Dubai Parks & Wildlife

Dubai has dedicated its most prominent land to the UAE's first national park. The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) is a systematically planned rehabilitation area to save severely damaged desert habitat. At an hour's drive from Dubai, the DDCR encompasses 225 sq.km. of shifting dunes sprinkled with fire bush, stunted acacia and endemic Ghaf trees. It serves as a sanctuary for threatened local mammals and reptiles such as the Arabian mountain gazelle, sand gazelle, Arabian red fox, oryx, etc. It is home to over 50 plant species, 120 birds and over 43 mammals and reptiles. DDCR has received international recognition for its efforts to protect the habitat and natural wildlife.

The Ras Al Khor (means Cape of the Creek in Arabic) Wildlife Sanctuary (RAKWS) is UAE’s first Ramsar wetland site located along the Dubai Creek featuring intertidal mudflats and mangroves, sabkhas saline flats, small lagoons and pools, along with a few small islands. The Dubai Municipality takes great efforts to protect and preserve the biodiversity of this delicate ecosystem.

It is renowned for providing a critical staging ground for wintering birds of the East African-West Asian Flyway, 500 of which are Greater Flamingos. Today, there are three birding sites where potential nature lovers can admire the biodiversity of the region, its birds, flora and fauna.

Entrance is free at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary.

Dubai aspires for everything larger-than-life, and Dubai Miracle Garden follows that trend; it is the world's most extensive natural flower garden, a world of floral wonder. This mammoth park, spread over 72,000 sq.m, has a line-up of structures wholly taken over by vibrant floral displays. Walking down the heart-shaped path, you'll find floral castles with illuminated nightscapes and full-size houses with over 50 million flowers covering the entire place. More than 150 million blooming flowers await you.

The stunning 'floating lady' dressed in exotic flowers is a must-see and a walking track that features daily entertainment, including parades, street performers and other family-friendly activities. Don’t forget to visit the dazzling Butterfly Garden, which houses 15,000 butterflies in nine custom-built domes. Make sure you plan for your visit because the park is typically closed during summer when new exhibits are renovated or installed.

Housed in the giant Deira City Centre shopping mall, this children’s entertainment centre is a unique indoor site with 10-pin bowling, a crawling Bungie jungle, various electronic games, a mini pitch, and a putt. Magic Planet is the largest indoor family entertainment centre in Dubai. Those who like thrills can take three significant rides here: the haunted mine, the cosmic coaster, and Jett and Jin's adventure.

Imagine 12 acres of desert filled with 30 million litres of water dedicated to having fun. The Wild Wadi Water Park is an outdoor water park in Dubai, Situated in the area of Jumeirah, next to the Burj Al Arab. It has 23 rides and two artificial surfing machines and entertains and excites every family member. The park has been more than just a shelter for those wanting to escape the heat of the desert. Adrenaline seekers will love Jumeirah Sceirah - a 33 metre high slide with steep angles to propel riders up to 80 km (50 miles) per hour. There is also Breakers Bay, which has a wave machine creating 1.5 metre waves all day. Another fantastic feature in the park is an 18 metre waterfall that goes off every ten minutes.

Aquaventure Waterpark at The Atlantis, The Palm is one of Dubai's biggest waterparks where one can feel the fervour of excitement with adrenaline-pumping rides and slides. You could take on the Aquaconda - the giant water slide for an action-packed, thrill-seeking day - plenty of other crazy rides, such as the Leap of Faith, Zoomerango and Poseidon's Revenge. It is home to iconic record-breaking rides and attractions, such as Medusa's Lair, Shockwave and Blackout. If you are brave, get up close and personal with the toothy sharks in the middle of a shark-filled lagoon.

It is located in the heart of the city, right on the edge of Dubai Creek. Dubai Creek Park is one of the oldest parks in the emirate and is still very popular among families and singles of all ages and sizes. It is a well-planned park with abundant grassy areas, flower beds and themed gardens. With the calm and cool wind blowing from the Creek and lots of open space, the park is one of the best escapes for some tranquil moments.

One can hire a bike or take a miniature train to traverse the large expanse of the park, but for a panoramic bird's eye view of old Dubai, take a cable car ride at Creek Park. There are barbecue areas and children's play areas marked throughout the park. If you travel with kids, visit the Children's City and Dubai Dolphinarium. Creek Park is open all days of the week.

Ever thought you'd get to play in the snow in the middle of the desert? Ski Dubai has you covered! Have a blast with the entire family at The Mall of Emirates, with the region's first indoor ski resort! Ski Dubai allows you to ski, snowboard, toboggan, zip line, take a chairlift ride, or participate in a friendly snowball fight with friends and family. You'll also encounter Ski Dubai's colony of Gentoo and King Penguins. Once you've frolicked in the snow, get a cup of hot chocolate at Ski Dubai's winter-themed Avalanche and Ice Café.

Located inside Dubai Mall, this giant ten-million-litre tank at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo houses more than 33,000 aquatic animals. It has the most extensive collection of sand tiger sharks in the world.

The main aquarium tank measures 51 metres in length, 20 metres in width, and 11 metres in height and is one of the largest suspended aquariums on the earth. This massive aquarium rises to the mall's third floor, has more than 140 species of sea life, and transports you to a whole new world underwater. Walk through the 48 metres tunnel with glass all around you and get a fish-eye view with various jellyfish, stingrays and sharks swimming overhead. You can even go snorkelling and swimming with the sharks! You can also do several other activities here, like the submersible simulator, a glass-bottom boat ride, a fish-feeding experience, and behind-the-scenes tours of baby shark and crocodile encounters.

Witness the magical city of Atlantis at The Lost Chambers Aquarium in Dubai; surround yourself with marine life on a walk through the glass tunnels of The Lost Chambers Aquarium. Discover the oceans' mysteries and learn fascinating facts about underwater life while watching over 65,000 marine animals swim in the Ambassador Lagoon. To dive deeper into Atlantis Dubai, take a behind-the-scenes tour, book snorkelling, or an Aquatrek session. You can also go for some yoga with several sessions per week and explore 21 other unique exhibits, including augmented reality, where you can pet polar bears and penguins.

Within the ten beautiful chambers of the Aquarium, you're sure to encounter the most unique, colourful collection of aquatic life.

Legoland Dubai (LEGOLAND Dubai) is the first Legoland park in the Middle East, opened in 2016. It is a theme park located at Dubai Parks and Resorts on Sheikh Zayed Road. The park provides various rides and activities for children. It includes a Miniland containing 15,000 miniature models of structures and landmarks of the world.

IMG Worlds of Adventure is an indoor amusement park located in Dubai. It is one of the largest indoor theme parks in the world, covering an area of over 1.5 million sq.ft. The park is divided into four themed zones, each offering a unique experience: Marvel Zone, Lost Valley, Cartoon Network Zone and IMG Boulevard. The park also offers a variety of rides and attractions suitable for different age groups. The park also features live entertainment shows.

Motiongate Dubai (Motiongate) is a Hollywood-inspired theme park located in Dubai Parks and Resorts, covering an area of 45 acres (18 ha). Opened in 2016, the themed areas and attractions of the park are based on DreamWorks Animation, Columbia Pictures, Lionsgate, and The Smurfs.