Al Ain Zoo Abu Dhabi is the largest zoo in the UAE, set in the garden city of Al Ain in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, about 90 minutes by road from Dubai or Abu Dhabi city. Founded in 1968 by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, it covers around 400 hectares near Jebel Hafeet mountain and is home to more than 4,000 animals from about 200 species.
General admission costs AED 28.35 for adults and AED 9.45 for children aged 4 to 11, and children under 4 enter free. Top highlights of Al Ain Zoo Abu Dhabi include the Al Ain Safari, giraffe feeding and the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre.
This page covers how to get to Al Ain Zoo Abu Dhabi, current ticket prices, opening hours, the best time to visit and a simple plan for a full family day, and lets you book your tickets directly with White Sky Travel. Prices and timings were checked against the official Al Ain Zoo website in October 2026.
Planning your Next trip? Let White Sky handle it.
We book your attraction tickets and tours, with the option to pay later with Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit card monthly instalments.
Choose from three packages on this page: General Admission, Zoo Entry with Shuttle Service, or Zoo Entry with the Al Ain Safari Truck. We can also add a private transfer from Dubai or Abu Dhabi, and you can pay with Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit card installments over up to 12 months. Message us on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133.
Al Ain Zoo Abu Dhabi Quick Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Al Ain, emirate of Abu Dhabi, UAE |
| Opened | 1968, founded by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan |
| Size | Around 400 hectares |
| Animals | More than 4,000 animals from about 200 species |
| Adult ticket | AED 28.35 |
| Child ticket (ages 4 to 11) | AED 9.45, under 4 free |
| Al Ain Safari truck | AED 210 per person, includes zoo entry |
| Opening hours | 2 PM to 10 PM until 4 October 2026, then 9 AM to 7 PM daily from 5 October 2026 |
| Drive time | About 90 minutes from Dubai, 90 minutes to 2 hours from Abu Dhabi city |
| Time needed | 4 to 6 hours |
| Best season | October to April |
Where Is Al Ain Zoo Abu Dhabi and How Do You Get There?
Al Ain Zoo sits on the southern side of Al Ain city, close to Jebel Hafeet and the border with Oman. Al Ain is part of the emirate of Abu Dhabi, which is why visitors often search for it as Al Ain Zoo Abu Dhabi.
- From Dubai: roughly 130 to 150 km on the Dubai Al Ain Road (E66), about 90 minutes by car.
- From Abu Dhabi city: around 160 km on the E22, about 90 minutes to 2 hours by car.
- By private transfer: the easiest choice for families, as nobody has to drive home after a long day of walking.
Parking at the zoo is free. If you want to combine the zoo with other sights, see our Abu Dhabi tours from Dubai.
Al Ain Zoo Abu Dhabi Ticket Prices
| Ticket | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General admission, adult | AED 28.35 | Ages 12 and above |
| General admission, child | AED 9.45 | Ages 4 to 11 |
| Children under 4 | Free | Must be with an adult |
| General admission with shuttle | AED 73.50 adult, AED 31.50 child | Hop on hop off shuttle to key zones |
| Al Ain Safari truck | AED 210 per person | Includes zoo entry, ages 5 and above only |
Prices are based on the official Al Ain Zoo booking page. Terms and conditions apply. Ticket prices are set by Al Ain Zoo and may change without prior notice, including during holidays and special events. Premium experiences such as Breakfast with Giraffes and Dinner with Lions are booked separately and often sell out, so reserve them early.
Al Ain Zoo Abu Dhabi Opening Hours and Best Time to Visit
Opening hours change with the season and with special events. From 5 October 2026 the zoo opens daily from 9 AM to 7 PM. During the Glow After Dark evening event (5 September to 4 October 2026) it opens from 2 PM to 10 PM. Always check the official calendar for your exact date.
The best months to visit Al Ain Zoo Abu Dhabi are October to April, when the weather is comfortable for walking outdoors. In the hotter months, arrive right at opening time or choose an evening event, because many animals rest in the shade during the hottest hours.
Arrive Early
Big cats and large mammals are most active in the cooler morning hours, which also gives you the best light for photos. Bring sunglasses, hats and refillable water bottles, as some open plazas between habitats have little shade.
Take a Midday Heat Break
Spend the hottest part of the day inside the air conditioned Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre or at one of the cafés, then head back outside in the late afternoon.
Top Things to Do at Al Ain Zoo Abu Dhabi
Al Ain Safari
A guided drive through a large desert reserve where you can spot giraffes, gazelles, oryx and ostriches roaming open land. Book ahead because seats are limited. Children under 5 are not allowed on the safari truck.
