Dubai Safari Park has wrapped up its sixth season on a historic high, closing its gates after eight months marked by record-breaking achievements in tourism, wildlife protection, and community engagement. The season, described by officials as the most successful since the park’s inception, recorded unprecedented visitor turnout and saw notable developments in animal care, environmental education, and scientific research.
From the start of the season to its close, the park experienced an overwhelming surge in popularity. Attendance grew by 16% compared to the previous year, making it the highest-grossing season in terms of visitor numbers. Weekends, public holidays, and national celebrations brought waves of guests to the park, with the UAE’s Union Day celebrations alone drawing over 43,000 visitors across four days. This level of interest was sustained through continuous safari tours, totaling more than 52,700 experiences—catering to families, school groups, and tourists from all walks of life.
One of the standout features of this season was the introduction of the Night Safari, a unique experience not offered anywhere else in the region. The new nighttime tour attracted more than 17,000 visitors in its first month, offering a rare glimpse into the behavior of nocturnal wildlife. Additionally, the park introduced an immersive show titled “Echoes of Wildlife,” which captivated over 80,000 attendees and added a fresh dimension to the visitor experience.
Community interaction also played a significant role in the park’s success. A naming campaign for a newborn white rhinoceros saw the participation of more than 13,000 people, who collectively chose the name “Onyx” for the calf. This initiative became a symbol of public involvement in wildlife conservation and served as a meaningful reminder of the critical importance of protecting endangered species.
Education remained a core focus for Dubai Safari Park throughout the season. Under the theme “Protecting Planet Earth,” the park strengthened its position as a leading destination for school field trips, welcoming close to 45,000 students. These young visitors engaged in a variety of interactive learning activities and awareness campaigns, designed to inspire a deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world. A creative competition brought together 560 students from 22 schools to present innovative ideas on preserving wildlife and the environment, highlighting the power of youth-led solutions.
On the conservation front, the park recorded 162 new animal births this season, including 17 from species classified as critically endangered. Notable additions included white rhinos, moon bears, and Moroccan ibex, all born under carefully managed breeding programs that meet the highest international standards. These efforts not only contribute to global conservation goals but also underscore the park’s commitment to preserving biodiversity.
Dubai Safari Park also continued its contributions to scientific research in the field of wildlife health. Over the past year, it published four peer-reviewed studies addressing subjects such as rabies vaccination effectiveness in African hunting dogs, environmental enrichment for large felines to reduce stress, and disease surveillance including foot-and-mouth disease. These research efforts reflect the park’s growing role as a hub for scientific knowledge and international collaboration in animal care.
Commenting on the season’s success, park director Muna Al Hajri described it as a transformative period for the park. She highlighted the emotional impact of new animal births, the inspiration shared with younger generations, and the meaningful connection forged between visitors and nature. Al Hajri emphasized that the park is not just a tourist attraction, but a platform for change—one that educates, inspires, and contributes to the global mission of protecting wildlife.
As Dubai Safari Park prepares to reopen for its seventh season on October 14, 2025, the momentum of the current season sets a strong foundation for even greater achievements ahead. With new attractions on the horizon and a clear vision focused on conservation and education, the park is poised to continue its journey as one of the most impactful and beloved destinations in the region.
