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Arabian Wildlife Park
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wildlife-area
The Arabian Wildlife Park, located on Sir Bani Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, is one of the largest nature reserves in the region. Covering more than half of the island's area, the park is home to over 17,000 free-roaming animals, including the rare Arabian Oryx, gazelles, and giraffes. The project was initiated in 1971 by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan with the goal of protecting endangered species of the Arabian Peninsula from extinction. Today, the park serves as a flagship model for ecological tourism and sustainability in the UAE. Visitors can join guided safaris in specialized vehicles to observe the animals in an environment that closely resembles their natural habitat. In addition to herbivores, there are separate large enclosures for predators such as cheetahs and hyenas. The island is also a significant archaeological site, housing the remains of a 7th-century Christian monastery. Through the protection of flora and fauna, the park contributes substantially to the biodiversity of the Gulf region and environmental awareness.
- Location: United Arab Emirates
- Nearby: Ruwais (20 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 20 | 20 | 22 | 25 | 30 | 32 | 34 | 35 | 34 | 31 | 27 | 23 |
| Rain mm | 10 | 6 | 12 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 9 | 11 |
📋 Practical info
Best season
The most pleasant temperatures for extensive wildlife viewing in this unique island reserve are during the cooler months between November and March, as the animals are typically more active then.
Best time of day
The early morning hours or late afternoon are absolutely convenient for observing the free-roaming animals as they forage for food in the more moderate sunlight, carefully avoiding the intense midday heat.
Etiquette
During guided tours, always remain safely inside the designated vehicles and never feed the wild animals under any circumstances, to avoid permanently disrupting their natural behavior patterns.
What to bring
A high-quality pair of binoculars is absolutely essential for observing the various animals in detail from the safe distance of the safari vehicles. Also remember to bring sun protection and water.
Getting there
The expansive reserve on Sir Bani Yas Island is typically easily accessible via well-organized boat transfers or short, convenient domestic flights originating from the mainland of the United Arab Emirates.
What to expect
Since the numerous animals roam completely freely across this expansive and impressive area, there is no guarantee of specific sightings. Enjoy the vastness of the landscape and let nature surprise you.
Geography
Facts
- The park is located on Sir Bani Yas Island, covering over 4,100 hectares.
- It hosts one of the world's largest herds of the endangered Arabian Oryx.
- The wildlife park was established in 1971 by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
- More than 2.5 million trees were planted on the island to create habitats.
- Besides native species, cheetahs are kept here for ecological management.
- The protected area covers about 50 percent of the total island surface.
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Notable places around
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Sights in the town Arabian Wildlife Park (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is special about the Arabian Wildlife Park?
It houses thousands of free-roaming animals on Sir Bani Yas Island.
How do I get there?
The island is accessible by boat or plane from Abu Dhabi.
Are there safari tours?
Yes, guided 4x4 safari tours are the best way to see the animals.
Can you hike there?
Hiking is only safely possible as part of guided tours.
Are there hotels on the island?
Yes, there are several luxury resorts for an extended stay.
Arabian Wildlife Park: where is it located?
Arabian Wildlife Park is located in United Arab Emirates.
Arabian Wildlife Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Arabian Wildlife Park: why is it worth visiting?
The Arabian Wildlife Park, located on Sir Bani Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, is one of the largest nature reserves in the region.
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Nearby cities
Abu Dhabi
The wealthy capital of the UAE combines modern skyscrapers with traditional palaces.
Al Ain
Known as the Garden City, this historic oasis fascinates with lush greenery amidst dry desert.
Madinat Zayed
The administrative center of the Al Dhafra region forms the backbone of the western desert settlements.
Ruwais
A modern planned city functioning as a driving force for the petrochemical industry in the west.
Liwa
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Sweihan
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Ghayathi
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Al Mirfa
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Sila
This remote port city marks the western end of the emirates and acts as an important trade gateway.
Al Mirfa
A tranquil coastal town in Abu Dhabi, known for its rich fishing heritage and the annual water sports festival.
Gantout
An exclusive coastal area between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, famous for polo, luxury marinas, and water sports.
History & landmarks
Qasr Al Watan
This magnificent presidential palace opens its doors to the public, showcasing the rich Arabian heritage.
Emirates Palace
The luxurious palace hotel on the coast captivates with its gilded domes and extensive lush green gardens.
Qasr Al Hosn
The oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi was once a watchtower fort and is today a profound historical museum.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
This spectacular art museum blends French design with Arabian heritage beneath a mesmerizing metal dome.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
This magnificent masterpiece of Islamic architecture in white marble impresses with massive domes and intricate details.
Ferrari World
The world's first Ferrari theme park offers high-speed thrills under a gigantic red roof on Yas Island.
Nature
Sir Bani Yas Coast
A protected coastline with pristine beaches that serves as an important habitat for marine wildlife.
🗺️
Al Dhafra Coast
An expansive coastal strip in the west of the UAE, known for its traditional fishing villages and extensive mangroves.
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More places
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A prominent elevation on the coast of Abu Dhabi with historical significance for seafarers and the oil industry.
Ruwais Refinery
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Dalma Old Pearl Diving Center
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Barakah Nuclear Power Plant
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Rub' al Khali
One of the largest contiguous sand deserts in the world, stretching across the southern UAE.
Shams Solar Power Station
Shams in Abu Dhabi was the world's largest parabolic trough solar power station at the time of its commissioning.
Liwa Desert
A vast desert landscape known for the region's highest sand dunes and historical oasis settlements.
Zayed Port
Zayed Port was the main commercial port of Abu Dhabi for decades before container traffic was shifted to Khalifa Port.