Dubai Safari set to reopen next month after two-year closure

African elephants will be the star attraction of the revamped centre, which closed in May 2018

A white lion is viewed by zoo visitors. Victor Besa for The National

The Dubai Safari aviary. Victor Besa for The National

Dubai Safari picnic area. Victor Besa for The National

The African stop entrance. Victor Besa for The National

The park on Al Awir Road on the outskirts of Dubai. Victor Besa for The National

The aviary. Victor Besa for The National

Mandarin ducks at the aviary. Victor Besa for The National

A hyena roving around its area. Victor Besa for The National

Screw horned antelope. Victor Besa for The National

Mandarin ducks at the aviary. Victor Besa for The National

Screw horned antelope. Victor Besa for The National

Dubai Safari features a wide range of open exhibits across four themed villages – African, Asian, Arabian and an open Safari Village. Victor Besa for The National

The zoo shuttle. Victor Besa for The National

Dubai Safari features a wide range of open exhibits across four themed villages – African, Asian, Arabian and an open Safari Village. Victor Besa for The National

Dubai Safari Park will swing open its doors for the first time in more than two years next month.

The park closed in May, 2018, only five months after a grand opening, while improvements were made to animal enclosures and attractions.

The relaunch on October 5 follows the completion of a comprehensive renovation and development process aimed at expanding the park and increasing educational interaction for visitors.

“As the momentum of recovery in the tourism market gathers pace, Dubai Safari provides an exciting attraction for both international visitors and residents,” said Dawoud Al Hajri, director general of Dubai Municipality, which has regained operation of the park from Meraas Holding.

“The redesigned Dubai Safari has many unique interactive programmes blended into the safari journey that provide visitors a unique and memorable experience.

“Not only can they see different types of animals from across the world, they can also enjoy activities, performances and shows that entertain as well as educate.”

Stretching across 119 hectares of landscaped grounds, the park houses an expanded community of 3,000 mammals, birds, amphibians and invertebrates.

The redesigned centre has many improvements to enhance guests’ access to its various sites.

In 2018 it was announced four new African elephants, one bull and three females, had arrived in April from Zimbabwe.

They are set to be the park’s biggest new attraction.

Other rare animals include the Komodo dragon, spiral-horned antelope, Arabian oryx, coloured African wild dog, gorilla, gibbon, bongo and lemur.

Visitors can transport themselves around the park on air-conditioned trains across three themed zones – the African Village, Asian Village and Explorer Village.

It also now includes an Arabian Desert Safari tour.

New activities such as animal feeding, educational and awareness programmes and seasonal events have been added to enrich the guest experience.

They have been designed to increase visitors’ awareness and provide opportunities for interaction with animals.

Comprehensive precautionary measures have been put in place to ensure safety during the pandemic.

A thermal camera has been installed and manual thermometers will also be used to screen visitors.

Social distancing of two metres will be strictly enforced with stickers placed on the floors to guide visitors.

Dubai Safari Park will open to the public daily from 9am to 5pm, with online reservations required for entry.

For more information about the attraction and its animals, visit the Dubai Safari website.