with wide, mostly flat and paved pathways. Wheelchairs are also available for visitors to use free of charge.
Are there indoor areas at Al Ain Zoo?
Yes. Indoor facilities include air-conditioned restaurants and the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Center.
Are lockers available at Al Ain Zoo?
Yes. The zoo provides lockers and storage facilities where visitors can safely store their belongings.
How much walking is involved at Al Ain Zoo?
The zoo covers a large area, so some walking is involved. Shuttle and train services are available to help visitors move around, and shaded areas are provided for rest.
Is Al Ain Zoo suitable for senior citizens?
Yes. The zoo states that it is suitable for senior citizens, with shuttle and train services available to reduce walking and shaded areas where visitors can rest.
How can I get to Al Ain Zoo from Dubai?
By car, Al Ain Zoo can be reached from Dubai via the E66 Dubai–Al Ain Road. The journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by car according to the zoo's visitor information.
Can I travel from Dubai to Al Ain Zoo by bus?
Yes. Visitors can take an intercity RTA bus from Dubai to Al Ain. Routes commonly depart from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station. From Al Ain Central Bus Station, a taxi or local transport can be used to reach the zoo.
What should I wear when visiting Al Ain Zoo?
The zoo recommends comfortable and modest clothing covering the shoulders and knees, together with comfortable walking shoes. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also recommended.
Is Al Ain Zoo open throughout the year?
Yes. Al Ain Zoo states that it is open year-round.
When was Al Ain Zoo established?
Al Ain Zoo opened in 1968. It was established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to preserve wildlife and showcase the UAE's cultural and environmental heritage.
What makes Al Ain Zoo different?
Al Ain Zoo combines a large wildlife collection with safari experiences, animal encounters, educational activities, conservation-focused facilities, play areas, and visitor amenities.