22 Jun 2026
5 min read
Author: Kajal SharmaIf you are looking for the best places to see wildlife in the UAE, then you are on the right page. The UAE wild animals have a different fanbase, including sea turtles, goats, egrets, cormorants, white tigers, penguins, and hippos. If these names excite you, then you’re in for a visual treat. In the United Arab Emirates, there are some of the most stunning places for wildlife and nature lovers. Be it a desert animal or a migratory bird, you will find a wide array of species when you walk the safari parks and zoos of the UAE.
The question here is where exactly you can spot these animals. Well, this is why we are here—this blog will share the top places to witness wildlife in UAE. Eventually, if these intrigue you to the point that you make up your mind to visit the country, then the leading travel agency can turn out to be your best friend. Book a tour package or maybe even get one customized especially to visit these spots.
If your plan is fixed to visit the amazing cities of the UAE for the best wildlife experience, then you may require a good staycation too, and for this we have found some good options for you:
Before we move forward, let us tell you that all the endangered animals in UAE live in a proper space and they all are taken care under the senior specialists.
If your plan is fixed to visit the amazing cities of the UAE for the best wildlife experience, then you may require a good staycation too, and for this we have found some good options for you:
7 Must-Visit Wildlife Hotspots in the UAE
1. Dubai Safari Park, Dubai
Starting with Dubai Safari Park, which is known as one of the best places to see wildlife in the UAE. It is because more than 3,000 animals live in the 116 hectares. Out of this, there are 78 species of mammals, 17 types of primates, 10 species of carnivores, 50 types of reptiles, and 111 different species of birds. When you come here to one of the best wildlife experiences in Dubai, you will also notice insects and amphibians.
The experience of exploring the best wild animals in Dubai will all be fulfilled by Dubai Safari Park.
The experience of exploring the best wild animals in Dubai will all be fulfilled by Dubai Safari Park.
Besides, there are several experiences that you can get here, including seeing the endangered animals in UAE which are famous across the nation. These include the African Village, Kids’ Farm, Explorer Village, Asian Village, and Arabian Desert Safari. From zebras to tigers to giraffes, there are so many UAE wild animals that you can spot here. For when you’re tired, head to Al Wadi and enjoy some of the best picnic and dining options.
Ticket Price: Starts from AED 50 | Additional price for safari experience
Time Required: 4 to 5 hours
Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM Daily
Location: Dubai Safari Park - 5CCW+H5 - Al Warqa - Al Warqa 5 - Dubai - United Arab Emirates | Dubai Safari Park
2. Al Ain Zoo, Al Ain
Al Ain Zoo in Al Ain is a 400-hectare park that was established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in 1968. The park is among the major wildlife hotspots, given that it is among the largest ones in the Middle East. This makes it a must-visit when you’re in the UAE. You will even see a number of endangered species that are well taken care of.
Want to know what sort of wildlife in UAE you can spot here? Well, you will see crocs, wolves, chimps, hippos, lemurs, jaguars, giraffes, cheetahs, lions, and even gorillas. Remember, you will need a green pass in order to enter the zoo.
So, now you don’t have to worry about the best places to see wildlife in the UAE as Al Ain Zoo will fulfill all your experiences.
So, now you don’t have to worry about the best places to see wildlife in the UAE as Al Ain Zoo will fulfill all your experiences.
Ticket Price: Starts from AED 30 for adults and AED 10 for children | Additional price for safari experience
Time Required: 3 to 4 hours
Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM Daily
Location: Al Ain Zoo - Nahyan The First St - Shiab Al Ashkhar - Zoo - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates | Al Ain Zoo
3. Sharjah Safari Park
Go for the safari at Sharjah Safari Park because it has the best animal safari in UAE. His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the park in 2022. Located inside the Al Bridi Reserve, this place is perfect for wildlife lovers.
About 50,000 animals from 120 different species reside here. During your visit, you can spot rhinos, giraffes, gazelles, lions, flamingos, and even African wild turtles. Don’t miss out on the black rhino! What’s more, there is a natural lake and a variety of dining options. So, what do you think?
So, this was all about Sharjah Safari Park which has the best wildlife in Dubai all with amazing experiences.
So, this was all about Sharjah Safari Park which has the best wildlife in Dubai all with amazing experiences.
Ticket Price: Starts from AED 15 for adults | AED 5 for children aged between 12 and 16 years | Additional price for safari experience
Time Required: 6 to 8 hours
Timings: 8:30 AM to 6 PM Daily
Location: Sharjah Safari Park - 7W2C+6HQ - Al Bridi - Sharjah - United Arab Emirates | Sharjah Safari
4. Emirates Park Zoo, Abu Dhabi
Let’s talk about Abu Dhabi wildlife, which is one of the best places to see wildlife in the UAE. When you’re in the capital city, head to the Emirates Park Zoo to witness some of the most wonderful creatures. These include leopards, tigers, lions, zebras, giraffes, capuchins, hawks, majestic owls, parrots, eagles, and even reptiles. Truly, wildlife in UAE is stunning and a treat to the eyes.
