Where to See Animals in UAE

The UAE is home to a surprising variety of wildlife, thanks to its diverse landscapes. From coastal mangroves and wetlands to mountain ranges and wadis, the country’s habitats support a wide range of animals, both native and migratory.

If you’re interested in animals in UAE, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to observe them in protected nature reserves, explore zoos, or discover marine life at one of the country’s many aquariums. There’s no shortage of places to see animals in the UAE. I’ve visited most of these locations so I’ll share firsthand insights too.

Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly activity, a day trip to a wildlife reserve, an educational experience at an aquarium or even a guided tour this post covers some of the top places to experience wildlife in the UAE.

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Let’s start with a quick look at native species and then move on to where to go to see more animals in UAE. Use the contents below if you’re looking for something specific.

Wildlife of the UAE: A Quick Overview of Habitats and Native Species

The UAE is home to a surprising variety of wildlife, thanks to its diverse habitats, which include deserts, mountains, wadis, wetlands, and mangroves. While many people think of the UAE as just a desert, it’s actually full of life.

In the desert, species like the Arabian oryx have been successfully reintroduced after being declared extinct in the wild. You can also find gazelles in several areas, along with a range of reptiles such as spiny-tailed lizards, snakes, and sandfish.

The desert is full of mammals like foxes and gerboas, as well as insects, arachnids, and birds. If you walk early in the morning, you may even spot fresh trails in the sand. How many can you find in the photo below?

This image displays the intricate patterns of rippled desert sand with animal tracks and trails winding across the surface, highlighting wildlife activity in the UAE's desert. The golden tones of the sand create a warm and serene atmosphere, emphasizing the untouched beauty of the natural landscape.

While you’ll see camels, goats, and sheep in the desert and mountains, these are domesticated animals that return to farms in the evening, unlike donkeys, which roam freely as feral animals.

Along the coast, the UAE’s waters are home to dugongs, sea turtles and various species of fish. Coral reefs in the Arabian Gulf and the Arabian Sea provide important habitats for marine life.

During the winter months, migratory birds like cormorants, egrets, curlews and sandpipers stop at the UAE’s wetlands, offering great opportunities for birdwatching.

This image captures a flock of flamingos in graceful flight over the serene waters of Al Zorah, Ajman. The birds' pink and black wings stand out against the clear blue sky, while the calm lagoon below reflects the surrounding landscape, creating a tranquil and picturesque scene.

Conservation efforts across the country reflect the UAE’s commitment to preserving its wildlife and protecting species for future generations and you can see animals at some of the reserves, which are included in the next section.

Nature Reserves, Zoos, Animal Parks and Aquariums

Sharjah Wildlife Centre and Children’s Farm, Sharjah Central Region

The Arabian Wildlife Centre is within Sharjah Desert Park and is connected to the Arabian Breeding Centre for Endangered Species.

Most of the animals are indoors but well-kept in carefully created environments. The larger animals are outdoors, including cheetahs, leopards, wolves, baboons, oryx, ostriches and gazelles. All the animals are indigenous to the region. Some are endangered and some are no longer found outside of protected areas. Others are more common like hedgehogs, snakes and monitors.

Entry to the Desert Park also includes admission to the Natural History and Botanical Museum, the Islamic Botanic Gardens and the Children’s Farm, where children can feed sheep and goats, see donkeys, cows and ponies and, on some days, have paid pony rides.

We usually spend two to three hours at the Wildlife Centre and then half an hour or so at the Children’s Farm. You can easily spend a whole day visiting the different sections of Sharjah Desert Park.

This collage captures various wildlife exhibits at the Sharjah Wildlife Centre within the Sharjah Desert Park:

Top left: A baby baboon sitting on the ground, curiously holding a twig in its hands.
Top right: Two flamingos standing in shallow water, one dipping its beak while the other looks around.
Bottom left: A group of snakes intertwined on a sandy surface under soft lighting.
Bottom right: A close-up of a male baboon with distinctive white fur around its face, accompanied by a group of baboons in the background.

Al Ain Zoo, Al Ain

Al Ain Zoo is the oldest in the country and has recently had major work done. It’s quite spread out and so can involve quite a lot of walking. You can buy a ticket for the shuttle bus.

