Dubai: The UAEs most awaited wildlife project, Dubai Safari Park, has opened its doors to the media and invited guests in a soft launch on Tuesday morning.
The grand opening for the public will be in January, said Hussain Nasser Lootah, director general of Dubai Municipality. He said an announcement on the exact opening date for the public will be announced at the end of the month.
Keeping its tradition of opening mega projects on special dates, Dubai chose to open the doors of its latest tourist destination on 12/12/17.
Here's where you can find the Dubai Safari:
Hussain Nasser Lootah, director general and other officials of Dubai Municipality and Dubai Safari joined the media team for a preview of the facility.
The main entrance of the park is home to a magnificent glass roof which houses a souvenir shop and smart turnstile gates.
A group of students from Greenwood International School became the first batch of children in the UAE to see the new animal world in the country.
The first phase of the Dh1 billion project sprawling over 119 hectares in Al Warqa-5 is now complete. It includes Asian, African, and Arabian villages and an open Safari Village that offers a guided safari drive. A Wadi Area, Kids Farm in addition to two theaters are also part of the project.
Paw prints of big cats form the logo of the project that is home to the nations first open Safari, where visitors will travel in environmentally-friendly electric vehicles to see animals roaming around in the wild.
With more than 2,500 animals representing 250 exciting species, Dubai Safari is home to the most diverse array and the largest number of wildlife species in the UAE.
Here is a breakdown of the Dubai Safari: The Safari Village:This area of the park is where you will set off in an air conditioned 4 wheel drive. You will always be accompanied by a professional guide, as you drive through the UAEs space of the largest and most diverse collection of animals.
The open plaza of the Safari Village offers restaurants and cafes and a Safari Theatre, where guests can learn about the animals.
The African Village:This is the next stop on the Dubai Safari tour is Africa! This zone will be home to large and small animals including bull elephants and meercats. There is also a walk-in aviary and reptile house. Don t miss the restaurant with views of the antelopes.
The Waadi AreaThis is a one kilometre stretch of waterside parkland, thats perfect for relaxing on the grass, while enjoying a picnic. This is a dedicated play area for families.
However, the biggest attraction expected to be at the safaria group of elephants has not yet arrived.
The park replaced the 50-year-old Dubai Zoo in Jumeirah which housed around 1000 animals, birds and reptiles. They were shifted to Dubai Safari last month.
Rising from a disused landfill for construction waste, Dubai Safari will change not only the landscape of Dubai, but also the perceptions about animal welfare and care in the country.
Officials said utmost care is being given to the animals, right from their selection itself. Tests are done to ensure their fitness and experienced trainers and keepers from different parts of the world have been hired to take care of them.
A veterinary hospital, which will be extended with a research centre having a state-of-the art lab, is part of the project to offer treatment and care for the animals.
Air conditioned artificial rocks, misting fans and chilled water will be used to keep them cool during summer. Pools, muddy ponds and other waterbodies will also provide natural habitat for animals.
Officials said Dubai Safari will host a breeding programme at the conservation centre that aims to release animals into the wild each year.
The park is committed to contributing to global efforts to protect endangered species and aspires to deepen awareness of wildlife behaviour.
Featuring many entertainment programmes, games and educative activities, it is set to be a landmark tourist destination in the emirate.
Depending on solar power for its energy needs, it is one of the outstanding eco-friendly projects implemented by Dubai Municipality.
HighlightsDubai Safari holds many distinctions:
- UAEs only drive-through hippo and tiger exhibit
- Worlds first drive-through crocodile exhibit
- UAEs largest walkthrough aviary
- First zoo or safari park in the UAE to offer a zoo-keeping course
Location:
Dubai Safari Park is located in Al Warqa 5 in Aweer Road in an area of 400 hectares
Ticket Costs:
Dubai Safari Park entrance fee
[Asian, African and Arabian Villages]
Dh20 for children and Dh50 for adults
Safari Village entrance fee
Dh20 for children and Dh50 for adults
All access entrance fees
Dh30 for children and Dh85 for adults
Free entrance
For children below three, adults above 60 and people of determination
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