Arabian Wildlife Park

The Arabian Wildlife Park which is located in the Sir Bani Yas Island in Abu Dhabi is a natural retreat and sanctuary where you can meet around 10,000 animals roaming freely in the park. This is the best place for families with children, couples and even solo tourists who are looking to spend some quality time in the natural surroundings. The platforms carved out from recycled items are eco friendly and they provide an enticing view of the animals roaming around. Imagine! You are at eye level with the giraffes roaming the place while you stand on the platforms.

It is an enticing experience! The park provides you with an alluring opportunity to look at the endangered animals like gazelles and the Arabian Oryx. Children will be enthused at the sights of the cheetahs, hyenas, gazelles and giraffes roaming about so freely in the park. The scenic landscapes with the animal sanctuary are a must visit destination in Abu Dhabi.

History

The natural park, Arabian Wildlife Park was set up in the year 1977 under the benefaction of the then President of UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Another place which was built was Al Ain Oasis which is located in Abu Dhabi. He had envisioned a sanctuary for the endangered local species like the sand gazelle and the Arabian oryx who were on the point of getting extinct.

Location

The Arabian Wildlife Park is located in Sir Bani Yas Island, the largest island in Abu Dhabi. It lies nine kilometers away from Jebel Dhanna which is a place from where other islands can also be reached. The natural park covers an area of 42 square kilometers.  You may also try tickets to Dubai safari park that offer similar experience and a must place to visit with kids and family.

How to Reach Arabian Wildlife Park

Travelling from Abu Dhabi by car, the distance you have to travel is 250 kilometres, a three-hour drive, while from Dubai it is around 350 kilometres and a 4-hour drive. You can avail of a boat trip of 20 to 25 minutes, from Jebel Dhanna jetty after that, to reach Sir Bani Yas Island, where Arabian Wildlife Park is located.  Also check Pygmy Zoo which is worth place to visit with kids.

Things to do at Arabian Wildlife Park

The Arabian Wildlife Park that spreads over 4200 hectares is the abode of many animal species, some of them being endangered. Visiting the park it is an educational experience,learning about the conservation endeavours and research work going on regarding preservation and conservation to maintain the ecological balance.

• A plethora of activities that are exciting and adventuresome like driving on the wildlife trail, going on nature trails, mountain biking, camping and outdoor experiences can be experienced here.
• While the tourists at Abu Dhabi are mostly looking to enjoy a shopping experience or adventure thrills, there are some who experience looking at the animals in their natural habitat and learn about their conservation.
• You may explore the natural sanctuaries as well as go for a wild Safari experience and spend the wildest of vacations in Abu Dhabi. There are at least 10000 animals who roam about the sprawling Arabian Wildlife Park. The animals here get the liberty to move about in the natural surroundings. The gazelles and Arabian oryx are the most endangered species here. You may have a look at them from close quarters.
• The indoor centre at the park houses fishes, reptiles and insects in separate enclosures. It is amazing to see the baboons, antelopes and wolves in their natural surroundings where the creatures live under the comfort of airconditioned enclosures. The birds live in a desert and wadi sort of habitat. You can view the flamingos, the partridges and weaver birds in here. The nocturnal house is home to the rodents, the mongoose and the porcupines.

Other activities to try Near by Arabian Wildlife Park

If you are a water sports lover, here is the right place for you. Apart from exploring the animals and their habitats in the wild open spaces in the Arabian Wildlife Park, you may have an enticing time at the island. This is a place suitable to all water sports lovers.

• If you are on Bani Yas Island and looking to spend life at the wild life park here is another option for all water sports enthusiasts. It is the snorkeling option which is one of the best activities you can enjoy here. The marine blue waters of the Arabian Sea welcome you to the very blue depths of the ocean filled up with coral reefs and marine life. Get ready for a day at snorkeling along with other water sports here. You can also experience snorkeling at Musandam Dibba tour which is about a full day trip.
• The windsurfing lessons are an awesome experience. You can feel the wind brushing against your face as you glide on the waters. You can get lessons from experienced guides in wind surfing.
• How about going on a kayaking tour through the meandering waterways and learning a lot about the mangrove plantation and all about their ecological uses! While you are on a visit to the Arabian Wildlife Park, you can learn about preservation in nature, taking care and protection of endangered species, as well as about the conservation of the ecosystems.
• Sir Bani Yas Beach is a great place to spend a weekend retreat. The cool blue water along with the unusual white sandy beach offers a lot of thrilling activities like sunbathing, beachcombing and swimming in the Arabian Sea water. The serenity of the place coupled with the natural seascape is something you look forward to on this tour.

Timings

• Thursday – 11 am to 5.30 pm.
• Saturday – Wednesday – 9 am to 5.30 pm
• Friday – 2 pm – 5.30 pm.
• The Arabian Wildlife Park is closed on Tuesdays.

Entry Fees

The fees for adults are AED 15. For children aged 12 to 16 years it is AED 5 and children under 12 years have free entry.

Best time to visit 

The best time to visit Arabian Wildlife Park is from November to March because the weather is very pleasant.

Conclusion

The Arabian Wildlife Park is an experience that helps gain information and insight into the ecological activities and conservation practices. For learning about these, you can go on an expertly guided private safari tour. You can undergo a customised tour and observe the wild animals from a closer distance. The avid birdwatcher will enjoy a birdwatching safari as you capture them in their natural habitat. A professional photographer can guide you on a safari that is mainly focused on photography. The park’s flora and fauna can be photographed in their usual habitat for excellent wildlife photography.

The evening desert safari is also enjoyable where you can experience special animal behaviors at sunset. A visit to the Arabian Wildlife Park is sure to add that zing to your Abu Dhabi travel if you are looking for the fresh unwinding into Nature. You can look forward to the best learning experience about wildlife ever!