By CityLaila Travel Team
Updated March 2026
10 min read
Discover the World with CityLaila
Wildlife lovers and families have another reason to explore Dubai this season. Dubai Safari Park officially reopens on 12 October 2026 for Season 8, welcoming visitors back for animal encounters, safari journeys, live presentations and educational experiences.
Located in Al Warqa 5, Dubai Safari Park covers approximately 119 hectares and is home to more than 3,000 animals across six themed zones. The 2026–27 season introduces the theme “Live More Wild Life,” highlighting wildlife, nature and conservation. Visitors can also look forward to seasonal entertainment and additional family activities.
Before planning your visit, here are 10 essential things to know about Dubai Safari Park’s reopening, tickets, attractions and visitor facilities.
1. Dubai Safari Park Reopens on 12 October 2026
Dubai Safari Park begins its eighth season on Monday, 12 October 2026, at 9:00 AM. The reopening marks the return of one of Dubai’s major outdoor wildlife attractions after its seasonal summer closure.
The new season’s theme, “Live More Wild Life,” encourages visitors to connect with wildlife and learn about the natural world.
During the opening week, from 12–18 October, the park is promoting a special programme called Wildest Week, featuring stage shows, roaming performers, a safari parade and activities for children.
Visitor tip: If you want to experience the reopening celebrations, check the official programme before arriving, as individual activities may have specific timings.
2. Check Dubai Safari Park Ticket Prices Before Booking
Choosing the right ticket can help you plan your budget and decide which experiences to prioritise.
According to the park’s official website, the current Season 8 ticket options include:
| Ticket type | Price | Main inclusions |
| Safari Park Pass | AED 50 | Access to all six zones and included presentations |
| Safari Bundle | AED 117 | Park access plus an Explorer Safari Tour |
| Children under 3 | Free | Admission subject to the park’s conditions |
| People of Determination | Free | Admission subject to the park’s conditions |
The Safari Park Pass includes the Arabian Desert Safari ride. The Safari Bundle adds an Explorer Safari Tour, which takes visitors through additional wildlife habitats.
Premium guided experiences and animal encounters may cost extra. Ticket prices, availability and inclusions can change, so confirm the details before purchasing.
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3. Know the Opening Hours and Best Time to Visit
Dubai Safari Park is scheduled to operate daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last entry at 5:00 PM. Visitors should check the official website before travelling in case of changes to the schedule.
For a more comfortable visit, arrive early. Morning hours can be ideal for exploring the different zones, attending scheduled presentations and making the most of the outdoor areas before the afternoon becomes warmer.
Allow enough time to explore the park rather than treating it as a quick stop. Its size, safari rides and scheduled activities make advance planning worthwhile.
Visitor tip: Check the day’s presentation timetable at the entrance and plan your route around the shows you want to see.
4. Explore the Six Themed Zones
One of the biggest highlights of Dubai Safari Park is its six themed zones, each offering a different perspective on wildlife.
- African Village: Discover animals associated with African habitats and explore themed wildlife exhibits.
- Asian Village: Learn about animals from Asian environments and attend selected wildlife presentations.
- Explorer Village: Enjoy the park’s safari experiences and explore its wildlife habitats.
- Arabian Desert Safari: Discover animals associated with the Arabian environment during the included safari ride.
- Kids Farm: A family-friendly area where younger visitors can learn about selected farm animals.
- Al Wadi: A landscaped area where visitors can relax between activities and explore available experiences.
Each zone offers something different, making the park suitable for families, wildlife enthusiasts and visitors who want an educational day out.
Visitor tip: Use the park map and shuttle services to plan your journey between zones efficiently.
5. Experience the Safari Journey
A safari journey is one of the experiences that makes Dubai Safari Park different from a conventional zoo.
The included Arabian Desert Safari offers an opportunity to discover wildlife associated with the region. Visitors who want to explore additional habitats can consider the Explorer Safari Tour, available through the relevant ticket option or upgrade.
The Explorer Safari Tour takes visitors through habitats featuring animals such as big cats and hippos, subject to the park’s current arrangements.
These experiences offer a closer look at animal behaviour and habitat diversity while keeping visitors within designated safari vehicles and viewing areas.
Visitor tip: Check your ticket inclusions carefully before booking. The Arabian Desert Safari is included with the standard pass, while the Explorer Safari Tour requires the appropriate ticket or upgrade.
6. Watch Live Animal Presentations
Dubai Safari Park offers live animal presentations that combine entertainment with information about wildlife, animal behaviour and conservation.
The official Season 8 website lists five daily presentations, including:
- Birds Kingdom: Watch birds such as parrots, toucans, hornbills and macaws.
- Echoes of the Wild: Learn about animals including otters, lemurs, coatis and binturongs.
- Birds of Prey: Discover the remarkable abilities of owls, eagles and vultures.
