The Al Ain Zoo and Safari

The zoo Al Ain was created in 1968 by Sheikh Zayed, father of the nation, and fervent defender of nature. He also created the Sir Bani Yas Island Animal Protection Site (see our article on the topic). The endangered Arabian Oryx was introduced to the Al Ain Zoo in 1972 as part of a preservation program. Ten years later, it was the turn of the Houbara bustard, a bird of the region with a white crest.

The 2000s mark the expansion and internationalization of the institution, with the signing of a partnership with the San Diego Zoo, to adopt best practices at the Al Ain Zoo. The zoo has expansion plans and the Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort is launched, prefiguring a new conception of the interaction between visitors and animals.

The Al Ain Zoo is involved in several species conservation programs, and is increasingly involved in educating children to protect biodiversity.

The collection is very large and includes nearly 200 species of animals including 2260 mammals, 965 birds and 520 reptiles. The animals are divided into several sections. Mammals from Asia, the Arabian Peninsula, Africa, reptiles, cats, birds, diurnal animals.

You will also see many felines, including white lions from South Africa.

The Al Ain zoo is home to many giraffes and there is a stand to feed them (at certain times of the day, ticket to buy extra, priority for children).

There is a small zoo for children, where they can interact with animals and feed them. Mainly sheep, birds, goats and camels.

Throughout the day can be proposed activities with birds: show with hawks, parrots ...

The schedules of the site are seasonal. They are subject to modifications and exceptions so it is best to check them on the official site. At the time of writing this article, the schedules are different in winter and summer. From October to April, the zoo is open from 9am to 8pm every day (it closes one hour later on Thursday and Friday). From May to September, it opens every day from 4pm to 10pm. During the month of Ramadan, the site is closed.

The entrance ticket costs 30AED for an adult, 10AED for a child under 12, free for children under 3 years old. The combined train ticket costs 40AED (30AED for a child). The safari tour combined with the zoo entrance is 200AED, and there is no discount for children over 5 years old. It is possible to buy certain types of tickets online at the website.

To visit, be sure to have your shoulders and knees covered. We advise you to observe this rule throughout the city because Al Ain is rather conservative.

You will find on site a souvenir shop and some fast food restaurants.

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