Dubai Safari will be ready to open ahead of National Day

The official opening date has not been confirmed, and according to Hussain Nasser Lootah, “we will have to wait for the right time when His Highness will do it,” meaning His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

This means that while we can expect the soft launch to be some time in November, we’re not yet sure when it will be fully open to the public.

The park is located in Al Warqaa. Once completed it will feature a number of themed sections including an African, Asian and Open Safari village. It’s said to be twice the size of the world’s smallest country, the Vatican City, and will replace the Dubai Zoo. The solar powered park will also have a valley that will span across roughly 7.5 hectares and will feature a waterfall, stream and a lake for fish.

The project will be home to 1,000 animals, including 350 rare species which will be cared for in temperature controlled environments. Each section is aimed at providing an ideal location for animals to live and at boosting the nation’s tourism rate.

It will also feature authentic restaurants and shelters to further provide the feeling of being the jungle.

Speaking on the project, the Director of the Dubai Municipality’s Leisure Facilities Department, Khalid Al Suwaidi said: “There are many special elements of suspense and excitement as well as opportunities to closely interact with the animals.”

He added that there will be electric vehicles such as cars, trains and buses to help visitors navigate from one site to another.