The most popular animals at Al Ain Zoo include the rare white tigers. You can also see other big cats, crocodiles, hippos, penguins, giraffes, meerkats, etc.

There are several add-on experiences like feeding the giraffes, which you can pay for on-site or the safari tour, which should be booked in advance.

While some areas are indoors, most of it is outdoors so the best time to visit is in winter or later afternoon in the other months. We spent about two to three hours here without doing the safari tour.

This image depicts a hippopotamus standing near the edge of a pool in a sunny outdoor exhibit, surrounded by lush greenery, vibrant pink flowers, and palm trees. The still water in the foreground reflects the hippo and the surrounding landscape, creating a serene and picturesque scene

Dubai Safari Park

If you are looking for where to see animals in Dubai, the Safari Park is in the suburbs and is easily accessible. You can see giraffes, zebras, elephants and many other types of animals. Many of the animals were rescued and some came from the old Dubai Zoo (many of which were also rescued.)

There are two types of tickets, one for zoo entry and the other for zoo entry plus bus tour. The bus tour takes you close to the big animals. I recommend going with this option to enjoy your visit more.

The zoo is quite compact compared to other zoos I’ve been to and quite a bit smaller than Al Ain Zoo. Our favourite part was the bus ride through the big animal section.

Some parts are indoors but most are outdoors, so winter or spring is the best time to visit Dubai Safari. We spent about three to four hours here.

This collage features four scenes from Dubai Safari Park, showing its diverse wildlife:

Top left: A giraffe browsing on foliage in a natural, tree-lined habitat.
Top right: A group of Arabian oryx resting and grazing on a grassy plain, shaded by a tree.
Bottom left: Two white rhinoceroses lounging in a sandy enclosure, surrounded by wooden fencing and trees.
Bottom right: Two brightly coloured parrots perched on a branch in a vibrant, enclosed aviary.

Sharjah Safari, Sharjah Central Region

Sharjah Safari has several sections and tickets come in bronze, silver and gold tiers. The bronze gives you access to the first section only, which includes Birds of Africa and East African Islands, which is home to lemurs and tortoises. You can also catch a bird show at the amphitheatre.

The other sections include crocodiles, giraffes, impalas, lions and rhinos. The silver and gold tickets give you access to these areas and with the gold tier, you get a private guide and a walking tour in the Serengeti Habitat.

It’s the largest safari park outside of Africa, which means that the animals have large areas to roam around freely in habitats that are as close as possible to their natural habitat. However, that also means that they may be quite far from you.

We’ve only visited once soon after it opened and they didn’t have all the animals yet and not all areas were open, so we really should go back soon! We spent around three hours in the first two sections but I think now it could take up to 5 hours. If you have a bronze ticket, you can expect to spend around an hour and more if you spend time at the dining or picnic area.

This collage highlights scenes from Sharjah Safari, showing a variety of wildlife and naturalistic enclosures:

Top left: A group of antelopes grazing near palm trees, reflecting a desert-savanna habitat.
Top right: Two white rhinoceroses resting in a dry, open landscape with scattered trees.
Bottom left: A collection of crocodiles basking by the water's edge in a shaded, wetland-style enclosure.
Bottom right: A termite mound replica under a shaded structure, resembling the savanna environment.

Emirates Park Zoo, Abu Dhabi

Emirates Park Zoo is a small, compact zoo but has quite a few animals to see, including bears, meerkats, monkeys and capybaras. Our favourites are the zebras and giraffes as you can get up close to them when you feed them.

The zoo has several shows and experiences, which are add-ons to the entrance fee and grass to feed the zebras and giraffes, feed for monkeys and milk for lambs, but these all add up so if you’re on a budget, decide which you want to do most.

You can also stay in the zoo and we’ve stayed several times and only ever book the Giraffe Arena so we can get up close to them, especially when the zoo is closed. (Yes, we really love the giraffes!)

If we didn’t stay in the zoo, I’m guessing we’d spend about three hours here.