Giraffe Feeding
One of the most popular activities for children. Feeding runs at set times at the giraffe area.
Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre
An air conditioned centre that tells the story of the desert ecosystem and UAE conservation through interactive exhibits and films. Confirm when booking whether your ticket includes entry.
African Habitats and Big Cats
See lions, rhinos, hippos and giraffes in large open habitats, ideally in the morning when they are most active.
Special Dining Experiences
Breakfast with Giraffes and Dinner with Lions offer close animal encounters in an exclusive setting. They are priced separately and work well for birthdays and special occasions.
A Simple One Day Plan for Al Ain Zoo Abu Dhabi
- Check opening hours for your date and book entry plus safari seats in advance through White Sky Travel.
- Leave Dubai or Abu Dhabi about two hours before opening so you arrive as the gates open.
- Use the park shuttle to reach the African habitats first, while lions, rhinos and giraffes are active.
- Join a giraffe feeding session at its scheduled time.
- Escape the midday heat in the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre or a café.
- Ride the Al Ain Safari in the afternoon.
- Finish at the bird and reptile areas, then head home before dark.
The single biggest difference between a great visit and a tiring one is how you move around. The zoo is large, so book a ticket that includes the hop on hop off shuttle and rent a stroller for small children instead of walking the whole circuit.
Which Visit Option Suits You?
| Traveller type | Best option | Budget and effort | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo day visitors | General admission with shuttle | Low cost, moderate walking | Midday sun |
| Families with kids | Entry, giraffe feeding, stroller rental | Moderate cost, low effort | Nap times and heat |
| Wildlife enthusiasts | Safari truck plus Learning Centre | Higher budget, full day | Fixed safari slots |
| Private groups | Private transfer plus safari truck | Higher budget, easy pace | Book well ahead |
| School groups | Guided education visit | Low cost, high coordination | Advance group booking |
Common Problems and Easy Fixes
| Problem | Why it happens | Quick fix | How to avoid it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long ticket lines | Busy weekends and holidays | Show your digital ticket at the gate | Buy tickets in advance through White Sky Travel |
| Animals resting out of sight | Afternoon heat | Visit indoor exhibits first | See big cats before noon |
| Safari sold out | Limited seats per slot | Ask Guest Relations about later slots | Book safari seats days ahead |
| Tired family members | Long distances between zones | Use the park shuttle | Rent a stroller at the entrance |
| Getting lost | Very large park | Use the map boards | Download the official zoo map before you go |
Al Ain Zoo Abu Dhabi Rules to Know
- Only feed animals during official feeding sessions run by zoo staff.
- You may bring your own food and drinks, and shaded picnic areas are available.
- Personal photography is welcome, but drones and commercial filming need prior approval from zoo management.
- Children must stay with a responsible adult at all times.
When to Choose a Different Attraction
If you only have a few hours, the round trip drive alone takes about three hours. In that case consider Dubai Safari Park, The Green Planet in Dubai, or Khalifa Park in Abu Dhabi instead.
Book Your Al Ain Zoo Abu Dhabi Trip with White Sky Travel
Book your Al Ain Zoo Abu Dhabi tickets right here: General Admission from AED 28.35 per adult, Zoo Entry with Shuttle Service from AED 73.50, or Zoo Entry with the Al Ain Safari Truck at AED 210 per person. We can also add a private transfer from your hotel. UAE residents can spread the cost with Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit card installments over up to 12 months, which makes a full family day out easier to plan.
Terms and conditions apply. Ticket prices may change at any time based on Al Ain Zoo pricing. Your final price is confirmed at the time of booking.
Next Steps for Your Booking
Message White Sky Travel on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 with your preferred date, number of guests and pickup city. We will confirm your tickets, safari time and driver details, and help you choose the installment option that suits you best.
Overview
Spend a full day at Al Ain Zoo, the largest zoo in the UAE, set in the garden city of Al Ain in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. Founded in 1968 by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the zoo is home to more than 4,000 animals from about 200 species. Walk through African habitats, watch giraffes up close, explore the air conditioned Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre and add the guided Al Ain Safari truck tour across the Savannah Plains. Book with White Sky Travel and pay with Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit card installments over up to 12 months.
Trip Highlights
- More than 4,000 animals at the largest zoo in the UAE
- Guided Al Ain Safari truck tour across the Savannah Plains with Emirati guides
- Giraffe feeding sessions at scheduled times
- Air conditioned Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre
- Free parking and WiFi at the zoo
- Pay with Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit card installments over up to 12 months
