Dubai Safari Park, Season 8

Dubai Safari Park is a large wildlife park in Al Warqa, laid out in themed zones representing the African savannah, Asia, the Arabian desert and an explorer area, with a mix of walking routes, shuttles and shows. It closes for the summer and reopens each October, which means the cooler months are the whole season.

Season 8 opened on 12 October 2026 under the theme “Live More Wild Life”. A new Royal Safari Experience gives groups of up to ten a four-hour private visit, initially sold through travel-trade partners. Most visitors will do the standard route, which takes three to four hours with breaks.

Go from November to March, arrive at opening and do the long walking routes first. Animals are most active in the morning and late afternoon. Take water, a hat and comfortable shoes, and plan lunch inside. For families with very young children, the shuttle between zones saves tired legs.

Pushchairs are workable on the main routes, and the shuttle between zones saves tired legs. Plan lunch inside rather than leaving, since re-entry can be slow, and take refillable water bottles. Most of the park is outdoors, so sun protection matters even in winter, and a stop in the shaded areas in the middle of the day helps younger children last the whole visit.

The best hours for animal activity are the first two after opening and the last two before closing. If a child has a favourite animal, check the daily schedule on arrival: feeding and keeper talks vary by day.