This image shows a zebra and an Arabian oryx standing side by side at a feeding trough in a sandy zoo enclosure. Palm trees and artificial rock formations surround the area, with a few other animals visible in the background. The scene is bathed in sunlight, creating a warm, desert-like atmosphere.

Wasit Wetland Centre, Sharjah

Wasit Wetlands is a protected area, and in the main centre, you can see many species of birds in the centre (the birds are outdoors), such as pelicans, avocets, herons, ibises, flamingos and ruddy ducks.

You can also learn all about the birds, breeding habits and migrating patterns on the information board and there are some interactive boards for young ones. Outside you can go birdwatching. (You need to be 14 or over to walk around the wetlands outside.)

Once you’ve finished in the centre, you can take the buggy ride around the lake. You usually pass gazelles on the way and you can look out for birds too. You can also do the 5km walk around the lake (14+ only.)

We usually spend up to an hour in the centre and then either do the buggy ride or walk. The best time to visit Wasit Wetlands is 9am. Check weekend opening times, though. If you can do weekdays, even better, then late afternoon is good too.

This image features a Goliath Heron standing gracefully on one leg near the edge of a reflective pond at the Wasit Wetlands Centre. The lush green grass, trees, and calm water create a natural and serene environment, with branches and a wooden structure visible in the background.

Green Planet, Dubai

The Green Planet in Dubai emulates a tropical rainforest environment, which is home to over 3,000 plants and animals. Here, you can explore the different layers of the ecosystem, from the forest floor to the canopy and see a variety of species, including sloths, armadillos, lemurs, pythons and anteaters.

You can also sign up for interactive experiences like the Zookeeper for a Day programme and overnight camping adventures in the rainforest. You can also pay extra for close-up encounters.

Buy tickets for The Green Planet Dubai now.

This image shows the interior of The Green Planet Dubai, highlighting the towering artificial tree that forms the centerpiece of the bio-dome. The tree is surrounded by lush greenery, hanging nests, and natural light streaming through the glass dome structure, creating the perfect tropical rainforest environment.

Sharjah Aquarium, Sharjah City

At Sharjah Aquarium you walk through the tunnel and see many species of fish swimming either side and overhead, including small sharks, large rays and lots of small, colourful fish.

In the next section, you can see marine life from different habitats in the Emirate of Sharjah, including coral reefs and mangroves. There are lots of display boards to read about marine life and conservation too.

We usually spend about two hours at Sharjah Aquarium.

Underwater scene at Sharjah Aquarium featuring a sunken wooden boat surrounded by various fish, including striped sergeant majors, swimming through the tranquil blue waters. The aquarium setup replicates a submerged environment, giving a glimpse into marine life around a shipwreck.

RAK Nature’s Treasures, Ras Al Khaimah

This private farm has a variety of animals, including donkeys, oryx and farm animals.

RAK Nature’s Treasures has a private museum with fossils, shells and artefacts. It also has options to pick your own veg, depending on the season, and regularly hosts events with activities and even camping and glamping opportunities.

We usually spend one to two hours here and combine it with other things to do in Ras Al Khaimah.

Kalba Mountain Conservation Centre, Kalba

At Kalba Mountain Conservation Centre you can see leopards, caravels, wolves, a variety of reptiles and rock hyraxes. Combine this with Kalba Bird of Prey Centre and Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre. These are all protected areas managed by Environment and Protected Areas Agency Sharjah.

After finishing indoors, you can take a short buggy ride outside to try to see some of the animals outdoors.

We usually spend one to two hours at Kalba Mountain Conservation Centre.

exterior of al hefaiya mountain conservation centre

Dubai Mall Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

You can see most of the fish from outside for free, just a little bit further away. You’ll also see divers going in either to maintain the tank, attend to the fish or visitors who’ve paid for the experience. The underwater zoo has a variety of animals, including otters, penguins, crocodiles, eels and seahorses. You can also pay extra for close-up encounters

We spent about two hours at the Dubai Mall Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. Personally, I only feel it’s worth paying for the aquarium if you’re doing the Underwater Zoo as well. It’s a good spot to see animals in Dubai in the summer months.

Buy tickets for Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo now OR tickets to the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo with Penguin Encounter.

