Dubai Safari Park reopens with new attractions and 5-day Diwali celebration
Discover ticket prices, premium tours, and exclusive wildlife encounters this season
DUBAI – Dubai Safari Park has officially reopened for its seventh season, unveiling a line-up of new attractions, upgraded wildlife encounters, and flexible ticket packages for the 2025 season.
Home to more than 3,000 animals from across the world, the park’s return comes with an exciting blend of education, entertainment, and conservation – and this year, a five-day Diwali celebration will light up the venue with Indian music, dance, and food.
What’s new this season
This year’s theme, Wild Rules, sets the tone for a family-friendly experience that invites visitors to connect with nature and learn about biodiversity through hands-on exploration. The park features six immersive zones – the African Village, Asian Village, Explorer Village, Arabian Desert, Kids Farm, and Al Wadi – each designed to showcase the beauty of global wildlife and ecosystems.
Several new features have been introduced this season to enhance the visitor experience. Guests can now enjoy fast-track access to skip queues for popular attractions such as the Explorer Safari Tour, a guided journey that lets visitors encounter exotic animals up close. Those looking for more privacy can book Private Tour Packages, offering a personalised guided experience through the park’s diverse landscapes.
Education takes centre stage this season with the launch of Guardians of the Wild, an initiative featuring workshops, animal talks, and interactive activities that teach visitors how to protect and preserve nature. Meanwhile, one of the park’s most popular attractions, the Birds Kingdom Live Presentation, has been upgraded with a new format – expect more species, larger performances, and an immersive experience that blends entertainment with learning.
Other attractions continue to charm families, including Young Explorer Workshops for children, animal feeding sessions, and live wildlife presentations featuring lions, elephants, and crocodiles. Visitors can also enjoy the Arabian Desert Safari Tour, a 15-minute adventure through the dunes showcasing native species of the UAE.
Lights of the Wild: Diwali celebrations
Marking the festive season, Dubai Safari Park is introducing a brand-new cultural event titled Lights of the Wild, a five-day Diwali celebration running from October 18 to 22, between 4pm and 8pm daily. This will be the first time the park hosts live music and traditional Indian dance performances, adding a vibrant cultural dimension to its wildlife offerings.
Visitors can experience an array of classical Indian performances, including Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, and Mohiniyattam, alongside energetic Bollywood troupes. Each performance blends rhythm, mythology, and emotion, celebrating India’s rich artistic heritage.
The festival’s culinary line-up will highlight authentic Indian flavours, offering a variety of regional dishes, street food, and sweets. From spicy chaat and crispy dosas to indulgent gulab jamuns, the festive menu promises something for everyone.
For families, eco-themed workshops will offer children a chance to learn and play. Activities include an origami zone where kids can fold symbolic Indian animals, a craft corner for making flower tiaras, and a fun board game inspired by nature and wildlife.
Adding to the celebratory mood, the park will host live music performances that blend classical and contemporary sounds using traditional Indian instruments like the tabla and veena. Tickets for the Diwali festival are priced at Dh50, and can be purchased online through the official Dubai Safari Park website.
Safari tickets and packages
Dubai Safari Park has also revamped its ticketing system this year, offering a variety of options to suit different visitor preferences.
- Safari Park Pass (Dh50): This ticket provides full-day access to all six themed zones and includes unlimited rides on the Arabian Desert Safari Tour, entry to three live animal presentations, access to animal feeding sessions, and participation in Young Explorer Workshops. Complimentary parking is included.
- Safari Bundle (Dh117, online only): Perfect for those seeking more adventure, the Safari Bundle adds access to the 35-minute Explorer Safari Tour, alongside all-day park entry, unlimited shuttle train rides, wildlife talks, and presentations.
- Behind the Scenes (Dh1,450): A 90-minute private guided tour designed for wildlife enthusiasts eager to see the park’s conservation efforts up close. It includes all-day park access, five behind-the-scenes experiences, unlimited shuttle rides, and reserved seating for live presentations. Booking is required at least three days in advance, with a maximum of ten guests per group.
- King of Safari – Ultimate VIP Experience (Dh2,500): This four-hour private guided safari for up to ten guests includes fast-track entry, exclusive animal feeding sessions, and VIP parking. Visitors enjoy reserved seats at three live shows, access to all six zones, and unlimited shuttle rides.
- Dine in the Wild (Dh2,150): An unforgettable two-hour breakfast experience where guests can dine alongside giraffes or lions. This package includes park entry, access to all zones, and reserved seating for wildlife presentations. Advance booking is required for up to six guests.
- Jungle Capture (Dh1,275): A unique three-hour guided experience for wildlife photographers, allowing close-up photo opportunities with animals in their natural habitats. It includes full park access, shuttle rides, and seating at live shows.
Family-focused experiences
Beyond the safari and special packages, the park continues to focus on education and sustainability. Families can participate in wildlife talks, feeding experiences, and themed workshops that promote environmental awareness. The Kids Farm remains a favourite among younger visitors, offering hands-on experiences with domestic animals and farm activities.
The park’s Explorer Village remains a highlight for thrill-seekers, providing an up-close view of giraffes, rhinos, and tigers. Meanwhile, the African Village offers encounters with majestic lions and elephants, and the Asian Village introduces visitors to species such as moon bears and gibbons.
To make navigation easier, visitors can use the park’s shuttle train, which provides seamless transport between zones throughout the day.
Dubai Safari Park is open daily, with opening hours and event schedules available on its official website, where visitors can also purchase tickets and learn more about upcoming activities.