Emirates Park Zoo and Resort

In the Al Bahiyah area of Abu Dhabi, UAE, lies a unique complex — Emirates Park Zoo and Resort. This is not just a zoo, but a true sanctuary that has become home to more than 1,500 animals. Here you can meet a wide variety of fauna, from wild cats and primates to rare birds and reptiles. The complex offers visitors the chance not only to observe animal life but also to learn many new things about them, making the visit both educational and exciting.

The main feature of this place is the unusual combination of a zoo and the comfortable Emirates Park Resort hotel. At the very heart of the zoo is a cozy chalet with a pool, offering guests the chance to wake up to the sounds of nature. This creates a unique atmosphere of complete immersion in the animal world, allowing you to relax from the city bustle and spend a few days surrounded by exotic fauna.

The resort is ideal for family vacations. Guests are offered deluxe rooms, many of which have balconies overlooking the zoo. The complex features a bar and restaurant area serving international cuisine, a children's playground, and a souvenir shop, making a stay here comfortable and engaging. Visitors can not only observe the animals but also participate in feeding them, watch exciting shows, and even book exclusive experiences, such as breakfast with giraffes.

To plan your visit, confirm opening hours, or book unique experiences such as breakfast with giraffes, it is recommended to contact the complex administration. All up-to-date information can be found on the official website or by phone.

The main highlight of Emirates Park Zoo and Resort is its array of interactive activities that allow visitors to truly immerse themselves in the world of wildlife. Here, you can do more than just observe the animals; you can participate in feeding them, which is especially popular with children and creates unforgettable memories. The complex is divided into nine themed zones, including "Wild Life," "Primate Parade," "Reptile House," and the "Petting Zoo," each with its own unique inhabitants and atmosphere.

At the zoo, you will encounter a diverse range of fauna: from majestic lions and graceful tigers to playful hippos, dignified elephants, and shy zebras. The Giraffe Park, Flamingo Park, and Snake Alley are particularly popular. In addition, the grounds feature an arcade, a nursery, and even a craft shop where you can purchase a unique souvenir—paintings created by a rescued cheetah named Jasper.

Emirates Park Zoo and Resort is conveniently located in the Al Bahiyah area, northeast of central Abu Dhabi. It is situated right on the highway connecting the UAE capital with Dubai, making it easily accessible for visitors from both emirates. Thanks to this location, the journey to the zoo doesn't take long, and its proximity to the popular Yas Island—just a 10–15 minute drive away—makes it easy to combine several attractions in one day.

The fastest and most comfortable way to reach the zoo is by car or taxi. The trip from central Abu Dhabi takes approximately 30 minutes. A one-way taxi ride costs around 60 dirhams. If you are driving from Dubai, follow Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) and take the Al Shahama exit. The convenient location and clear signage make the drive as simple as possible.

For those who prefer a more budget-friendly option, the zoo can be reached by public transport. Several city buses stop near the complex, including routes No. 210, 218, and 225. The nearest stops are St 17/Emirates Park Zoo and St 6/Al Shahama School, both of which are just a few minutes' walk from the park entrance. While the bus trip may take longer due to the route and potential transfers, it is a great opportunity to save money.

The history of Emirates Park Zoo and Resort is a shining example of how a private initiative can transform into one of the most beloved tourist destinations. The complex began operations in 2008, becoming the first private zoo in the UAE. It was originally conceived as a small farm where visitors could get up close to and feed domestic animals. However, the concept quickly gained popularity, and by 2012, the project had grown into a full-scale zoo open to the general public. The founders' primary goal was to give families the opportunity not just to observe animals, but to actively interact with them for educational and entertainment purposes.

One of the unique features established from the beginning was the idea of combining the zoo with a resort. This allowed them to offer guests a completely new vacation format: the opportunity to live in comfortable rooms overlooking the animal enclosures. This approach was innovative for the region and immediately set Emirates Park Zoo and Resort apart. Furthermore, since its inception, great attention has been paid to creating comfortable conditions for the inhabitants, especially those who find the hot climate challenging—a special cooling system was implemented throughout the territory to keep the enclosures cool.

Over the years, the zoo has expanded significantly and is now home to more than 1,700 animals. Its commitment to high standards of animal care, education, and species conservation has received international recognition: in 2024, the complex became a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). This confirms its status as a modern center for wildlife protection. Additionally, the zoo became the first outdoor facility in the UAE to receive "autism-friendly" status, highlighting its commitment to being inclusive and accessible to all visitors.

To fully explore Emirates Park Zoo and Resort, it is recommended to set aside three to four hours. This time will be enough to leisurely walk through all the main themed zones, observe most of the animals, and get a general impression of the complex. Some sources suggest that a quick tour is possible in 1–2 hours, but at that pace, you will likely miss many interesting moments.

When planning your visit, keep in mind that the length of your stay may increase significantly due to various activities. For example, the zoo hosts engaging animal shows, such as a 20-minute sea lion performance, and offers opportunities to participate in feeding giraffes, elephants, and other inhabitants. If you are traveling with children, they will surely want to spend time at the playground or in the petting zoo area. Therefore, to enjoy all the park's opportunities without rushing, including shows and interactive programs, it is best to plan for half a day.

If you decide to stay at the Emirates Park Resort, located right on the grounds, your visit will turn into a true immersion in the world of wildlife. Resort guests can observe animals directly from their room balconies and visit the zoo at any time, allowing them to explore it at a completely different, more relaxed pace.

Emirates Park Zoo and Resort is open to visitors year-round, making it convenient to visit at any time. According to the standard schedule, the complex is open from Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Please note that hours may change during weekends, public holidays, and the holy month of Ramadan. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to check the official website for up-to-date information before your visit.

To avoid queues, especially on high-attendance days, it is recommended to purchase tickets online in advance. This will not only save you time at the ticket counters but also help you better plan your attendance at additional activities, such as animal feedings or special shows, which may require separate booking.

Visiting Emirates Park Zoo and Resort is an exciting adventure in itself, but exploring the surroundings can make your trip to Abu Dhabi even more fulfilling and memorable. The zoo's convenient location allows for easy access to many other iconic sites, turning your day into a kaleidoscope of vivid impressions.

Just a few minutes' drive away is the famous Yas Island—a world-class entertainment and leisure hub. It features theme parks, a racing circuit, shopping malls, and concert venues, making it the perfect complement to a zoo visit. You can easily combine animal interactions and thrilling attractions in a single day.