This image shows the stunning underwater tunnel at the Dubai Mall Aquarium, offering visitors an immersive experience surrounded by marine life. The glass tunnel provides a 360-degree view of the aquatic environment, with vibrant fish, coral, and other sea creatures visible on both sides and above. The well-lit passage creates a magical atmosphere for exploring the wonders of the underwater world.

Kalba Bird of Prey Centre, Kalba

At Kalba Bird of Prey Centre, you can see vultures, buzzards, falcons, etc as well as some farm animals. Daily bird of prey shows are held at fixed times, usually in the afternoon so check the schedule before you go.

We usually spend about an hour at Kalba Bird of Prey Centre.

Al Qudra Lakes, Dubai

Al Qudra Lakes, in Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, is just a short drive from the city. The network of artificial lakes is home to over 170 species of birds, including flamingos, swans, and various waterfowl, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching. You may also see desert wildlife such as Arabian oryx, gazelles and desert foxes. And you may even be surprised to see Patagonian Maras!

You can also cycle, picnic and camp, giving you more time to spot animals all for free, or take a guided tour for an even better chance to see wildlife with a guide on

The best time to visit Al Qudra Lakes is during the winter months, from October to April. Apart from cooler weather, you’re more likely to see animals and migratory birds.

Book Sunrise Desert Jeep Safari with Wildlife Experience at Al Qudra or book Al Marmoom and Al Qudra Lakes Guided Tour with Dinner

This image captures the serene beauty of Al Qudra Lakes in Dubai, featuring a group of elegant black swans gliding across the calm water. The lakeside is surrounded by lush greenery, with visible wooden structures and a "LOVE" sign in the distance, adding a touch of charm to the natural landscape. The tranquil setting highlights the peaceful coexistence of wildlife and scenic beauty

The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi

The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi is the largest aquarium in the Middle East and home to over 46,000 marine and land animals in several themed zones. You can learn about species in different environments like the Arabian Gulf, the Red Sea and the Amazon Rainforest, each with animals native to those regions.

The aquarium is open every day from 10am to 10pm so you can also do it in the evening. You can expect to spend about two to three hours here, but somepeople do stay longer.

This image captures a mesmerizing underwater scene at the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi, featuring a vibrant array of marine life. Schools of colorful fish swim amidst sharks, rays, and other aquatic creatures in a large, well-lit tank. In the background, a glass tunnel allows visitors to walk through and immerse themselves in the underwater environment, surrounded by marine biodiversity.

The Camel Farm, Dubai

To see cute and friendly animals in Dubai, head to The Camel Farm in the Dubai desert, you can have close-up encounters with friendly camels and other farm animals, including goats, rabbits, chickens and turkeys.

You can just explore the farm or pay extra for animal feeding, a short camel ride on the farm, a longer one into the desert and even camel-hugging therapy!

You can expect to spend one to two hours at The Camel Farm. Book in advance on their website.

This image captures a scene at The Camel Farm Dubai, featuring a caretaker feeding fresh greenery to a camel extending its neck through the fence. Several camels stand in the background within shaded enclosures, highlighting the farm's tranquil desert setting. The interaction emphasizes the close bond between visitors, caretakers, and the animals. — Photo courtesy of The Camel Farm

Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre, Kalba

Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre, on the east coast, is a fantastic place to explore one of the UAE’s most unique ecosystems. Learn about the region’s diverse wildlife and mangrove habitats. Inside, you’ll find aquariums with sea cucumbers, starfish, crabs and other marine life, while outside, turtle pools house turtles that are sick and are being monitored before being released back into the wild.

One of the highlights is the mangrove trail, where you can enjoy a peaceful walk and spot kingfisher nests in the trees. There are also aviaries with hides, where you can see kingfishers and other species.

We usually spend 1-2 hours here. Combine Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre with one of the other nature reserves or many things to do in Kalba.

This image shows a wooden boardwalk extending straight into a lush mangrove forest at the Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre. Surrounded by calm blue water, the boardwalk is lined with wooden posts and rope fencing, providing a scenic and tranquil view of the mangroves under a clear blue sky.

