ZOOS UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Platinum Heritage is a luxury desert safari operator based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with an additional presence in AlUla, Saudi Arabia. As part of the Hero Experiences Group, Platinum Heritage specializes in authentic, heritage-focused desert experiences that combine adventure with cultural immersion. Guests can traverse the dramatic sand dunes, explore ancient desert landscapes, enjoy traditional fine-dining safaris, and gain genuine insight into the culture and traditions of the Arabian Peninsula. The company is committed to sustainable tourism, working to preserve the natural environment and promote the authentic heritage of the region while supporting local communities. Whether seeking a luxurious overnight desert escape or a culturally enriching daytime excursion, Platinum Heritage offers thoughtfully crafted journeys for discerning travelers and families alike.

Al Marmoom Oasis is a desert experience destination located near Dubai, United Arab Emirates, offering visitors an immersive glimpse into the traditional Bedouin way of life. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Arabian desert, the oasis features camel caravan rides, horse riding, and the opportunity to encounter native desert wildlife in their natural environment. Guests can enjoy authentic Emirati hospitality with traditional meals including a Bedouin Breakfast and evening BBQ dinners beneath the stars. Accommodation options range from brief activity sessions to extended luxury overnight stays in dome retreats, making the oasis suitable for a variety of travelers. Al Marmoom Oasis blends heritage tourism, wildlife appreciation, and desert adventure into a unique cultural experience just a short distance from the city.

Sir Bani Yas Island is a remarkable wildlife reserve and nature destination located off the coast of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, originally established as a Royal Nature Reserve in 1971 by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Today the island is home to more than 11,000 animals from 30 species, many of which are critically endangered or vulnerable, including one of the world's largest herds of Arabian oryx numbering over 700 individuals, along with sand gazelles, Somali ostriches, giraffes, cheetahs, and dolphins. Visitors can explore the island's dramatic landscapes aboard custom 4x4 vehicles, enjoy guided wildlife safaris, kayaking, mountain biking, archery, hiking, and snorkeling. Dedicated conservation programs protect rare species and restore natural habitats, and the island serves as a compelling model for how wildlife preservation and eco-tourism can coexist in the region.

UAE Pygmy Zoo is a unique petting zoo and interactive animal attraction located at Al Zorah Marina in Ajman, United Arab Emirates. Marketed as the UAE's first pygmy zoo, the facility is centred around miniature and dwarf animals alongside a variety of birds, exotic species, and small breed dogs. Visitors can meet miniature horses, pygmy goats, dwarf donkeys, miniature cows and buffaloes, Arabian oryx, hedgehogs, and turtles, as well as a wide array of birds including peacocks, ostriches, eagles, owls, macaws, and parakeets. Camel and pony rides are available for children, and guests are encouraged to get close to and interact with the animals under the guidance of trained handlers. The zoo's hands-on, family-friendly approach makes it a popular destination for children and families in the Ajman area.

The Animal Sanctuary at The Sustainable City in Dubai is a free-admission community wildlife experience set within an award-winning eco-friendly residential development in the heart of Dubai. The sanctuary is home to a friendly variety of animals including goats, donkeys, ducks, roosters, hens, peacocks, and cats, which roam freely throughout the lush green spaces of the car-free community. Visitors and families can hand-feed the animals, enjoy picnics on the lawns, and let children play in open spaces, all while experiencing an environment that demonstrates how urban living can coexist harmoniously with animal welfare and sustainability. Electric buggies and bicycles are the primary modes of transport within the community, adding to its peaceful, eco-conscious atmosphere. The sanctuary is a charming and educational outing for families seeking a relaxed and nature-connected experience in Dubai.

Al Dhannah City Farm Mini Zoo, also known as Ruwais City Farm, is a small community zoo located within the Ruwais nursery area of Al Dhannah in Abu Dhabi's western region of the United Arab Emirates. The farm is home to a diverse variety of animals including peacocks, ostriches, horses, deer, gazelles, rabbits, sheep, poultry, and a range of birds such as falcons and pigeons. Educational information boards throughout the grounds provide details about each animal species, making it a simple and informative experience for families and local residents. The facility operates daily from 9 am to 6 pm and is free to enter, offering accessible, family-friendly wildlife viewing. Paved walkways and a vending machine for refreshments add to visitor comfort at this welcoming community attraction.

Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is one of the world's largest indoor aquariums, situated within The Dubai Mall in the heart of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The facility holds 10 million litres of water and is home to over 33,000 aquatic animals representing more than 300 species, including 400 sharks and rays. A dramatic 48-metre, 270-degree glass tunnel allows visitors to walk beneath the main tank and marvel at sharks, rays, and schools of fish at close range. The Underwater Zoo takes guests through three ecological zones — rainforest, rocky shore, and ocean — where they encounter crocodiles, penguins, otters, jellyfish, piranhas, and more. Penguin Cove offers a climate-controlled habitat for Gentoo penguins. The attraction combines awe-inspiring marine spectacle with education about aquatic ecosystems, making it a top family destination in Dubai.

