Umm Al Quwain Zoo, UAE: Complete Guide to Wildlife, Activities & Visitor Experience
When people think of the UAE’s wildlife attractions, Dubai Safari Park or Emirates Park Zoo in Abu Dhabi often come to mind. But beyond the two largest emirates lies Umm Al Quwain Zoo (The Zoo Wildlife Park) — a privately-owned sanctuary where exotic animals, interactive encounters, and family adventures converge. For many visitors, this lesser-known gem offers something Dubai’s mega attractions cannot: a raw, up-close, and personal experience with wildlife in a relaxed setting.
Why Visit Umm Al Quwain Zoo?
Umm Al Quwain (UAQ), the UAE’s second-smallest emirate, is often overshadowed by its glamorous neighbors. Yet, it hides authentic experiences for curious travelers. The Umm Al Quwain Zoo reflects that charm — intimate in scale but rich in diversity. Unlike larger commercial zoos, here you’ll find trainers interacting directly with visitors, opportunities to pet and feed animals, and experiences designed to spark curiosity in children and adults alike.
Also known as UAQ Zoo or Umm Al Quwain Wildlife Park, it combines conservation awareness with family-friendly entertainment, making it one of the emirate’s most popular attractions.
What to See and Do at Umm Al Quwain Zoo
🐅 Meet a World of Animals
From majestic big cats like tigers, lions, leopards, and cheetahs to desert natives such as the Arabian Oryx, the zoo is home to animals from every continent. Visitors can also spot playful primates like orangutans, baboons, lemurs, and monkeys, alongside vibrant birdlife — flamingos, macaws, parrots, and owls. Reptile enthusiasts will enjoy the variety of snakes and iguanas.
🤝 Interactive Animal Encounters
What sets UAQ Zoo apart is its hands-on experiences. Families can pet goats, kangaroos, and camels, or — for the adventurous — even pose for a supervised photo session with lions or tigers. Trainers are always on hand, sharing insights about animal behavior and conservation.
🐍 Brave the Reptile Experience
On weekends, visitors can drape a snake across their shoulders for that once-in-a-lifetime selfie. If that’s too daring, the friendly iguanas provide a gentler interaction while still making for great photos.
🦧 Meet Habooba, the Orangutan
Habooba, the zoo’s star orangutan, is known for her playful personality. She enjoys strolling with visitors, posing for pictures, and turning every interaction into a memory. For many families, meeting Habooba is the highlight of their visit.
🐪 Camel & Horse Rides
Instead of walking through the zoo, why not ride? Visitors can explore parts of the park on horseback or camelback, adding an authentic Arabian touch to the wildlife experience.
🦜 Bird Performances & Parrot Chats
Parrots here are more than just beautiful — they’re talkative. Visitors can engage in playful conversations, teaching them words and listening to their chatter. Birdwatchers will enjoy photographing macaws in flight and flamingos gathering in flocks.
🎡 Family Activities & Play Zones
Beyond animals, the zoo features:
- Obstacle courses for children
- A mini-golf course
- Train rides circling the park
- Designated picnic areas, perfect for family gatherings
Practical Visitor Information
📍 Location & How to Reach
The zoo is located along Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Road (E11) in Umm Al Quwain, easily accessible from Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman.
- By Car: Drive via E11 and follow signboards to the zoo.
- By Taxi: From UAQ City Centre, taxis take less than 15 minutes.
- By Bus: From Dubai, take Bus E601 from Deira’s Etihad Bus Station to UAQ, then catch a taxi from Union Roundabout.
🕒 Opening Hours
The zoo operates daily, but timings may shift between weekdays and weekends. Visitors are advised to check locally before planning their trip.
🎟️ Ticket Prices
Ticket costs vary depending on age and activities selected (such as camel rides or special encounters). Families should budget extra for interactive sessions and photography.
Recommended: Pygmy Zoo Ajman
Nearby Attractions in Umm Al Quwain
If you’re planning a day trip, consider exploring these spots near the zoo:
- Umm Al Quwain National Museum – Discover artifacts from the ancient city of Ed-Dur.
- Dreamland Aqua Park – One of the UAE’s oldest and largest waterparks.
- UAQ Mangroves & Islands – Perfect for kayaking and birdwatching.
- Falaj Al Mualla Fort – A restored heritage site reflecting the emirate’s history.
- UAQ Marine Club – Ideal for fishing, sailing, and water sports.
Why TheDubaiWeb.com Recommends It
At TheDubaiWeb.com, we highlight hidden gems that showcase the UAE beyond the skyscrapers of Dubai. The Umm Al Quwain Zoo is a reminder that meaningful travel often happens in smaller, unexpected places. For families, animal lovers, and weekend explorers, this zoo delivers an authentic mix of education, adventure, and Arabian charm.
FAQ: Umm Al Quwain Zoo
How much is the ticket for Umm Al Quwain Zoo?
Ticket prices vary depending on activities. Standard entry is affordable, but interactive experiences like camel rides or lion encounters cost extra.
What is special about Umm Al Quwain Zoo?
Unlike larger zoos, UAQ Zoo offers direct animal interactions, from petting kangaroos to playing with an orangutan. It blends entertainment with conservation awareness.
When did Umm Al Quwain Zoo open?
The zoo opened in the early 2010s as a private initiative to create a family-friendly wildlife park in the emirate.
Is Umm Al Quwain worth visiting?
Yes. If you’re already exploring Sharjah, Ajman, or Ras Al Khaimah, the zoo makes for a rewarding half-day trip filled with memorable activities.
How far is Umm Al Quwain Zoo from Dubai?
It’s about an hour’s drive from Dubai, depending on traffic, making it an ideal weekend getaway.
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