Al Ain Zoo
Nahyan The First Street, Shiab Al Ashkhar, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Located at the foothills of the Jebel Hafeet mountain, Al Ain Zoo is the largest zoo in the United Arab Emirates and one of the largest in the Middle East. It boasts nearly 200 species and more than 4,000 animals. The zoo is also home to the Sheik Zayed Desert Learning Center, and offers a range of interactive experiences.
The basics
Visitors can view and interact with a large range of indigenous and exotic animals, such as the Arabian antelope, Barbary sheep, giraffes, rhinos, hippos, tigers, and lions. Al Ain Zoo is also home to animals from around the world, such as koalas and penguins. A number of experiences allow visitors to get closer to the animals: enjoy a bird show, watch animal feedings, go on an Arabian safari, and more. Explore interactive exhibits and multimedia materials in the Sheikh Zayed Learning Center, which offers five different galleries covering topics ranging from the Abu Dhabi Desert Over Time to People of the Desert. Book skip-the-line tickets to avoid waiting in line. For a hassle-free experience, opt for a guided tour from Dubai that includes round-trip transportation, plus additional sightseeing stops in Al Ain.
Things to know before you go
*Visitors should wear respectful clothing, covering shoulders and knees. *Wear comfortable shoes as the zoo grounds are massive; there is a paid shuttle that will take you around. *Certain experiences require an additional fee. *Outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the zoo. *Wheelchairs are available for free and strollers are available for rent.
How to get there
The zoo is located around 75 miles (120 kilometers) from Dubai and around 100 miles (160 kilometers) from Abu Dhabi. For those not taking a tour, you can drive, or take a taxi or bus from Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
When to get there
The zoo is open daily from 9am to 8pm, with extended hours over public holidays. During the summer, it’s best to visit from the late afternoon onwards. Most visitors spend a few hours here, but it’s possible to spend an entire day.
Al Ain Attractions
Known as the Garden City, Al Ain is home an abundance of palm and date trees, green gardens, and natural springs. Popular attractions include the Al Ain Camel Market, the Al Ain National Museum, Al Jahili Fort, Ain Oasis, and the Palace of Sheikh Zayed.
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