Just when you thought a trip to the zoo could not get any wilder, Al Ain Zoo decided to switch on the lights.
One of the Middle East’s oldest and largest wildlife destinations will welcome visitors back from September 5, bringing refreshed experiences, exciting animal encounters and enough family entertainment to keep everyone happily occupied.
Yes, even that one child who usually announces, “I’m bored,” approximately seven minutes after arriving.
The biggest attraction is the new Glow After Dark festival, which will transform Al Ain Zoo into an illuminated nighttime wonderland from September 5 to October 4.
Al Ain Zoo reopening details
Reopening date: September 5
Glow After Dark festival: September 5 to October 4
Zoo timings: 2:00pm to 10:00pm
Festival activities: From 5:00pm
Location: Al Ain Zoo, Al Ain
Adult admission: AED 31.50
Children aged 3 to 12: AED 10.50
Children under 3: Free
Watch Al Ain Zoo glow after sunset
Once the sun goes down, the Zoo will brighten up with glowing animal displays, immersive performances and colourful entertainment for the whole family.
During the festival, Al Ain Zoo will be open from 2:00pm to 10:00pm, while the evening activities will begin at 5:00pm.
That means visitors can skip the midday heat, arrive in the afternoon and watch the Zoo completely change as daylight fades. One minute, you are casually admiring the wildlife. The next, glowing stilt walkers are towering above you while performers in dazzling LED costumes light up the pathways.
It is dramatic, colourful and slightly magical. Basically, it is the kind of evening that will fill your camera roll before you even reach the animals.
A new storytelling adventure for families
Making its debut during the festival is the Nature Venture show, an immersive storytelling experience inspired by the animal kingdom.
Children and parents can settle in together as fascinating wildlife tales are brought to life after sunset. It is educational, but in the fun way. Think less classroom lecture and more nighttime adventure.
The show adds another layer to the Zoo experience, giving families a chance to slow down, listen and discover the natural world through imaginative storytelling.
Meet the wild residents
Of course, the animals remain the real celebrities here.
Visitors can join Al Ain Zoo’s popular safari experience for close-up views of African wildlife. There is also an opportunity to feed giraffes, which sounds adorable until you realise just how long and determined a giraffe’s tongue can be.
For an even closer encounter, guests can try the Lemur Walk. This immersive experience offers the chance to observe the Zoo’s playful and highly social lemurs up close.
Expect curious faces, energetic personalities and at least one lemur that appears to be judging your outfit.
With experiences suitable for different ages, families can choose between a relaxed stroll through the Zoo or a full schedule of wildlife encounters and activities.
Come hungry because the Zoo has options
Exploring the animal kingdom is hungry work. Luckily, Al Ain Zoo has several dining spots ready to rescue visitors from the dreaded family chorus of “What are we eating?”
Zarafa Restaurant, surrounded by the Zoo’s greenery, serves a varied selection of international dishes in a relaxed setting.
Need something quicker? Oasis Café and Bites Corner are ideal for grabbing a snack before moving on to the next attraction.
Visitors can also take their taste buds on a small world tour:
- Mexican Fiesta serves filling burritos
- Asia Express offers Indian favourites
- Wild Burger specialises in juicy American-style burgers
- Taste of Arabia brings traditional Arabic flavours to the table
So whether the family wants burgers, burritos or comforting regional dishes, there should be something to keep everyone happy.
A different side of Al Ain Zoo
With glowing performances, nighttime storytelling, wildlife encounters and plenty of food choices, the reopening offers families a fresh way to experience Al Ain Zoo.
Visitors can arrive in the afternoon, meet the animals, enjoy dinner and then explore the illuminated festival after sunset. It is part wildlife adventure, part evening spectacle and part clever excuse to keep the children entertained until bedtime.
If your usual family outing needs a little more sparkle, a few giraffes and perhaps a glowing stilt walker, this could be the answer.
Gather the family, charge your phone and prepare to discover Al Ain Zoo in a whole new light. Literally.
Location
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