Dubai Safari Park, one of the region’s leading tourism and entertainment destinations, has revealed a first look at its upcoming eighth season, which will officially begin on October 12, 2026. The new season will introduce fresh experiences, a new marketing direction, and additional steps to strengthen the destination’s presence across key international source markets.
The announcement was made during Dubai Safari Park’s participation in the 33rd edition of Arabian Travel Market 2026, one of the Middle East’s leading global events for the travel and tourism industry. During the event, the destination highlighted several initiatives aimed at expanding cooperation with travel partners and attracting more visitors from the UAE and international markets.
Dubai Safari Park Season 8 Begins on October 12
Dubai Safari Park will welcome visitors for its eighth season starting October 12, 2026, with preparations focused on delivering a season that combines immersive experiences, closer engagement with wildlife, and enhanced tourism products designed for different visitor segments.
Among the main highlights of the new season is the launch of a dedicated VIP experience, along with a new marketing direction that places greater emphasis on strengthening visitors’ connection with wildlife and nature.
Season 8 builds on the growth Dubai Safari Park achieved during the previous season, both through strong demand for safari experiences and through its growing partnerships with the travel sector.
Business Ticket Sales Grew 16% During Season 7
Dubai Safari Park recorded strong performance in the travel and business sector during Season 7, with business ticket sales increasing by 16% year over year, while revenue from the same segment rose by 26%.
Business-sector visitors also accounted for 62% of total weekday attendance, reflecting the growing importance of international markets and travel partners in supporting the destination’s continued growth.
Safari experiences also maintained their position as one of the park’s main attractions, with 72% of guests choosing a safari package during the season. The figure highlights continued demand for experiences that bring visitors closer to the animal world in a more engaging and immersive way.
“Royal Safari Experience” Introduces a New VIP Offering
Building on the positive results of Season 7, Dubai Safari Park is preparing to launch the “Royal Safari Experience,” a new offering designed specifically for travel partners and intended to provide guests with a higher level of privacy and personalized service.
The experience can accommodate groups of up to 10 guests and lasts approximately four hours. It includes a selection of VIP services, dedicated seating, and privately guided tours across different areas of Dubai Safari Park.
The “Royal Safari Experience” will also give travel partners an additional premium tourism product that can be included in customized itineraries, further strengthening Dubai Safari Park’s appeal as a destination for distinctive and immersive travel experiences.
Dubai Safari Park Expands Its Presence in India and Russia
As part of its plans to strengthen its international reach, Dubai Safari Park is expanding its presence in several important tourism source markets, led by India, Russia, and the Commonwealth of Independent States.
As part of this effort, Dubai Safari Park has appointed Buzz Marketing as its lead sales and marketing representative in India, while Action Global has been selected as its official representative in Russia and CIS markets.
These appointments form part of a broader strategy to deepen relationships with international travel partners and strengthen the destination’s presence in priority markets, while supporting the continued growth of Dubai’s tourism sector and increasing awareness of the experiences available at Dubai Safari Park.
“Live the Wild” Marks a New Direction for Season 8
Alongside the launch of the new season, Dubai Safari Park is introducing a new marketing direction under the theme “Live the Wild.”
The new approach encourages visitors to build a deeper connection with nature and the animal world while also learning more about wildlife conservation efforts.
This direction reflects the evolving role of Dubai Safari Park as a destination that goes beyond entertainment, combining education, awareness, and biodiversity conservation within the visitor experience.
It follows a milestone-filled seventh season in which Dubai Safari Park received official membership in both the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, reinforcing its standing among international organizations focused on animal care and wildlife conservation.
144 Animals Were Born During the Previous Season
Season 7 also saw the birth of 144 animals at Dubai Safari Park, reflecting the destination’s ongoing efforts in animal care, breeding, and species conservation.
Among the notable births was “Salam,” a southern white rhinoceros calf. The species is classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as Near Threatened.
The park also welcomed “Zuri,” a giraffe calf, adding to the positive results of Dubai Safari Park’s continued breeding and animal care programs.
These births form part of the destination’s broader wildlife conservation work, which includes specialist animal care as well as participation in international breeding, research, and conservation initiatives.
Travel Partnerships Support Future Growth
Mona Al Hajri, Director of Dubai Safari Park, said: “The strong growth we have recorded through our travel partners this season gives us great confidence as we prepare for Season 8, and serves as an incentive for us to continue strengthening our international partnerships and introducing new experiences that give our partners in the sector more options to introduce their clients to the distinctive experiences offered by Dubai Safari Park.”
She added: “Our new marketing direction, ‘Live the Wild,’ reflects the experience we want every visitor to have at Dubai Safari Park, and to leave feeling more connected to wildlife and nature, and more curious to discover and appreciate them. We look forward to welcoming more visitors from the UAE and around the world to explore Dubai Safari Park and experience it in new ways.”
This vision reflects Dubai Safari Park’s approach to building on the achievements of previous seasons, with a continued focus on introducing fresh visitor experiences, developing international partnerships, and reaching a wider range of audiences.
More Than 3,000 Animals at Dubai Safari Park
Dubai Safari Park spans 119 hectares in Dubai and is one of the city’s leading wildlife destinations, combining entertainment, education, and interaction with the natural world in an integrated experience for visitors of different ages.
The park is home to more than 3,000 animals representing 300 different species, along with a wide range of facilities and attractions that include safari experiences, live animal encounters, educational activities, entertainment shows, as well as shopping and dining options.
These experiences are spread across six main areas: Al Wadi, African Village, Explorer Village, Arabian Desert Safari, Asian Village, and Kids Farm. The areas are connected by an internal park train that makes it easier for visitors to move between different parts of the destination.
Dubai Safari Park also continues to participate in international research, education, and breeding programs, as well as animal rescue efforts, as part of its ongoing commitment to animal welfare and wildlife conservation.
The destination supports these efforts by using advanced technologies in animal care and adopting environmentally responsible operating practices, while maintaining international standards as a member of both the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
