What happened? Al Ain Zoo is reopening for the new season on September 5, 2026, with a refreshed programme of wildlife experiences and its month-long Glow After Dark festival.
Who is affected? Families, residents and visitors looking for an evening attraction in Al Ain can visit the zoo between September 5 and October 4.
Why does it matter? The seasonal programme gives visitors a chance to explore the zoo after sunset, while adding new entertainment alongside its existing safari and wildlife experiences.
- Location: Al Ain Zoo, Abu Dhabi
- Organisation: Al Ain Zoo
- Status: Reopens September 5, 2026
- Festival: Glow After Dark, September 5–October 4
- Zoo hours: 2 pm–10 pm during the festival
- Festival activities: From 5 pm
- Who can visit: Families, residents and tourists
- Tickets: AED 31.50 for adults; AED 10.50 for children aged 3–12
Al Ain Zoo will reopen on September 5 with its new season of wildlife experiences and the Glow After Dark festival, giving families a chance to explore the attraction after sunset. The month-long festival will run until October 4, with the zoo operating from 2 pm to 10 pm and special activities starting at 5 pm.
The evening programme will combine illuminated wildlife displays, live performances and family entertainment with some of the zoo’s popular animal encounters. A new Nature Venture storytelling show will also join the line-up this season.
Glow After Dark brings a new evening experience
The Glow After Dark festival will turn parts of Al Ain Zoo into an illuminated nighttime attraction once the sun goes down.
According to Al Ain Zoo, visitors can expect animal-themed illuminated displays and performances featuring LED-costumed performers and glowing stilt walkers.
The festival is designed around families, making the later opening hours particularly useful for visitors who prefer to avoid daytime heat.
Activities will begin from 5 pm, while the zoo itself will remain open until 10 pm throughout the festival period.
One of the new additions is Nature Venture, an immersive storytelling experience centred on the animal kingdom. The show is aimed at both children and parents and gives families another activity to include alongside the zoo’s wildlife exhibits.
Safari and animal encounters remain part of the visit
The seasonal entertainment does not replace Al Ain Zoo’s core wildlife experiences.
Visitors can still take part in the zoo’s safari experience, which provides close-up views of African wildlife. Giraffe feeding is also among the experiences available to guests.
Another option is the Lemur Walk, where visitors can observe the social primates at closer range.
These experiences are part of the zoo’s wider focus on wildlife education and conservation. Al Ain Zoo says it is home to more than 4,000 animals representing around 200 species, including Arabian oryx, giraffes, cheetahs, Dama gazelles, Amur tigers, white rhinos and gorillas.
The zoo was established in 1968 by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and has developed into a major wildlife and conservation destination in Abu Dhabi.
Al Ain Zoo is also focused on conservation
Beyond its entertainment programme, Al Ain Zoo has a significant conservation and education role.
The zoo runs breeding and conservation programmes involving threatened species, including the Arabian oryx, Dama gazelle and Arabian sand cat.
Visitors can also explore the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre, which focuses on the UAE’s desert environment, wildlife and heritage. The centre includes interactive galleries that explain the country’s natural history and relationship with its desert ecosystem.
This visits the zoo more than a traditional day out. Families can combine animal encounters and entertainment with opportunities to learn about the UAE’s wildlife and conservation efforts.
Dining options make it easier to stay longer
The evening schedule also gives visitors more time to eat at the zoo rather than leaving immediately after the animal experiences.
Zarafa Restaurant offers international cuisine in a green setting, while Oasis Café and Bites Corner provide quicker options.
Visitors looking for different cuisines can also find Mexican food at Mexican Fiesta, Indian dishes at Asia Express, American-style burgers at Wild Burger and Arabic food at Taste of Arabia.
With the zoo remaining open until 10 pm during Glow After Dark, these dining options could be particularly useful for families planning an evening visit.
The reopening gives UAE families another option for an evening outing as the summer heat begins to ease.
For residents travelling to Al Ain from Abu Dhabi, Dubai and other parts of the UAE, the combination of later opening hours and the Glow After Dark programme provides a different way to experience one of the emirate’s established attractions.
It also supports Al Ain’s wider tourism offering by combining wildlife, entertainment, dining and educational experiences in one destination.
The zoo recommends allowing several hours to explore, while its free shuttle services help visitors move between key areas and animal experiences.
Website: www.alainzoo.com
FAQ
How much does Al Ain Zoo cost?
Admission is AED 31.50 for adults and AED 10.50 for children aged 3 to 12. Children under three can enter for free.
The zoo also provides free admission for People of Determination, along with one accompanying person, subject to its visitor policy.
When does Glow After Dark start?
The Glow After Dark festival starts on September 5, 2026, and runs until October 4, 2026.
Festival activities begin at 5 pm, while Al Ain Zoo will be open from 2 pm to 10 pm during the event.
What can families do at Al Ain Zoo?
Families can explore the zoo’s animal zones, join the safari, feed giraffes, experience the Lemur Walk and watch the new Nature Venture show.
During Glow After Dark, visitors can also see illuminated displays and enjoy evening performances.
Is Al Ain Zoo suitable for an evening visit?
Yes. The adjusted 2 pm –10 pm opening hours during Glow After Dark allow visitors to arrive later in the day and spend the evening exploring the zoo.
The schedule also gives families an alternative to visiting during the hottest part of the afternoon.
What happens next?
Al Ain Zoo will reopen to visitors on September 5, marking the start of its new season. Glow After Dark will then continue through October 4, alongside the zoo’s regular wildlife, safari, dining and educational experiences.
For families planning a UAE day trip in September, the festival offers a chance to see Al Ain Zoo in a different setting while enjoying its regular animal attractions.
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