The listed presentations are included with park admission and run for approximately 30 minutes. Schedules may change, so check the daily programme on arrival.
Visitor tip: Arrive early for popular presentations to improve your chances of getting a suitable seat. Follow the keepers’ instructions and avoid disturbing the animals.
7. Look Out for Animal Feeding and Special Encounters
For visitors who want more than general wildlife viewing, Dubai Safari Park offers selected animal feeding sessions and encounters.
The official website lists experiences such as lemur feeding, goat feeding and tortoise feeding. Some encounters are paid add-ons, have limited places and operate at specific times.
These activities can be particularly engaging for children, offering a chance to learn about animals in a structured setting.
However, availability and participation rules vary by experience. Do not assume that animal feeding is included with every admission ticket.
Visitor tip: Book popular encounters during the ticket checkout process or enquire at the park, subject to availability. Always follow staff instructions and never feed animals with food you bring yourself.
8. Plan Your Transport and Parking
Dubai Safari Park is located in Al Warqa 5, Dubai, on E44 (Hatta Road), opposite Dragon Mart.
You can reach the park in the following ways:
- By car: Follow directions to Dubai Safari Park. The official website lists free parking.
- By public transport: Take the Dubai Metro to Centrepoint station and connect to RTA bus F10, checking the latest route and timetable before departure.
- By taxi: A taxi or ride-hailing service is a convenient option for families and groups.
If you are visiting with children or older family members, consider the time needed to travel between the park’s different zones as well as the journey to and from the attraction.
Visitor tip: Check live transport information before leaving, particularly during busy periods and on public holidays.
9. Make Use of Family-Friendly Facilities
Dubai Safari Park is designed to accommodate a full day of wildlife exploration. Its visitor facilities can make the experience easier for families and people with accessibility needs.
The official website lists:
- Air-conditioned shuttle transport connecting the zones.
- Restaurants and food kiosks in selected areas, including African Village and Al Wadi.
- Wheelchair and stroller availability.
- Lockers and prayer rooms.
- Children’s activities and the Kids Farm.
Facilities can vary by location, and some services may have additional conditions or charges.
Visitor tip: Families with toddlers should plan regular rest breaks, carry essential items and check stroller suitability for the routes they intend to follow. Visitors requiring specific accessibility arrangements should confirm availability with the park in advance.
10. Follow These Essential Visitor Tips
A little preparation can help you enjoy Dubai Safari Park without rushing between activities.
- Book online: Check the official website for ticket options, availability and current offers.
- Arrive early: Give yourself enough time to explore the zones and attend presentations.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Expect considerable walking, even with shuttle services available.
- Carry water and sun protection: Outdoor areas can still feel warm during the cooler season.
- Check the park map: Plan the order of your visits and identify presentation locations.
- Keep to the schedule: Animal encounters and shows may operate at fixed times.
- Respect wildlife: Never feed animals without authorisation, tap on viewing barriers or disturb their habitats.
- Supervise children: Keep children close and follow all safety instructions.
- Check ticket inclusions: Some safari tours and animal encounters require upgraded tickets or additional payments.
- Verify opening details: Confirm hours and activity schedules before travelling, especially during the opening week.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Dubai Safari Park reopen in 2026?
Dubai Safari Park reopens for Season 8 on 12 October 2026 at 9:00 AM.
How much are Dubai Safari Park tickets?
The official website lists the Safari Park Pass at AED 50 and the Safari Bundle at AED 117. Prices and inclusions may change, so check the official booking page before your visit.
What are Dubai Safari Park’s opening hours?
The listed operating hours are 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily, with last entry at 5:00 PM. Confirm the latest schedule before travelling.
How many animals are at Dubai Safari Park?
The park’s official website lists more than 3,000 animals representing over 300 species across its themed zones.
Is the safari ride included in the ticket?
The Arabian Desert Safari is included with the standard Safari Park Pass. The Explorer Safari Tour requires the appropriate ticket or upgrade.
Is Dubai Safari Park suitable for children?
Yes. The park offers themed wildlife zones, live presentations, the Kids Farm and selected animal encounters. Families should check age requirements and availability for individual activities.
How do I reach Dubai Safari Park by public transport?
The official website recommends taking the Metro to Centrepoint station and connecting to RTA bus F10. Check current transport information before departure.
Conclusion
The reopening of Dubai Safari Park on 12 October 2026 makes it an excellent option for families, wildlife enthusiasts and visitors looking for an educational outdoor experience in Dubai. With six themed zones, safari journeys, live animal presentations and selected animal encounters, the park offers plenty to explore throughout the day.
For the best experience, book the ticket that matches your interests, arrive early and check the latest show schedules before setting out.
Planning your Dubai holiday? Explore attraction tickets, family experiences, tours and transfers with CityLaila to make your UAE itinerary easier to organise.
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CityLaila Travel Team
Our travel experts research and curate guides for attractions and experiences across 40+ destinations worldwide.
