If you’re after a day that mixes “aww” with “whoa” (and a splash of educational pride), Al Ain Zoo is the kind of place that delivers. Tucked into the cooler, greener parts of Abu Dhabi’s beloved Garden City, the zoo is home to a huge collection of animals – think thousands of furry, feathered and scaly characters – and a program that’s as much about conservation and learning as it is about good old-fashioned fun.
A bit of history – short and sweet
The story started in 1968, when the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan set the wheels in motion for what would become one of the Middle East’s oldest and most respected zoological institutions. Decades later, that founding vision still shapes the zoo’s mission: protect species, educate visitors, and create natural-feeling habitats that animals actually enjoy.
What’s new
Heads up: from 1 November 2025, the zoo has some shiny new reasons to visit – including a gorilla sanctuary opening and the return of the hippo and crocodile exhibits. If you want the “meet-the-gorillas” excitement or an underwater hippo cameo, now’s the moment to plan it.
Family favourites & those can’t-miss moments
Kids – and big kids at heart – will adore the giraffe feeding (bring your camera and your confetti-level enthusiasm). There are lemur antics that double as comedy shows and an eagle owl that carries an air of regal mystery. Along the way, keep an ear out: animal-care teams share stories that turn “look at that cute creature” into “wow, I didn’t know that,” and suddenly everyone leaves smarter than they arrived.
Al Ain Safari & private experiences
Prefer a more private encounter? The Al Ain Safari offers exclusive guided SUV tours – roughly 45 minutes for up to six guests – where a conservation expert points out residents and explains the care and protection behind the scenes. It’s a plush little expedition if you want a deeper look without the crowd. Price for the private SUV experience is listed at AED 1,050 per group.
Learning, lights and legacy
At the zoo’s heart sits the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre – an award-winning hub that mixes interactive exhibits and immersive storytelling to get visitors thinking about biodiversity and sustainability. When the sun goes down, the Heritage Show projection-mapping brings the centre’s façade to life (the light show runs nightly), turning education into spectacle. It’s a nice reminder that conservation can be emotional, cinematic and, yes, Instagrammable.
Practical stuff
Al Ain Zoo is open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with some areas occasionally closed for maintenance – so it’s smart to check before you go. General admission is very wallet-friendly: AED 31.50 for adults, AED 10.50 for children aged 3-12, and kids under 3 get in free. If you’re booking the private safari or special experiences, those have separate prices and booking steps.
Behind the scenes: conservation
The habitats you stroll through are designed to mimic natural environments, and the zoo runs breeding programs, research and international partnerships – all aimed at protecting endangered species and ensuring future generations get to see these animals in the wild (or as close to it as possible). It’s the sort of work that happens quietly, but matters loudly.
Final bite – should you go?
Short answer: absolutely. Whether you’re bringing the family, sneaking in a solo escape, or planning a mini-adventure with friends, Al Ain Zoo balances heart-tugging encounters with meaningful conservation messages. Book the private safari if you’re feeling fancy, show up early to beat the heat, and leave plenty of time for the learning centre and the evening projection show. For bookings and the latest updates, check the zoo’s official site.
Go on – go make some memory-filled chaos with giraffes, gorillas and hippos. (And hey, no judgment if you come home humming the lemurs’ theme song.)
Contact & Location:
Phone – +971800966
