Last updated: 13 October 2026
Dubai Safari Park opened 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.
Dubai Safari Park
119-hectare wildlife park with six zones, safari rides and daily animal shows
Area: Al Warqa, opposite Dragon Mart
Hours: Daily, 9am to 6pm (last entry 5pm)
Price: From AED 50 (about USD 14) per person
Phone: 800 900
Map: Open in Google Maps
When Does Dubai Safari Park Reopen?
Season 8 opened on Monday 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.
Opening week runs from 12 to 18 October, lined up with the school mid-term break, and the park is calling it its Wildest Opening Week. Little ones get a Little Explorers’ Base Camp with face painting, clay modelling, arts and crafts, lawn games and safari-themed inflatables. Tickets are on sale now, and the first few weekends fill up fast, so book online rather than turning up at the gate.
Dubai Safari Park Timings
- Daily: 9am to 6pm (last entry 5pm)
- Dine in the Wild: breakfast sittings start at 7am and dinner at 6pm, outside regular park hours
Those are the published Season 8 hours, and they apply every day of the week. For October visits, arrive at opening: the late-morning sun is still no joke.
Dubai Safari Park Ticket Prices
Season 8 prices are live, and the standard Safari Park Pass holds at AED 50 (about USD 14). The one to know about is the Safari Bundle: it’s the only ticket that adds the Explorer Safari and the shuttle train. Here’s the full Season 8 price list:
| Ticket | Price (Season 8) | What you get | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safari Park Pass | AED 50 (about USD 14) | All 6 zones, 15-minute Arabian Desert Safari, daily animal presentations and free parking | Budget visits and older kids happy to walk |
| Safari Bundle | AED 117 (about USD 32) | Everything in the Park Pass plus the 35-minute Explorer Safari and unlimited shuttle train rides | First-timers and families with little ones |
| Behind the Scenes Tour | AED 1,450 (about USD 395) | 90-minute private tour, up to 10 people | Groups and curious teens |
| Jungle Capture Photography | AED 1,275 (about USD 347) | 3-hour photography session, up to 3 people | Wildlife photographers |
| Dine in the Wild | AED 2,150 (about USD 585) | Private dining experience, up to 6 people | Birthdays and special occasions |
| King of Safari VIP | AED 2,500 (about USD 681) | 4-hour VIP visit, up to 10 people | Families who want the whole park without the queues |
The Park Pass and Safari Bundle are priced per person, and the private experiences are priced per group. Under 3s and People of Determination get in free. And here’s one most visitors miss: on your country’s official National Day, you get 50% off the Park Pass when you show your passport or ID at the ticket counter.
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 shuttle train that comes with the Safari Bundle 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 15-minute Arabian Desert Safari is included with the standard pass. The 35-minute Explorer Safari takes you through the larger open habitats, and it’s the one people talk about afterwards. You only get it with the Safari Bundle or a premium experience, so don’t buy the basic pass and expect to ride.
Giraffe and lemur feeding encounters are paid add-ons with limited spots, so add them when you book rather than hoping for a slot on the day. The live shows, including Birds Kingdom, Echoes of the Wild and Birds of Prey, 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.
- Get the Safari Bundle if you’ve got little ones. It adds unlimited shuttle train rides, which 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 opened on Monday 12 October 2026 and, going by past seasons, runs through to early summer.
How much is a Dubai Safari Park ticket?
The standard Safari Park Pass costs AED 50 (about USD 14) for Season 8 and covers all six zones. The Safari Bundle, which adds the Explorer Safari and the shuttle train, costs AED 117 (about USD 32). Private experiences start at AED 1,275 (about USD 347) per group for the Jungle Capture photography session.
What are the Dubai Safari Park timings?
For Season 8, the park is open daily from 9am to 6pm, with last entry at 5pm.
Is the train at Dubai Safari Park free?
Not with the basic pass. Unlimited shuttle train rides come with the Safari Bundle at AED 117 (about USD 32), and with the premium experiences.
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. Giraffe and lemur feeding encounters are available as paid add-ons, and spots are limited, so book them with your ticket.
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 now that Season 8 prices are live, and aim for a weekday morning.