Dubai Safari Park is the UAE's premier wildlife destination, situated in the Al Warqa district of Dubai. The park is home to over 3,000 animals representing more than 300 species, arranged across six immersive themed zones including the African Village, Asian Village, Explorer Village, and Arabian Desert Safari. Visitors can encounter elephants, giraffes, tigers, orangutans, the Arabian oryx, and many more remarkable animals through guided safari tours, live presentations, animal encounters, and interactive petting areas. The park operates a 24-hour veterinary care program and actively participates in international conservation initiatives, including the successful release of critically endangered Addax to Chad. A dedicated conservation and breeding program has also celebrated the births of giraffes and rhinos, making Dubai Safari Park as much a conservation center as it is a family attraction.

Al Ain Zoo is the largest zoo in the Middle East, founded in 1968 by UAE founder Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and located in the city of Al Ain, Abu Dhabi. As a major conservation hub, the zoo is home to hundreds of animals including giraffes, endangered mammals, birds, and many other species, all housed within expansive natural habitats including open safari plains. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of family-friendly experiences such as safari adventures, animal feeding encounters, interactive educational presentations, and community events throughout the year. The zoo's mission centers on preserving regional wildlife and fragile ecosystems, making it both a recreational destination and a vital institution for biodiversity conservation in the Arabian Peninsula. Its blend of education, conservation, and adventure makes it an enduring attraction for families and wildlife enthusiasts from across the region and beyond.

Emirates Park Zoo and Resort is a distinctive wildlife attraction located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, uniquely combining a full-service zoo with onsite resort accommodations. The facility is home to a wide variety of rescued mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and aquatic species, and is recognized as the UAE's first autism-friendly outdoor zoo. Guests can enjoy interactive experiences including animal feeding, educational presentations, and riding encounters, as well as a World Butterfly Park and multiple dining options. As a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), the zoo upholds high standards of animal welfare and conservation. The resort concept allows families to feed, meet, and stay with animals all in one place, making Emirates Park Zoo and Resort a truly immersive and inclusive wildlife destination in the UAE.

Arabia's Wildlife Centre, located within the Sharjah Desert Park near Al Batayih in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, is the only zoological facility in the Arabian Peninsula dedicated exclusively to species native to the region. Opened in 1999, the centre showcases approximately 100 species of animals found across the Arabian Peninsula, including the iconic Arabian oryx, the endangered Arabian leopard, reptiles, ungulates, birds, invertebrates, marine life, and nocturnal animals, all displayed in the region's only fully indoor zoological facility. The complex is divided into four sections: the Arabian Wildlife Centre itself, a children's farm, an Islamic botanical garden, and a natural history museum, making it a comprehensive educational and cultural destination. The facility is managed under Sharjah's environmental protection authority and serves as an important center for public awareness of Arabian biodiversity and conservation.

The Zoo Wildlife Park is a privately owned wildlife facility situated in the Kabir area of Umm Al Quwain, United Arab Emirates, approximately 45 minutes from Dubai. Home to over 1,000 animals, the park features an impressive and diverse collection including lions, cheetahs, leopards, and the rare Golden Tabby Tiger among its big cats, as well as primates such as monkeys, baboons, and the popular orangutan Habouba. Visitors can also encounter giraffes, Arabian oryx, flamingos, macaws, ostriches, peacocks, pythons, tortoises, and crocodiles across themed areas including a reptile house, aviary, and primate corner. Interactive experiences allow families to feed animals, handle baby tigers and snakes, and enjoy camel and pony rides. The park also offers school visit programs, combining wildlife encounters with conservation education for students of all ages.

Al Buqaish Private Zoo is a licensed private wildlife facility located in Umm Al Quwain, United Arab Emirates. The zoo is home to over 400 animals spanning more than 40 species, offering visitors an unusually close and personal wildlife experience. The diverse collection includes majestic lions, tigers, leopards, giraffes, orangutans, and a variety of rare birds, as well as friendly animals such as goats, rabbits, and chickens that guests can pet and interact with directly. One of the highlights is hand-feeding giraffes, a memorable encounter popular with visitors of all ages. The intimate setting distinguishes Al Buqaish from larger commercial zoos, providing a unique and accessible opportunity to connect with a wide range of exotic and domestic animals in a private, family-friendly environment.

Ras Al Khaimah Zoo is a wildlife sanctuary located in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, with a strong focus on rescue and rehabilitation. Approximately 90 percent of the animals at the zoo have been rescued from illegal trade or private collections, giving them a protected and caring environment in which to thrive. The facility houses around 40 wild, rare, and endangered animals including African and white lions, golden tigers, black panthers, cheetahs, grey and Arabian wolves, chimpanzees, rare antelopes, deer, and a variety of tropical birds. Visitors can participate in unique interactive experiences such as bonding sessions with the world-famous chimpanzee Koba, bottle-feeding adult tigers, and gentle encounters with cheetahs. The zoo also features horse and camel riding, a children's mini zoo, restaurants, and family-friendly recreational areas, making it a rewarding destination for wildlife lovers across the Northern Emirates.