These Dubai Wildlife Spots Will Make You Feel like a Jungle King
At home, at work, at the mall, and everywhere else—don’t you ever get tired of seeing humans all the time? I know I do! I tend to isolate myself a lot when I’m working. And stress hits its peak, I’m this close to screaming “Aaaaaaahhhhhh!” like Tarzan.
But don’t get me wrong. I’m actually a people person—well, most of the time. Now and then, I just need to escape to nature and hang out with some cute animals.
That’s why I’ve made it my mission to find only the best spots to see incredible wildlife in Dubai. Check out my list, and come visit our animal friends too!
Where can I find wildlife in Dubai?
There are many places where you can find wildlife in Dubai. See spots like Dubai Safari Park, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Falcon and Heritage Sports Centre, and Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project to see some amazing animals!
Dubai Safari Park
Media from dubaisafari
Website: https://dubaisafari.ae/
Address: 5CCW+H5 – Al Warqa 5 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact Details: +971 800 900, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 6:30 PM
Fees:
- Standard Entry Ticket – AED 45
- Safari Journey – AED 95
If you’re all about being surrounded by animals all day, Dubai Safari Park is your spot— it’s got over 3,000 animals chilling out in a huge space!
I dare you to play “I Spy” with more than 50 types of reptiles, 110 birds, 17 kinds of monkeys, and 10 different carnivores here. Plus, it’s got awesome animal shows and cool experiences you can dive into.
But one of my favourites is the Kid’s Farm, where there’s also a cute petting zoo! Here, you can find Amazon parrots, African love birds, Najdi sheep, and more. And guess what? Your little ones can even hop on ponies for a ride—how fun is that?
Pro tip:
If walking isn’t your thing, grab a train ride between the villages at Dubai Safari Park if you’ve got PLUS tickets. Just remember, you’ve got to book this online in advance.
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
Media from ddcr_uae
Website: https://www.ddcr.org/
Address: Sharjah – United Arab Emirates
Contact Details: +971 800 900
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
Fees:
- Adults – AED 35
- Children – AED 25
Want to see something cool? Over at the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, you can spot the Arabian oryx. These guys were almost wiped out, but thanks to a government breeding program, they’re making a comeback.
If you haven’t heard of it, the Arabian oryx is like a white antelope. Personally, I think they’re stunning creatures that deserve our admiration. You can catch them munching on grass and shrubs around the desert dunes.
On a wildlife tour at the reserve, I feel it’s awesome how close you can get to these wild oryx, so make sure to enjoy every moment of it!
Pro tip:
Next time you visit the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, consider packing a picnic since you’ve already gone on a tour. Also, don’t forget a sweater for when it cools down at night!
Falcon and Heritage Sports Centre
Media from antoniofalconer
Address: Muscat St – Nad Al Sheba 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact Details: +971 4 327 2854
Operating Hours:
- Saturday to Thursday – 10 AM to 10 PM
- Friday – 4 PM to 10 PM
Fees:
- Free entry
Falcon and Heritage Sports Centre is all about celebrating these incredible birds known for their sharp eyesight and hunting skills. They’re like a symbol of focus, smarts, and speed. Emiratis even consider them the national bird of the UAE!
We’re in awe that only here in Dubai’s centre can you buy falcons, which is pretty unique given their cultural significance. We recommend visiting the Falcon Museum for a close-up look at these birds—rest assured, they’re expertly cared for here.
Another cool thing for us is that the centre’s got a vet clinic just for falcons. Who knows? Maybe you’ll end up being a Falcon owner too, and then you’ll know where to go.
Pro tip:
Got a pet bird at home? Once you’ve explored the Falcon Museum, head over to the souk (traditional market) nearby for the latest accessories for your feathered pals!
Platinum Heritage
Media from platinumheritage
Website: http://www.platinum-heritage.com/
Address: RJJF+6M – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact Details: +971 4 440 9827, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 12 AM
Fees:
- Desert Safari – Starts at AED 695
Ever wondered what it would be like to spend a night in the desert? If you have, we reckon Platinum Heritage offers some amazing safari experiences for you and your crew.
Here, you’ll cruise through the desert in a classic Land Rover, discovering desert plants and getting a taste of falconry. But the highlight for me is when night falls and you chill out at camp.
I just love how these traditional Arabic stone rooms are inspired by how Bedouins (nomadic Arabs) used to set up camp. And in the morning, you get treated to a fancy breakfast with eggs, pastries, cold cuts, cheeses, and more.
Pro tip:
If you’re up for a unique dessert, we recommend that you try the camel ice cream at Platinum Heritage! Unlike cow’s milk, which is creamy and sweet, camel’s milk has a slight salty twist.