Once you’re done witnessing these animals, you can also indulge in activities like feeding hippos and ziplining. Don’t forget to dine with the elephants. You can always have a story to tell that starts with, “So, this one day, when I was eating with the elephants…” Or even you might be saying excitedly that I watched the most amazing endangered species in UAE.
Ticket Price: Approx. AED 52 | Additional price for more experiences
Time Required: 1 to 2 hours
Timings: 9 AM to 8 PM (Monday to Friday) | 9 AM to 11 PM (Saturday and Sunday)
Location: Emirates Park Zoo and Resort - 12th St - Al Bahyah - Al Bahyah Farms 2 - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates | Emirates Park Zoo and Resort
Check Out: Best Tourist Places in Abu Dhabi
5. The Green Planet, Dubai
Time to explore the tropical rainforest wildlife in UAE or the endangered species in UAE in a place that is known for deserts: Dubai. The Green Planet is ideal for exploring various layers of the ecosystem, from the canopy to the forest floor. You will see anteaters, pythons, lemurs, armadillos, and sloths in addition to a variety of other species.
We recommend going for the nighttime adventure—you will get to witness nocturnal animals in their natural habitat. It’s truly going to be an adventure of a lifetime all with the best wild animals in Dubai.
Get ready to explore the best wildlife in Dubai, all with The Green Planet Dubai.
Get ready to explore the best wildlife in Dubai, all with The Green Planet Dubai.
Ticket Price: Starts from AED 99 for children and AED 110 for adults | Get your The Green Planet tickets now!
Time Required: 2 to 3 hours
Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM Daily
Location: The Green Planet Dubai - Al Wasl - Dubai - United Arab Emirates | The Green Planet Dubai
6. Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, Dubai
Are you a bird person? Well, who are we kidding? Who on earth doesn’t like birds! This is why one of the must-visit places to see wildlife in Dubai is the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. We know you’re going to visit Dubai during your trip. So, why not go an extra mile and head out to the best ever wildlife sanctuary? After all, it’s located in Dubai Creek (we are sure you will be in this area at some point of your trip).
You will be stunned by the variety of species of birds you will see here—there are 20,000 birds at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. What’s more, you will notice that the pink flamingos fill the lagoons here. So, come here to watch some of the most beautiful migratory birds. It is the best way to experience wildlife in Dubai and also the best endangered animals in UAE.
Ticket Price: Free entry
Time Required: 1 to 2 hours
Timings: 7 AM to 5:30 PM (Sunday to Thursday) | Closed on Friday and Saturday
Location: Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary - Ras Al Khor Road - Dubai - United Arab Emirates | Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
7. Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, Abu Dhabi
What once used to be entirely salt is today a natural and man-made lake. This not only enhanced the beauty of the place but also enabled most of the wildlife in UAE to survive in the capital. At Al Wathba Wetland Reserve known for the best Abu Dhabi wildlife, you can witness a wide variety of aquatic life, 250 species of birds, and a large population of pink flamingoes. Excited already to explore these endangered species UAE?
For watching the flamingoes, we recommend going to a birding hide. For exploring the rest of the area, you can pick one of the two self-guided routes for walking. One is 3 kilometers long and the other is just 1.5 km. We recommend choosing one based on the amount of time you have mainly for exploring endangered species in UAE.
Well! Do you know that all these endangered species in UAE are kept safe and taken care of properly, which is why they are world-famous?
Well! Do you know that all these endangered species in UAE are kept safe and taken care of properly, which is why they are world-famous?
Ticket Price: Free Entry
Time Required: 2 to 3 hours
Timings: 8 AM to 5:30 PM (Monday to Friday) | Closed on Saturday and Sunday
Location: Al Wathba Wetland Reserve - Jarn Yafour - Mafraq Industrial Area - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates | Al Wathba Wetland Reserve
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Tips for a UAE Wildlife Adventure
Now that you know everything about the best places to experience wildlife in the UAE, let’s help you with some of the most crucial tips that will help you enjoy wildlife in UAE in the best possible way.
- Carry an insect repellent spray. You are going to need it for sure while exploring wild animals in Dubai.
- Consider visiting at a cooler time. If not during the cooler months, then at least visit the best places to see wildlife in the UAE during the cooler hours of the day (preferably early morning).
- Wear closed-toe shoes. This will prevent your feet from any thorns or harm while exploring the Abu Dhabi wildlife. It will also be comfortable to walk around in a wildlife sanctuary or in a zoo.
- Protect yourself from the sun. Use sun blockage cream, wear a hat, wear a pair of sunglasses—do whatever it takes. This will not interrupt your moments of experiencing the best Abu Dhabi wildlife.
- Carry an extra battery for your camera and a power bank for your phone, as they might overcome the interruption while exploring endangered species UAE.
- Always keep yourself hydrated. It is important while exploring wild animals in Dubai.
- Wear clothes that make you feel comfortable, preferably breathable and light, as it will be perfect while exploring endangered species UAE.
- If you’re going birdwatching, don’t forget to pack your binoculars and do same while exploring endangered species UAE.
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Get Ready to Roar in the UAE!
If you are wondering about the best deals, then you do not have to worry about anything. Next Holidays has brought the best deals and packages all for you:
Wildlife holidays packages
Group tour packages
Couple tour packages
Family holiday packages
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