The United Arab Emirates is home to a variety of amazing zoos and aquariums, each offering a unique and exciting experience for visitors. Whether you're looking to see exotic animals up close or explore the mysteries of the ocean, the UAE has something for everyone.
In this article, we'll take a look at ten of the best zoos and aquariums in the country.
1. Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world, located in the heart of the Dubai Mall. It houses over 140 species of sea life, including sharks, rays, and the largest collection of Sand Tiger Sharks in the world. The Underwater Zoo offers visitors the chance to see crocodiles, penguins, and a variety of other animals.
2. Emirates Park Zoo and Resort
The Emirates Park Zoo and Resort is located in Abu Dhabi and is home to over 1,400 animals, including tigers, lions, and elephants. The zoo offers a range of activities, including feeding and petting experiences, and visitors can stay overnight in luxury tents or villas.
3. Al Ain Zoo
The Al Ain Zoo is one of the largest in the UAE, covering over 400 hectares of land. It houses over 4,000 animals, including rare species such as the Arabian Oryx and the Gordon's Wildcat. Visitors can explore the park on foot or by taking a train ride around the grounds.
4. Sharjah Aquarium
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The Sharjah Aquarium is a great destination for those interested in marine life. The aquarium has over 250 species of marine animals, including turtles, rays, and sharks. It also has a touch tank, where visitors can get up close and personal with some of the smaller creatures.
5. Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital
The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital is a unique attraction that offers visitors a glimpse into the world of falconry. Visitors can tour the facility, watch a falcon show, and even hold a falcon on their arm. The hospital also has a museum where visitors can learn about the history and culture of falconry in the UAE.
6. Dubai Safari Park
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The Dubai Safari Park is a sprawling wildlife park that houses over 3,000 animals. Visitors can take a safari tour of the park and see animals such as lions, tigers, and giraffes up close. The park also has a petting zoo, where visitors can interact with smaller animals such as rabbits and goats.
7. Atlantis, The Palm Aquarium
The Atlantis, The Palm Aquarium is located in the iconic Atlantis hotel in Dubai. The aquarium has over 65,000 marine animals, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles. Visitors can also take a behind-the-scenes tour of the aquarium and learn about the care and feeding of the animals.
8. Ras Al Khaimah Zoo
The Ras Al Khaimah Zoo is a smaller zoo located in the northern part of the UAE. It houses a variety of animals, including monkeys, reptiles, and birds of prey. Visitors can also enjoy a picnic in the park's lush gardens.
9. Dubai Butterfly Garden
The Dubai Butterfly Garden is a unique attraction that houses over 15,000 butterflies. Visitors can walk through the garden and watch as the butterflies flutter around them. The garden also has a museum where visitors can learn about the lifecycle and behavior of butterflies.
10. Al Montazah Parks
The Al Montazah Parks are located in Sharjah and offer a variety of attractions, including a water park, amusement park, and animal park. The animal park has a range of animals, including peacocks, camels, and horses. Visitors can also take a train ride around the park to see the animals up close.
Conclusion
The country that never sleep UAE offers a wide variety of amazing zoos and aquariums, each offering a unique and exciting experience for visitors. From exploring the mysteries of the ocean at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, to getting up close and personal with falcons at the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, to walking among thousands of butterflies at the Dubai Butterfly Garden, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you're a local resident or a tourist visiting the UAE, be sure to add one or more of these fantastic attractions to your itinerary. You won't be disappointed!