And don’t stress if you’re vegan or vegetarian, either—the folks here have you covered with plenty of options!
Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project
Media from dubaiturtles
Address: 45PP+JF5 – Umm Suqeim – Umm Suqeim 3 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Fees:
- Free entry
You’ve probably heard many people say stuff like “Save the turtles!” a lot, right? Well, at the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project, the people here are all about rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing these amazing creatures to keep them safe.
And if you’re into cute turtles, I bet you’ll love the weekly public feeding sessions they have here. Just make sure to check the schedule ahead of time because it can change.
Pro tip:
If you’re driving to the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project, I encourage using the free valet parking. It’s actually free for the first 30 minutes, which can save you some cash for some souvenirs you might want to purchase later.
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
Media from visit.dubai
Address: 58X9+52P – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact Details: +971 800 900, [email protected]
Opening Times:
- Winter Season – 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM (except Friday and Saturday)
- April to September – 6 AM to 6 PM
Fees:
- Free entry
You know what’s bright and pink and just a wonderful sight to behold? Flamingos! At Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, I adore that visitors can see loads of them all chilling in their natural habitat.
This place blows my mind with the number of birds you can find here in just one visit—it’s like bird central around here! Plus, it won’t cost you a dirham to check it out.
Even if you’re not an expert with a camera, I bet you’ll still get some amazing shots that can make other professional photographers jealous.
Pro tip:
Just a heads-up: Parking might be a bit tight around Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, so I think it’s smart to scope out the area before you drive over.
The Green Planet
Media from thegreenplanetdubai
Website: https://www.thegreenplanetdubai.com/
Address: City Walk – Al Wasl – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact Details: +971 800 7699, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 6 PM
Fees:
- Starts at AED 155
Sometimes, you just need a break from the city hustle and the dry desert, right? If so, I reckon The Green Planet is perfect for you (and the kids!). It’s an indoor, vertical forest where you can explore animals in a natural, aesthetic spot and have a jolly time.
There are tons of colourful animals and plants here, so get ready for a real visual treat. Some of my favourite creatures include the cool channel-billed toucans, python snakes, and those bright yellow parrots known as sun conures.
And here’s the best part—I love how the raindrops and even the thunder sounds here make you feel like you’re really deep in nature. In my opinion, this is impressive given that it’s located on City Walk near downtown.
Pro tip:
Plan ahead if you’re visiting The Green Planet—it usually takes about 2 hours to explore everything. Also, check out the feeding times of the animals beforehand if you want the kids to catch them in action!
Ski Dubai
Media from skidxb
Website: https://www.skidxb.com/ar-ae/ski-dubai
Address: Sheikh Zayed Rd – Al Barsha – Al Barsha 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact Details: +971 4 409 4000, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 10 AM to 11 PM
- Friday – 10 AM to 12 AM
- Saturday to Sunday – 9 AM to 12 AM
Fees:
- Penguin Encounter Pass – AED 230
Who says it’s impossible to see penguins in Dubai? These cool birds can be seen at Ski Dubai—you could even have the chance to interact with them! Located in the Mall of the Emirates, the adorable Gentoo and King penguins march around the place.
By getting a Penguin Pass, I love that guests can have a fun “meet and greet” with the birds, and they’ll also get to know more about their current situation in the wild. Both fun and inspiring, especially for the little ones to be kinder to animals.
Pro tip:
Remember, Ski Dubai has a no-phone-photo policy. If you really want snapshots, though, you’ll need to shell out around AED 150 extra, so make sure you’ve got some cash on hand.
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
Media from dubaiaquarium
Website: https://www.thedubaiaquarium.com/
Address: Dubai Mall – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact Details: +971 800 382246255, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 10:15 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 10 AM to 11:15 PM
Fees:
- Regular Pass – AED 199 per person
- Ultimate Experience – AED 299 per person
- *Might need to add AED 100 for each encounter selected
If you have a fear of the ocean, Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo might just be the spot to help you overcome it!
Conveniently located inside the Dubai Mall, you can easily explore the giant tank that houses over 33,000 aquatic animals. It also has the biggest collection of tiger sharks, and the best part is that you can get up close while being safe underneath!
There are a bunch of ways to enjoy this experience. Besides going through the aquarium tunnel, you may opt for a glass-bottom boat tour and even mingle with sharks by swimming with them (with expert supervision, of course)!
Pro tip:
Grab your tickets for the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo online beforehand to save some cash—it’s more expensive if you buy them at the door.
Also, it’s best to give yourself at least 45 minutes to fully soak in all the cool marine life at the aquarium.