Dubai Safari Park is a 119-hectare wildlife park in Al Warqa that combines conservation, education and family fun. It houses more than 3,000 animals from around 300 species, spread across six themed zones connected by a shuttle train. You can see lions, giraffes, tigers, moon bears and Arabian wolves in a single visit. The park runs in seasons, and the current one is closed until Season 8 begins in October 2026, so this guide covers the ticket price, timings and plans you need before you go.
History & Vision of Dubai Safari Park
How the Park Came to Be
Dubai Safari Park replaced the old Dubai Zoo in Jumeirah. It opened to the public in late 2018 with a different idea. Animals live in larger, greener habitats designed to look like the places they come from, and visitors move through those spaces instead of looking at animals in small cages.
Today the park works as a seasonal attraction. It opens in the cooler months, usually from October, and closes for the hot summer. Season 8 began on 14 October 2025, and the park has announced that Season 8 tickets will go on sale in October 2026.
Sustainability Efforts
The park is built to use fewer resources. Solar energy, recycling and water-saving systems all support daily operations, which matters in a desert city where cooling animal habitats takes a lot of power and water. Shaded enclosures and planted areas help keep temperatures manageable for the animals and for visitors.
Conservation and Breeding Programs
The park takes part in breeding and rescue work for rare species. It also runs anti-poaching awareness campaigns that connect visitors to wildlife protection beyond the UAE. Many of the animals you see are part of long-term efforts to keep species healthy and growing in number.
Main Zones of Dubai Safari Park
The six zones are African Village, Asian Village, Arabian Desert Safari, Explorer Village, Kids Farm and Al Wadi. The shuttle train links them, so you do not have to walk the whole 119 hectares in the heat.
African Village
This is the busiest zone, and for good reason. You can see lions, hippos, giraffes and a range of African birds. The park also lists African elephants and rhinos among its animals. Giraffe encounters here are a favourite with children.
Asian Village
Asian Village is home to moon bears, tigers and a collection of Asian reptiles. It is quieter than the African zone, which makes it a good place to slow down and take photos.
Arabian Desert Safari
This zone shows animals from the Arabian Peninsula, including gazelles, Arabian wolves and desert birds. It teaches visitors how animals survive in the same kind of desert that surrounds Dubai. A 15-minute Arabian Desert Safari ride is included in the standard pass.
Explorer Village
Explorer Village is where the guided safari bus tours start. Vehicles take you close to animals such as lions, cheetahs and African wild dogs in open habitats. It is the best place in the park to get close-up encounters.
Kids Farm
Kids Farm has a petting zoo, pony rides and simple learning activities. It suits younger children who care more about touching a goat than spotting a distant lion.
Signature Experiences & Attractions
Safari Journey
The Safari Journey is the highlight of most visits. It is a guided tour in a closed vehicle through mixed habitats, and the longer version takes about 35 minutes. Expect to see big cats and other predators from a safe distance.
Live Shows and Presentations
The park runs live animal shows, wildlife talks and educational presentations through the day. The standard pass includes three live shows, and the schedule is posted at the entrance. Arrive early to get a good seat.
Feeding Experiences
You can take part in animal feeding sessions, including giraffes, birds and goats. Some sessions are included in the pass, and others may cost extra depending on the season.
Aviaries and Reptile Houses
Walk-through aviaries let you stand among colourful birds instead of watching them behind glass. The reptile houses are indoors, so they offer a cool break in the middle of a warm day.
Photography Spots and Viewing Platforms
Raised viewing platforms give clear sightlines over the enclosures. Giraffes and lions are easiest to photograph from these spots, especially in the early morning when animals are more active.
Animal Diversity & Conservation Highlights
Endangered Species and Breeding
The park houses several endangered and vulnerable species and takes part in breeding programs for rare animals. Seeing a healthy young animal in the park is often the result of years of careful planning.
Veterinary Care and Protection
A dedicated veterinary team looks after the animals and monitors their health. The park also works on rescue and wildlife protection initiatives.
Education for Children and Schools
The Young Explorers workshops, wildlife talks and school programs teach children about animals and ecosystems. These sessions turn a day out into something children remember and can explain later.
Family-Friendly Features Inside the Park
The park is designed to be easy for families to move through. These features are specific to Dubai Safari Park, and you can find wider options in our guide to family places in Dubai.
- Stroller-friendly paths: Paths are wide and mostly flat, and the shuttle train helps when little legs get tired.
- Shaded rest areas: Seating under shade is placed along the routes, which matters most from October to April when the sun is still strong at midday.
- Interactive learning zones: Workshops and hands-on activities keep children involved.
- Child-safe enclosures: Viewing areas are built so that children can see animals clearly without being at risk.
Children of any age can enter, but they must stay with an adult at all times.
