- Address: Jumeirah Beach Rd, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
- Year of foundation: 1967
- Area: 2 hectares
- Working hours: 10: 00-18: 00, Tues - closed
If you like to watch the life of animals, then during a holiday in Dubai, you can visit the local zoo (Dubai Zoo). It has a rich history and is the oldest not only in the country, but also throughout the Arabian Peninsula.
general information
The establishment was built by an Arab businessman in 1967. Originally it was a large park, on the territory of which there was a private collection of exotic animals. It belonged to Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum (Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum). Here lived wild cats, monkeys, reptiles, artiodactyl mammals, and fish were swimming in the aquarium. After 4 years, the zoo moved to the jurisdiction of the authorities of Dubai and became a municipal one. Here we began to carry out repairs to improve the living conditions of animals.
Throughout the time, the zoo's territory has been constantly updated and refined. Have installed a large number of benches and fountains with drinking water, and also planted a lot of trees that create a shadow and save from the heat.
What's interestnig?
Currently, the zoo in Dubai is the best in the country and can compete with many similar institutions of our planet. There is no definite system in the arrangement of cages, therefore ostriches peacefully coexist with African lions, and chimpanzees - with Bengal tigers.
The total area of the zoo is 2 hectares, it is home to 230 species of mammals and about 400 species of reptiles. Many of them are listed in the Red Book, for example, the cat Gordon, the Arabian wolf, and the colony of Socotran cormorants that live here is the only one on the planet.
In the zoo of Dubai, there are 9 species of felines and 7 - primates. Visitors to the establishment will be able to see such animals as:
- eared vulture;
- Phenec (desert fox);
- Syrian bear;
- hyena;
- hippo;
- crocodile;
- rattlesnake;
- giraffe, etc.
Special interest among the guests of the zoo is caused by the inhabitants of the Socotra archipelago. These are unique islands that are famous for their unique biological diversity. Many species of animals are found only here, being endemic.
Rules of behavior in the zoo
Before you get on the tour, all guests undergo strict face-control. Here you can not go in short shorts and skirts, and the knees and elbows should be closed both for women and for men. On the territory you can not:
- Feed the animals;
- touch the plants;
- litter;
- shout and disturb public order.
In the zoo of Dubai, photos can be taken anywhere, but it's worth keeping in mind safety techniques. The entire territory of the institution is clean and well-groomed, and the cells are made in such a way that tourists do not close the observation survey.
Features of visit
The cost of admission is $ 1, children under 2 years old and disabled - free of charge. The Dubai Zoo operates every day, except Tuesday, from 10:00 to 18:00 hours. Feeding animals occurs from 16:00 to 17:00.
If you are tired and want to relax, you can sit in a gazebo or in a small cafe, where they prepare fast food and various drinks.
How to get there?
The establishment is located in the tourist center in the Jumeirah area, near the Merkato Mall shopping center. The main landmark is the famous Burj Al Arab Hotel . From anywhere in Dubai, you can get to the zoo in half an hour.
It is more convenient to get here by bus №№ 8, 88 or Х28. Public transport stops near the entrance to the Dubai Zoo. The fare is approximately $ 1-1.5. If you decide to get on the metro, then you need to go to the station Baniyas Square Metro Station 2, and then have to walk or take a taxi.