Last updated: 15 September 2026
Dubai Safari Park reopens for Season 8 on 12 October 2026, and yes, the giraffes are ready for you. It covers 119 hectares in Al Warqa with more than 3,000 animals, so this isn’t a quick zoo stop – plan a full half-day.
Here’s everything you need before you go: ticket options, timings, the six zones, the safari tours and how to avoid the classic rookie mistakes.
When Does Dubai Safari Park Reopen?
Season 8 starts on Sunday 12 October 2026. The park runs seasonally – it opens every autumn and closes in early summer when temperatures climb. Last season ended on 1 June, and the season before that followed the same pattern.
Tickets for the new season go on sale in October. If you’re planning a visit for the opening weekend, book online as soon as sales open, because the first few weekends fill up fast.
Dubai Safari Park Timings
- November to March: 9am – 8pm (last entry 7pm)
- October and April onwards: 9am – 6pm (last entry 5pm)
The cooler winter months give you two extra hours of daylight and evening. For October visits, arrive at opening – the late-morning sun is still no joke.
Dubai Safari Park Ticket Prices
Season 8 prices will be announced closer to reopening. Here’s what last season looked like so you can budget:
| Ticket | Price (Season 7) | What you get | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safari Park Pass | AED 50 (USD 14) | All 6 zones, unlimited train rides, 15-minute Arabian Desert Safari, 3 live shows, feeding sessions and wildlife talks | First-timers and families |
| Safari Bundle (online only) | AED 117 (USD 32) | Park pass plus added experiences | Animal-mad kids who want more encounters |
| Behind the Scenes Tour | AED 1,450 (USD 395) | 90-minute private tour, up to 10 people | Groups and curious teens |
| Jungle Capture Photography | AED 1,275 (USD 347) | 3-hour photography session, up to 3 people | Wildlife photographers |
| Dine in the Wild | AED 2,150 (USD 585) | Private dining experience, up to 6 people | Birthdays and special occasions |
| King of Safari VIP | AED 2,500 (USD 681) | 4-hour VIP visit, up to 10 people | Families who want the whole park without the queues |
Prices are per ticket for the Park Pass and Safari Bundle, and per group for the private experiences. All are subject to change for Season 8.
If you’re keeping an eye on costs, our monthly roundup of kids go free offers in Dubai is worth checking before you book.
Also Read: The Fort Lisaili Is Getting the UAE’s First Desert Zipline
What’s New for Season 8?
The biggest addition is the Royal Safari Experience. It’s a four-hour private visit for groups of up to 10, with VIP treatment, reserved seating at shows and private guided tours across the park. Think of it as the upgrade for grandparents in town or a milestone birthday.
The park has also launched a new “Live More Wild Life” identity. It recently became a member of both the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, which is a solid signal on animal welfare standards.
The Six Zones at Dubai Safari Park
The park is split into six zones, and the free train links them so little legs don’t give up by 11am.
- African Village – lions, giraffes, hippos and gorillas. This is the zone most kids ask for first.
- Asian Village – tigers, bears and primates, plus plenty of shaded walkways.
- Explorer Village – the starting point for the Explorer Safari, where you ride through open habitats with a guide.
- Arabian Desert Safari – a 15-minute drive-through of regional wildlife like oryx and gazelles, included in the Park Pass.
- Kids Farm – goats, farm animals and hands-on feeding for younger children.
- Al Wadi – the central valley area, good for breaks and picnics between zones.
Across the park, there are more than 300 species, 42 of them endangered.
Safari Tours and Animal Encounters
There are two guided safari rides. The Arabian Desert Safari is included with the standard pass. The Explorer Safari takes you through the larger open habitats, and it’s the one people talk about afterwards.
Feeding encounters include giraffes, goats and lemurs. Some are free with your ticket and some cost extra, so check the day’s schedule at the entrance. The live shows, including the bird show, run at set times throughout the day.
Wow-Emirates Expert Tip: Check the show and feeding timetable the moment you arrive and plan your route around it. Walking from Asian Village to African Village just in time to miss the giraffe feeding is a rite of passage nobody needs.
How to Get to Dubai Safari Park
The park is in Al Warqa on Al Awir Road (E44/Hatta Road), directly opposite Dragon Mart. From Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311), take Exit 52 and follow the signs towards Dragon Mart, then U-turn at the first roundabout to reach the entrance.
There’s no metro station nearby, so driving or a taxi is the easiest option. Parking is on site. From Downtown Dubai, allow around 25-30 minutes outside rush hour.
Tips for Visiting Dubai Safari Park With Kids
- Arrive at 9am. Animals are more active in the morning and the heat is easier to handle.
- Use the train. Unlimited rides are included, and they save a lot of walking between zones.
- Pack water, sunscreen and hats, even in November. Shade is decent, but it’s still Dubai.
- Rent a wheelchair or electric vehicle at the entrance if anyone in your group struggles with long walks.
- Leave half a day minimum. Trying to squeeze the park into two hours means skipping most of it.
If you’re building a family winter plan, the safari pairs well with the other ideas in our list of Dubai winter activities for families. For more year-round ideas, see our guide to the best kid-friendly places to visit in Dubai.
Wow-Emirates Expert Tip: Weekday mornings in October and early November are the quietest time to visit. Weekends from late November fill up with school groups and tourists, so book ahead if those are your only free days.
What to Do When the Park Is Closed
From June to early October, the park is shut for the summer. When it’s too hot to be outside, our guide to indoor activities for kids in Dubai has 16 air-conditioned options. And if your kids are more into camping than animals once the weather cools, look at our picks for glamping in Dubai.
FAQ
When does Dubai Safari Park open in 2026?
Season 8 opens on Sunday 12 October 2026.
How much is a Dubai Safari Park ticket?
Last season, the standard Safari Park Pass cost AED 50 (USD 14), and the online-only Safari Bundle cost AED 117 (USD 32). Season 8 prices will be announced in October.
What are the Dubai Safari Park timings?
The park is open 9am – 8pm from November to March and 9am – 6pm in the warmer months. Last entry is one hour before closing.
Is the train at Dubai Safari Park free?
Yes. Unlimited train rides are included with the Safari Park Pass.
How long do you need at Dubai Safari Park?
Plan at least four hours to see all six zones, catch a show and do a safari ride.
Is there a metro to Dubai Safari Park?
No. The park is in Al Warqa, opposite Dragon Mart, so driving or a taxi is the most practical way to get there.
When does Dubai Safari Park close for summer?
The park usually closes at the start of June and reopens in October.
Can you feed the animals at Dubai Safari Park?
Yes. There are giraffe, goat and lemur feeding encounters. Some are included with your ticket and some cost extra.
Disclaimer: Timings, prices and experiences are set by Dubai Safari Park and can change. Check the official website before you visit.
Planning your trip? Book your tickets on the official Dubai Safari Park website once Season 8 sales open, and aim for a weekday morning.
