When I first arrived at Emirates Park Zoo in Abu Dhabi, I wasn’t expecting to have breakfast with giraffes. Yet there I was at 9:00am, sitting at a table in Giraffe Park Caves while a 5-metre-tall Rothschild giraffe leaned over the fence to inspect my coffee. This 80-acre zoo — located 10 minutes from Yas Island — houses over 1,700 animals from 250 species, but what makes it distinctive isn’t the quantity. It’s that you can feed elephants, watch sea lion shows, zipline over tiger enclosures, and stay overnight in chalets overlooking the giraffe feeding area.
This is Abu Dhabi’s only privately-owned zoo, and the first autism-friendly outdoor zoo in the UAE, certified by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards.
Quick overview
Emirates Park Zoo admission costs AED 65 for general entry. The Zoo Plus ticket (AED 85) includes one animal activity. The Zoo Explorer ticket (AED 125) includes five activities. Children under 3 enter free. The zoo is open daily from 9:00am to 9:00pm (extended until 10:00pm on Fridays and Saturdays). Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance. Most visitors spend 3-4 hours exploring the animal enclosures, watching shows, and participating in feeding experiences. Emirates Park Resort guests receive complimentary zoo admission.
At a glance
| Price | Opening hours | Address | Free for | Last entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AED 65 adults / Free children under 3 | Daily 9:00am – 9:00pm (10:00pm Fri-Sat) | 12th Street, Al Bahia, Abu Dhabi | Under 3, resort guests | 8:00pm |
How much does Emirates Park Zoo cost?
Standard zoo admission costs AED 65. The Zoo Plus ticket (AED 85) includes admission plus one animal activity (feeding, riding, or interactive session). The Zoo Explorer ticket (AED 125) includes admission plus five activities. Children under 3 enter free — no ticket required.
| Ticket type | Price | Who qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Zoo admission | AED 65 (€16) | Ages 3+ |
| Zoo Plus | AED 85 (€21) | Includes 1 activity |
| Zoo Explorer | AED 125 (€31) | Includes 5 activities |
| Under 3 | Free | Under 3 years |
| Resort guests | Free | Staying at Emirates Park Resort |
Premium dining experiences cost significantly more: Breakfast with Elephants (AED 262.50), Dinner with Big Cats (AED 300), and Iftar with Giraffes (AED 2,205). Additional activities like Zoo Zip & Climb (participants must be 140cm+ tall) and animal feeding sessions (AED 10-20 per bag) are priced separately.
These Emirates Park Zoo ticket prices were checked and verified in January 2026.
Five great Abu Dhabi experiences
- 🏜️ Go on an evening desert safari with BBQ and camel rides.
- 🕌 Get a guided visit of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque as part of a hop-on, hop-off bus tour.
- 🏎️ Take a behind-the-scenes tour at Yas Marina Circuit.
- 🚤 Explore the Yas Island mangroves on a self-guided speedboat tour.
- 🏝️ Go on an island-hopping boat tour for beach time and dolphin spotting.
Is Emirates Park Zoo free to enter?
No. All visitors aged 3+ must purchase tickets. Children under 3 receive complimentary entry. Emirates Park Resort guests staying overnight in the chalets receive free zoo admission for the duration of their stay.
There are no free admission days or reduced-price hours. Third-party discount cards (Fazaa, Entertainer) occasionally offer promotions, but these vary seasonally.
What time does Emirates Park Zoo open?
Emirates Park Zoo opens daily at 9:00am. Closing time varies slightly: Monday to Thursday at 9:00pm, Friday and Saturday at 10:00pm, Sunday at 9:00pm. The zoo operates year-round with no seasonal closures, though it may close on UAE public holidays announced at short notice.
Animal show schedule: Elephant Show (9:30am, 3:30pm, 5:45pm, 8:15pm), Sea Lion Show (5:00pm, 7:30pm), Tropical Bird Show (10:00am, 6:30pm). These times may vary — check the schedule board at the entrance on arrival.
Early mornings (9:00am-11:00am) are best for animal activity. Midday heat makes animals less visible. Weekday mornings avoid weekend crowds.
Do I need to book Emirates Park Zoo tickets in advance?
Online booking is recommended but not essential. Walk-up tickets are usually available at the entrance, though weekends and public holidays may sell out. Book online if visiting during peak times (November-March, public holidays).
Premium dining experiences (Breakfast with Elephants, Dinner with Big Cats) require advance booking and cannot be rescheduled if you arrive late. Book these at least 3-5 days ahead.
A brief history
Emirates Park Zoo began in 2008 as a small feeding farm with a handful of animals. Founder Rashed Al Ameri envisioned a place where families could interact with wildlife, not just observe from distance. In 2012, the farm transformed into a full-scale zoo, expanding its collection to over 1,700 animals across 80 acres.
The zoo prioritises education and conservation, holding accreditations from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and membership in the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). It participates in breeding programmes for endangered species including Amur leopards, Bengal tigers, and Rothschild giraffes.
In 2019, Emirates Park Zoo became the UAE’s first autism-friendly outdoor zoo, receiving IBCCES certification. This designation ensures sensory-friendly experiences, trained staff, and quiet spaces for visitors with autism and sensory sensitivities. The Early Childhood Authority of Abu Dhabi also recognises the zoo for providing safe, inclusive educational experiences for young children.
Emirates Park Resort opened adjacent to the zoo, offering chalets with views of animal enclosures. Guests staying overnight receive complimentary zoo access, creating a unique “safari lodge” experience 30 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi.
What you’ll see at Emirates Park Zoo
Wildlife Walk — An air-conditioned indoor space housing big cats including Bengal tigers, rescued cheetahs, Amur leopards, and Siberian bears. Glass viewing panels provide close-up encounters. This section is particularly popular during summer heat.