Dining & Facilities Inside the Park
Cafés, Kiosks and Picnic Areas
Cafés and food kiosks sit near the main zones and serve quick meals, snacks and cold drinks. Picnic areas are available, but outside food and drinks are not allowed through the gates, so plan to eat at the park’s outlets.
Prayer Rooms and Restrooms
Prayer rooms and clean restrooms are available around the park. Accessibility features such as ramps and wheelchair-friendly routes help visitors with limited mobility.
Tickets, Timings & Visitor Information
Ticket Types and Prices
The official Safari Park Pass was AED 50 for the 2025-2026 season. It covers entry to all six zones, unlimited shuttle train rides, the 15-minute Arabian Desert Safari, three live shows, feeding sessions, wildlife talks and free parking.
Here is how the main options compare:
- Day pass (Safari Park Pass): AED 50 in the last season, and it covers most of the park.
- Safari upgrade: The longer guided safari tour of about 35 minutes costs extra and gives close views of lions, cheetahs and wild dogs.
- Seasonal pass: Availability and price change from season to season, so check the official website when Season 8 tickets go live.
Some third-party sites list adult tickets at AED 75 and child tickets at AED 55. Those prices can differ from the official ones, so always compare before you pay. Dubai Safari Park tickets should be bought from the official site or a trusted seller.
Opening Hours
In earlier seasons the park opened at 9:00 AM and closed at 6:00 PM, with last entry at 5:00 PM. Hours can change with each season, so confirm them once Season 8 opens.
Best Time to Visit
October to April has the best weather. Go in the morning on a weekday to avoid crowds. Weekends and public holidays, especially around Christmas, get very busy, and train and safari queues can take an hour or more.
Parking and Transport
Parking is free. The park is in Al Warqa and takes around 20 to 30 minutes to reach from most central areas, depending on traffic. Driving or taking a taxi is the easiest option.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
A Simple Route Through the Park
Start at the Explorer Village for the safari while animals are most active. Then move to African Village, Asian Village and the Arabian Desert Safari. Finish at Kids Farm if you have children with you. Use the shuttle train between zones.
Half-Day or Full-Day Visit
A half day of about three hours lets you see the main animals and one show. Most visitors spend four to six hours, which gives time for all six zones, a meal and a couple of feeding sessions.
What to Bring
Bring sunscreen, a hat, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. Charge your camera or phone before you arrive. Drones, balloons, glass items and wheeled bags are not allowed.
Best Photography Spots
The viewing platforms in African Village work best for giraffes and lions. The walk-through aviaries give colourful close-ups. Early morning light is softer and animals move around more.
Seasonal Events & Special Programs
The park often adds events during the cooler months, such as winter wildlife activities, educational workshops and conservation awareness days. Special safari experiences may also appear from season to season. Programs change each year, so check the official schedule when the park reopens.
Nearby Attractions
Two places connect naturally with a visit to the park:
- Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary: A wetland known for flamingos and other birds. It suits a quiet morning of birdwatching.
- Mushrif Park: A large green park with trails, picnic spots and outdoor activities. It works well as a relaxed follow-up after a busy safari day.
Conclusion
Dubai Safari Park is a strong choice for wildlife lovers, families and first-time visitors. The AED 50 pass gives good value, the zones cover animals from Africa, Asia and Arabia, and the safari rides bring you close to species that are hard to see anywhere else in the UAE. The park’s work in conservation, breeding and education also shows how Dubai plans to grow its eco-tourism in the coming years. Check the official site once Season 8 opens in October 2026, book your Dubai Safari Park tickets, and plan your visit for a cool weekday morning.
FAQs
How much are Dubai Safari Park tickets?
The official Safari Park Pass cost AED 50 in the 2025-2026 season. Prices for Season 8 should be confirmed on the official website once tickets go on sale in October 2026.
What are the opening hours of Dubai Safari Park?
In earlier seasons the park was open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with last entry at 5:00 PM. Timings can change each season.
Is Dubai Safari Park open now?
No. The park is closed for the season and Season 8 is expected to start in October 2026.
How many animals live in Dubai Safari Park?
The park is home to more than 3,000 animals from around 300 species.
How many zones does Dubai Safari Park have?
It has six zones: African Village, Asian Village, Arabian Desert Safari, Explorer Village, Kids Farm and Al Wadi.
How long does a visit take?
Most visitors spend four to six hours. A shorter half-day visit is possible if you focus on the main zones.
Is parking free at Dubai Safari Park?
Yes, parking is free.
Can I bring food into the park?
No. Outside food and drinks are not permitted, but cafés and kiosks are available inside.
What is the best time to visit Dubai Safari Park?
The best time is a weekday morning between October and April, when the weather is cooler and crowds are smaller.
Is Dubai Safari Park suitable for young children?
Yes. Children of all ages can visit with an adult. Kids Farm, stroller-friendly paths, shaded rest areas and the shuttle train make it easy for families.
