Sharjah Safari opened on February 17, 2022, inside the Al Bardi Nature Reserve near Al Dhaid in the Emirate of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Billed as the largest safari park outside Africa, the attraction spans roughly 8 square kilometers (about 1,977 acres) and recreates African habitats across a dozen distinct zones for visitors to explore by guided vehicle.
The park is home to more than 50,000 animals representing around 120 species, including lions, cheetahs, giraffes, white rhinos, and large herds of African plains animals. More than 100,000 trees were planted across the site to mimic authentic African landscapes, and the project was developed by the Sharjah government as part of a broader push to expand the emirate’s eco-tourism and conservation offerings.
Stats at a Glance
- Location: Al Dhaid, Sharjah, UAE
- Opened: February 17, 2022
- Size: About 8 square kilometers (around 1,977 acres)
- Species: About 120 species
- Animal Count: More than 50,000 animals
- Annual Visitors: Over 600,000 visitors in its first year
- Famous for: Largest safari park outside Africa
The Safari Experience
Visitors tour Sharjah Safari aboard guided vehicles that move through a sequence of themed African environments, each designed to reflect a different regional ecosystem, from open savannah to dense woodland enclosures. The drive-through format allows animals to roam in expansive, naturalistic habitats rather than traditional fenced exhibits, giving guests closer views of species like giraffes, zebras, and big cats as they would appear in the wild.
Beyond the main safari route, the park includes rest areas and viewing points where visitors can observe smaller wildlife habitats on foot. The scale of the site, roughly eight square kilometers, means a full visit typically takes several hours to see the different zones.
A Major Conservation Investment
Sharjah Safari represents one of the largest wildlife tourism investments in the UAE, reportedly costing close to AED 1 billion to develop over roughly seven years of planning and construction. The project was positioned by Sharjah’s government as both a tourism draw and a conservation initiative, housing animals in habitats designed to support breeding and long-term wellbeing rather than purely for exhibition.
Since its opening, the park has marked steady visitor growth, drawing more than 600,000 guests within its first year, and it has continued to welcome new animal arrivals as part of ongoing conservation partnerships.
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Sharjah Safari FAQs
Where is Sharjah Safari located?
Sharjah Safari is located within the Al Bardi Nature Reserve near Al Dhaid in the Emirate of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
When did Sharjah Safari open?
Sharjah Safari officially opened to the public on February 17, 2022.
How many animals live at Sharjah Safari?
The park is home to more than 50,000 animals from around 120 species, making it the largest safari park outside Africa.
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