Dubai Safari Park: Season 8 Tickets, Timings, Zones & Complete Visitor Guide 2026

Dubai Safari Park is back for Season 8, and if you are planning a family day out in Dubai this winter, this is the one guide you need before you buy a ticket. The park reopened on 12 October 2026 after its summer break, and the biggest mistake visitors make here is buying the wrong ticket — the basic pass and the safari bundle sound similar, but they do not include the same safari ride.

In this guide you will find the current Season 8 ticket prices, the exact timings, all six zones explained in visit order, the difference between the two safari journeys, the free shows, and how to reach the park without a car. Prices and timings change between seasons, so check the official site before you travel — everything below is for Season 8 as published in October 2026.

Dubai Safari Park at a Glance

Dubai Safari Park sits in Al Warqa 5, on the E44 (Hatta Road), directly opposite Dragon Mart. It is home to more than 3,000 animals across six wildlife zones, from African elephants and white lions to Asian moon bears and Arabian oryx. Allow four to five hours for a full visit. Arrive at 9:00 AM if you can — the animals are more active in the morning, the park is quieter, and you will have time for a safari ride and at least one show without rushing.

Location	Al Warqa 5, E44 (Hatta Road), opposite Dragon Mart, Dubai
Season 8 opened	12 October 2026
Timings	Daily 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, last entry 5:00 PM
Safari Park Pass	From AED 50 per person
Safari Bundle	AED 117 per person (online)
Free entry	Children under 3, People of Determination
Zones	6 — African Village, Asian Village, Explorer Village, Arabian Desert Safari, Kids Farm, Al Wadi
Shows	5 live animal presentations daily, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM, included in ticket
Parking	Free on site

Dubai Safari Park Tickets and Prices (Season 8)

There are two main tickets, and the difference matters more than the price gap suggests.

The Safari Park Pass, from AED 50 per person, gives you entry to all six zones, the Arabian Desert Safari, and the five daily animal presentations. Children under 3 and People of Determination enter free. There is no separate child price in the published Season 8 pass — from age 3, everyone pays the same pass price.

The Safari Bundle, AED 117 per person online, adds the Explorer Safari Tour — the 35-minute guided drive through the big-cat and hippo habitats that most visitors picture when they think of a safari park. Premium experiences such as Behind the Scenes and King of Safari VIP are also available at higher prices.

Ticket	Price	Includes / Best for
Safari Park Pass	From AED 50	All six zones, Arabian Desert Safari, 5 daily presentations — Best for families who want a full park day on a budget
Safari Bundle	AED 117 (online)	Everything in the Pass, plus the 35-minute Explorer Safari Tour — Best for first-time visitors who do not want to miss the main safari drive
Premium experiences	Higher price, varies	Behind the Scenes, King of Safari VIP and similar — Best for special occasions and photography-focused visits

One warning that most guides skip: third-party booking sites disagree about whether unlimited shuttle-train rides are in the basic pass or only in the bundle. Do not rely on a reseller page for this. On the booking page, check exactly what your ticket includes before you pay, especially if walking between zones is a concern for your group. Animal encounters such as giraffe and lemur feeding are paid add-ons with limited spots in any case, so add them at booking time rather than hoping for a slot on the day.

Book on the official Dubai Safari Park website where possible. Reseller packages sometimes add transport or combine other attractions, which changes both the price and what is actually included.

Dubai Safari Park Timings and Season

Dubai Safari Park is open daily in Season 8 from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with last entry at 5:00 PM. Season 8 opened on 12 October 2026 and is listed to run to 31 May 2027. The park normally closes over the peak summer months and reopens in October, so a June to September plan needs a reopening check first — do not assume it is open year-round.

If you are visiting on a public holiday or a school-holiday weekend, expect longer queues for the Explorer Safari Tour and the feeding encounters. A weekday morning is the calmest time, and it is also when the animals tend to be most active.

The Six Zones of Dubai Safari Park, in Visit Order

Most guides list the zones alphabetically. That is not how you should walk them. Start with the safari ride while queues are short, then work through the villages, and save the calm Al Wadi area for a midday break.

1. Explorer Village — Do This First

Explorer Village is the park’s main safari experience. The guided Explorer Safari Tour drives through open habitats where you can see big cats, hippos, giraffes, zebras and cheetahs from the bus. This is the ride that is NOT in the basic pass — you need the Safari Bundle or a premium experience for it. If you have the bundle, book an early slot. The tour takes about 35 minutes, and it is the part of the day visitors talk about afterwards.

2. African Village

African Village recreates savannah and rainforest habitats, and it is home to some of the park’s largest animals — African elephants, white lions, gorillas, chimpanzees, hippos and lemurs. It also has one of the park’s largest aviaries and regular wildlife talks. Walk slowly here. The habitats are wide, and the animals are often easier to spot if you stop at the viewpoints instead of hurrying past.

3. Asian Village

Asian Village is quieter than the African Village, which makes it one of the best places for close-up viewing. Look for moon bears, gibbons, Komodo dragons and birds such as eagles and pelicans, in habitats designed around Asian forests and ponds. If you are travelling with older children who like animals more than rides, this zone often becomes their favourite.

4. Arabian Desert Safari

The Arabian Desert Safari is the desert drive included with the basic pass, about 15 minutes long. It focuses on animals of the Arabian Peninsula — Arabian oryx, sand gazelles, camels and other desert-adapted species — and it is a good introduction to UAE wildlife and conservation. Do not confuse it with the Explorer Safari Tour. The Arabian drive is shorter, gentler and included; the Explorer drive is longer, goes through the big-cat and hippo habitats, and costs extra.