Ras Al Khor Flamingo Sanctuary, Dubai

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is a wetland reserve within the city of Dubai. Here, you can watch flamingos in the creek from the hides, which allow you to get pretty close, as well as many other types of birds, including migratory ones. Look out for different types of herons and egrets, lapwings, sandpipers, etc. as well as birds of prey like ospreys.

The hides are open from 7:30am to 5:30pm from October to March and from 6am to 6pm April to September and entry is free. The best time to visit Ras Al Khor Flamingo Sanctuary is in the winter and early morning or late afternoon. We usually spend about half an hour here.

This image captures a large flock of flamingos wading in the shallow waters of the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary in Dubai. The vibrant pink and white birds stand out against the reflective water and lush green mangroves in the background. The city’s modern skyline looms in the distance, creating a striking contrast between urban and natural environments.

The Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis The Palm, Dubai

The Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis The Palm in Dubai offers an underwater experience with multiple displays of marine life and over 65,000 creatures, including sharks, rays and many other species of fish.

You can explore 21 different exhibits, with a diverse range of sea life from around the world and some displays that look like ancient ruins submerged under the sea. There are also several interactive experiences and an opportunity to snorkel in the tank.

I haven’t been here but visitors tend to spend around 2-3 hours exploring the Lost Chambers.

Buy tickets for The Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis The Palm, Dubai now. (Discounted tickets are sometimes available on Platinum List so it’s worth checking both.)

This image shows a vibrant underwater scene at the Lost Chambers Aquarium in Atlantis Dubai. Divers are exploring the aquarium, surrounded by schools of colorful fish and rays swimming amidst ruins designed to resemble the mythical city of Atlantis. Bubbles from the divers' equipment add dynamic movement to the immersive aquatic environment.

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is the world’s largest indoor marine life theme park and home to over 100,000 animals. You can see dolphins, sea lions, sharks and other species up close and learn all about them through the interactive exhibits and shows.

You can explore the different realms that focus on different ecosystems, from coral reefs to polar regions, and go on fun rides. While there, you can also learn about animal rescue and marine conservation. You can expect to spend several hours here exploring the different exhibits and enjoying the interactive experiences and rides.

Visitors usually spend around 5-6 hours at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi.

Buy tickets for SeaWorld Abu Dhabi now.

Dubai Crocodile Park

Dubai Crocodile Park is home to over 250 Nile crocodiles in a setting with ponds, sandbanks and waterfalls, as well as an aquarium. You can watch them from the different viewing platforms and see them close up.

You can also learn all about crocodile behaviour and conservation through the interactive exhibits and about their evolution at the museum.

You can expect to spend around 1-2 hours at Dubai Crocodile Park and there are also dine there. Buy tickets for Crocodile Park now.

Al Zorah Nature Reserve, Ajman

At Al Zorah Nature Reserve you can see lots of flamingoes, herons, egrets, bee-eaters and other birds. During the winter, lots of migratory birds like Socotra cormorants and sandpipers. If you’re lucky, you might see a kingfisher. Look upwards to look out for birds of prey like marsh harriers and eagles.

You can walk around Al Qurm Walk or walk along the mangroves from the other side along the main road along the peninsula and you can even see birds from nearby the Golf Pavilion. You can also see the flamingoes from the restaurant terraces in the Golf Pavilion.

You can also go kayaking in Al Zorah mangroves for a more immersive and fun experience.

The reserve is an open area so you can go at any time of day.

This image captures the serene beauty of Al Zorah Nature Reserve in Ajman, as seen from the nearby cycle track. The lush mangroves encircle a calm body of water, providing a tranquil habitat for diverse wildlife, including distant flamingos visible on the water. The foreground features blooming wildflowers, adding vibrant colours to the natural landscape.

Wrap-up on the Where to See Animals in UAE

To wrap up, you can find countless opportunities to see animals in UAE in natural habitats, from the vast desert to lush wetlands and rich marine environments, or in managed environments.

There’s something for everyone to enjoy, whether exploring nature reserves, visiting zoos, or discovering marine life at aquariums. With so many options available, you’re sure to find the perfect place to connect with the diverse wildlife that calls the UAE home.

So, now choose which one to explore and get out there and see the wonderful animals in the UAE and learn about the country’s remarkable biodiversity!

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