Primate Paradise — Home to blue monkeys, velvet monkeys, ring-tailed lemurs, and various monkey species. Elevated walkways let you observe primates at eye level. Watch feeding sessions daily.
Bird Park — Walk-through aviaries containing African grey parrots, red-winged macaws, laughing kookaburras, and tropical birds. Some birds are free-flight trained and participate in the Tropical Bird Show.
Reptile House — Nile crocodiles, pythons, monitor lizards, and various snake species. The Crocodile Pool contains multiple Nile crocodiles visible from above and through underwater viewing windows.
Flamingo Park — Dozens of flamingos wade in shallow pools creating Instagram-worthy photo opportunities. The flamingos are surprisingly vocal.
Elephant Encounter — Two Asiatic elephants reside here. Watch feeding demonstrations or book premium dining experiences (Breakfast/Dinner with Elephants) where you dine at tables overlooking the enclosure.
Giraffe Feeding Platform — Hand-feed Rothschild giraffes from an elevated platform (food bags AED 10-20). The giraffes’ long tongues and gentle demeanour make this popular with children. Resort guests in Giraffe Arena Theme Chalets overlook this area.
Sea Lion Pool — Two California sea lions perform in daily shows (5:00pm, 7:30pm) demonstrating intelligence through tricks, ball games, and interactions with trainers. Educational content about marine conservation included.
Petting Zoo — Domestic animals including goats, sheep, donkeys, and ducks. Children can touch and feed animals under supervision.
Fun Games Zone — Over 100 arcade games, five large rides, children’s salon, and nursery. Provides entertainment when children tire of animal viewing.
Zoo Zip & Climb — Aerial adventure park with ziplines and climbing walls over animal enclosures. Height restrictions apply: 140cm+ for main activities, 110-135cm for junior climb.
What’s included with your ticket?
Zoo admission (AED 65):
- Access to all animal enclosures
- Wildlife Walk, Primate Paradise, Bird Park, Reptile House
- Viewing platforms for elephants, giraffes, big cats
- Petting Zoo
- All animal shows (elephant, sea lion, tropical bird)
Zoo Plus (AED 85) adds: One activity (feeding, riding, or interactive session)
Zoo Explorer (AED 125) adds: Five activities of your choice
Not included: Animal food bags (AED 10-20), premium dining experiences, Fun Games Zone arcade (separate charges), Zoo Zip & Climb (separate fees), camel/pony rides beyond included activities, professional photography.
Things to do near Emirates Park Zoo
Ferrari World Yas Island (10km, 10-minute drive) — World’s first Ferrari theme park with Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster (240km/h). Indoor park with 40+ rides. Sunday is arguably the best day to visit Ferrari World.
Yas Waterworld (10km, 10-minute drive) — Emirati-themed waterpark with 40+ rides including Dawwama, the world’s largest six-person tornado waterslide.
Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi (11km, 11-minute drive) — Indoor theme park with 29 rides across six themed zones: Gotham City, Metropolis, Cartoon Junction, Bedrock, Dynamite Gulch, Warner Bros Plaza.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (20km, 20-minute drive) — UAE’s largest mosque with capacity for 40,000 worshippers. White marble architecture, world’s largest carpet, Swarovski crystal chandeliers. Free admission; modest dress required.
Yas Mall (11km, 11-minute drive) — Shopping mall with 370+ stores, cinemas, bowling, dining. Adjacent to Yas theme parks.
Elsewhere in Abu Dhabi, highlights include the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital.
Practical tips
- Location: 12th Street, Al Bahia, Abu Dhabi
- Getting there: Buses 225, 202, 210, 218, 420 stop nearby. From Dubai: Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), take Al Bahia exit (30-minute drive). From downtown Abu Dhabi: 15-minute drive. Free parking on-site.
- Time needed: 3-4 hours minimum. Add 1-2 hours for Fun Games Zone or Zoo Zip & Climb. Full-day visit recommended.
- Photography: Non-flash photography permitted. No professional equipment without permission.
- Dress code: Casual, modest clothing preferred. Comfortable walking shoes essential. Hat and sunscreen crucial in summer.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible throughout. Wheelchairs available on request. IBCCES autism-certified with sensory-friendly spaces.
- Crowds: Weekday mornings quietest. Friday-Saturday afternoons busiest. School holidays attract large family groups.
- Weather: November-March ideal (cooler temperatures). Summer (June-August) extremely hot — visit early morning or evening. Many animals retreat indoors during midday heat.
FAQs
Can I bring outside food? Yes, picnic areas available. Outside food and sealed drinks permitted. On-site restaurants include Al Dar Garden and The Hide.
Are pets allowed? No, except registered service animals.
Can I stay overnight? Yes, Emirates Park Resort offers chalets and family suites overlooking animal enclosures. Overnight guests receive free zoo admission.
What’s the minimum age for activities? Petting Zoo: all ages. Zoo Zip & Climb: 110cm+ (junior), 140cm+ (main). Driving Adventure: ages 6-12 only.
Is it really autism-friendly? Yes, IBCCES-certified with trained staff, quiet spaces, and sensory-friendly experiences.
How does it compare to Al Ain Zoo? Emirates Park Zoo is smaller (80 acres vs 400 hectares) but offers more interactive experiences. Al Ain Zoo is more traditional with larger exhibits.
More UAE travel
Other UAE travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- What to expect at Aya Universe in Dubai.
- Guide to the View at the Palm observation deck.
- Aquaventure World in Dubai – visiting the world’s largest water park.
- Visitor guide for the Lost World aquarium in Dubai.
- Watching camels in training for races in Dubai.