5. Kids Farm

Kids Farm is built for younger visitors. Children can meet goats, sheep, ducks, chickens and ponies, try pony grooming and walking, and learn basic animal care in a hands-on way. It is also a useful energy-burner for small children after the longer safari ride. If you are visiting with toddlers, plan Kids Farm after a show, not before — they will enjoy it more when they are not already tired.

6. Al Wadi — The Midday Break

Al Wadi, Arabic for ‘the valley’, is the park’s calm zone — water features, shaded seating, walking paths and cafes. Use it as your lunch and rest stop between animal encounters. Families who skip a break here often run out of energy before the last zone, so treat Al Wadi as part of the plan, not as leftover time.

Animal Shows and Encounters

Five live animal presentations run every open day between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM, and all five are included with your park ticket. They include bird shows such as Birds of Prey and wildlife presentations that explain conservation and animal care. Check the show timetable the moment you arrive and plan your route around it — walking from one village to another just in time to miss a feeding session is the most common frustration in visitor reviews.

Paid encounters are separate. Giraffe feeding and lemur feeding are the most popular, with limited spots, and they are worth booking in advance if they matter to your children. Some encounters are free and some are paid, so ask at the zone entrance rather than assuming.

How to Reach Dubai Safari Park

By car, head to Al Warqa 5 on the E44 (Hatta Road), opposite Dragon Mart. From Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311), take Exit 52 towards Dragon Mart, then follow the signs and take a U-turn at the first roundabout to reach the entrance. Parking is free on site, and the drive from Downtown Dubai takes around 25 to 30 minutes outside rush hour.

By public transport, take the Red Line Metro to Centrepoint station (formerly Rashidiya), then RTA bus F10 directly to Dubai Safari Park. Allow 45 to 65 minutes in total depending on traffic. There is no metro station at the park itself, so the bus or a taxi is the last leg either way. Taxis and ride-hailing services are available throughout Dubai, and a taxi from Downtown Dubai costs roughly AED 55 to 90 depending on traffic.

If you are combining attractions, Dubai Miracle Garden and Dubai Crocodile Park are both covered in separate guides on this site, and they work well as a second stop on a different day rather than squeezed into the same day as the safari park.

Best Time to Visit and a Simple 4–5 Hour Route

The best time to visit Dubai Safari Park is a weekday morning in the cooler months, from October to March. Arrive at 9:00 AM, do the Explorer Safari Tour first if you have the bundle, then African Village and Asian Village, take the Arabian Desert Safari, rest at Al Wadi around midday, catch a show between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM, and finish at Kids Farm. That order gives you the safari ride before queues build, the shows in the middle of the day, and the gentlest zone last for tired children.

Carry water, wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring sun protection. The park is large, you will walk a lot, and shade is not everywhere. Prayer rooms, baby-changing areas, restaurants and cafes are available inside, and the park is wheelchair accessible.

Dubai Safari Park Rules and Tips Worth Knowing

Do not feed the animals yourself, except in a paid feeding encounter run by staff. Do not tap on glass or shout at enclosures. Keep to the paths in the villages, and follow staff instructions on the safari bus — standing up or leaning out during a drive is not allowed. Tickets are date-specific in most online bookings, so check the date before you pay, and keep your booking confirmation with you. If you are visiting with a Person of Determination, carry the relevant ID or SANAD card, as free entry is subject to eligibility rules.

For families who want more green, open space after the safari park, our guide to the best family parks in Dubai and our Aventura Parks Dubai guide cover very different kinds of days out — a relaxed park day, and a zipline adventure inside Mushrif Park itself. If you want a quieter nature start to your trip, the Mushrif Park guide on our home page is the place to begin.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a Dubai Safari Park ticket in Season 8?

The Safari Park Pass starts from AED 50 per person, and the Safari Bundle, which adds the Explorer Safari Tour, is AED 117 per person online. Children under 3 and People of Determination enter free.

What are Dubai Safari Park timings?

In Season 8 the park is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with last entry at 5:00 PM. Season 8 opened on 12 October 2026. The park closes over peak summer, so check reopening dates for a summer visit.

Is the safari journey included in the basic ticket?

The 15-minute Arabian Desert Safari is included with the basic pass. The 35-minute Explorer Safari Tour through the big-cat and hippo habitats is not — it needs the Safari Bundle or a premium experience.

How do I reach Dubai Safari Park by metro?

There is no metro station at the park. Take the Red Line to Centrepoint station, then RTA bus F10 directly to the park. By car, it is in Al Warqa 5 on the E44, opposite Dragon Mart, with free parking.

How long do I need at Dubai Safari Park?

Plan four to five hours for all six zones, a safari ride and at least one show. First-time visitors who want feeding encounters as well should allow a full day at a relaxed pace.

Is Dubai Safari Park good for young children?

Yes. Kids Farm, the animal presentations, pony interactions and the shorter Arabian Desert Safari are all designed for families, and the park is wheelchair and stroller friendly. Book feeding encounters in advance, as spots are limited.

Final Thoughts

Dubai Safari Park earns its place as a full family day out, but only if you buy the right ticket for the day you actually want. If the Explorer Safari Tour matters to you, buy the bundle. If you are happy with the villages, the Arabian Desert Safari and the free shows, the AED 50 pass is good value. Either way, arrive at 9:00 AM, plan around the show times, and give yourself four to five hours. Check the official Dubai Safari Park website before you travel for any last-minute change to Season 8 timings or prices, and enjoy the safari.