Revealed: Safari Park to open on December 2
Over 50 per cent of animals have already moved to Dubai Safari, ahead of Jumeirah zoo closure
Dubai: The opening date for Dubai’s largest wildlife project has been confirmed, and you can now mark your calendars and head to Dubai Safari on the UAE National Day.
Timothy Husband, technical director of Dubai Safari, told Gulf News on Thursday that over 50 per cent of the animals have arrived at the 119-hectare animal sanctuary.
“The opening date for Dubai Safari is scheduled for December 2, and while we have more than 50 per cent of the animals, we are expecting more to arrive,” said Husband.
“Everyone is working hard and going full steam ahead, and working late into the night to get everything done. The animal enclosure is ready, our employees are receiving training, and everything is going as scheduled,” he said.
Gulf News earlier reported that the Dh1 billion Dubai Safari project will be home to around 3,500 animals in its first phase.
The main building will include a theatre for various shows and activities that can accommodate 1,000 people, with an external metal structure, a clean energy production park, and an interactive play area for children, the municipality had earlier said. A wadi area, themed cafes and restaurants, a veterinary hospital and research centre with a state-of-the art lab, are also part of the first phase.
The safari park had earlier missed its opening date in January this year. It was later announced that the park might start receiving visitors in September.
The park is located in Al Warqa, opposite Dragon Mart.
The animals living at the existing Dubai Zoo in Jumeirah are also on their way to Dubai Safari, with the 1.5-hectare plot expected to close on November 5.
"The Zoo has been a testimony to the leadership's commitment and keenness all these years to be ahead in wildlife conservation and providing entertainment services to the local community,” said Khaled Al Suwaidi, director of Leisure Facilities Department at Dubai Municipality.
