Emirates Park Resort is one of the few places in Abu Dhabi where you can stay overnight right next to a zoo. Located in the Al Bahyah area, this resort is closely connected to Emirates Park Zoo and is designed mainly for families, animal lovers, and travelers looking for a quiet break away from the city.
Instead of luxury towers or beach views, the focus here is on wildlife experiences, open spaces, and a relaxed environment. If you are planning a family staycation or visiting Abu Dhabi with kids, Emirates Park Resort offers something different from the usual hotel experience.
Where Is Emirates Park Resort Located?
Emirates Park Resort is located in Al Bahyah, Abu Dhabi, around 25 to 30 minutes from Abu Dhabi city center. The resort is also about 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport, which makes it easy to reach by taxi or ride-sharing apps.
The area is calm and less crowded compared to downtown Abu Dhabi. Free parking is available for guests, and taxis are easily accessible if you do not have a car.
Entry Fees & Timings
Location: Al Bahyah Abu Dhabi (25 min city center, 20 min airport)
Entry Fee Table (AED):
| Package | Adult | Child (2-12) | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resort Stay + Zoo | 650/nt | 450/nt | Zoo access + giraffe feeding |
| Day Zoo Visit | 95 | 75 | Animal shows + playground |
| Chalet Upgrade | +200 | +150 | Animal-view balcony + outdoor area |
Open 8AM-8PM daily. Peak: Oct-Apr family weekends.
Best Time: Nov-Mar golden hour (perfect zoo weather).
Rooms and Chalets – What to Expect
The resort offers different types of accommodation, including hotel rooms and chalets. Many guests prefer the zoo-view chalets, which allow you to see animals directly from your balcony or terrace.
Rooms are simple, clean, and functional. They come with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, basic furniture, and private bathrooms. Some chalets have outdoor seating areas, which are popular with families who want extra space for children.
This is not a luxury resort, but the rooms are comfortable enough for short stays and family trips.
The Zoo Experience – The Main Highlight
The biggest reason people choose Emirates Park Resort is its direct access to Emirates Park Zoo. Many stay packages include free or discounted zoo entry, which is a major benefit for families.
The zoo offers several animal encounters, including:
- Giraffe feeding
- Elephant and hippo interactions
- Sea lion presentations
- Breakfast with parrots
These experiences are supervised and designed to be safe and educational, especially for children. The zoo also focuses on wildlife awareness and conservation education, making it more than just a sightseeing visit.
For kids, this hands-on exposure to animals is often the highlight of the entire trip.
Is Emirates Park Resort Good for Families?
Yes, Emirates Park Resort is very family-friendly. The entire setup is designed with children in mind. There are playgrounds, open walking paths, and interactive zones inside the zoo.
Families with young children will appreciate the calm atmosphere and easy access to activities without long travel times. However, parents should note that facilities are basic, and children should always be supervised during zoo visits and animal encounters.
Dining Options at the Resort
Dining options at Emirates Park Resort are limited but practical. The main restaurant, The Hide Restaurant, offers buffet meals and basic international dishes. Breakfast is usually included in most stay packages.
Food options include:
- Halal meals
- International cuisine
- Vegetarian options
- Snacks and fresh juices
There are also small coffee shops within the resort and zoo area. For more dining variety, you may need to travel to nearby malls or central Abu Dhabi.
Facilities and Amenities
The resort provides essential facilities for a comfortable stay, including:
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Spa and wellness services
- Walking paths and garden areas
- Room service
- Free parking
The swimming pool is especially popular with families during warmer months. The spa offers basic relaxation treatments, suitable for adults looking to unwind after a day at the zoo.
Best Time to Visit Emirates Park Resort
The best time to visit Emirates Park Resort is between October and April, when the weather in Abu Dhabi is pleasant. Outdoor zoo activities are more enjoyable during cooler months, especially for children.
During summer, temperatures can be very high, so zoo visits are best done early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
A one- or two-night stay is usually enough to enjoy both the resort and the zoo without feeling rushed.
Nearby Attractions
While the resort itself is the main attraction, there are several popular places nearby:
- Yas Island
- Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
- Yas Waterworld
- SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
- Deerfields Mall
These spots can be added to your trip if you plan a longer stay in Abu Dhabi.
Honest Pros and Cons
Pros
- Unique zoo-stay experience
- Very suitable for families with kids
- Animal encounters and educational value
- Quiet and spacious environment
Cons
- Limited dining options
- Not a luxury resort
- Location is away from the city center
Is Emirates Park Resort Worth Staying At?
If you are traveling with children or enjoy wildlife experiences, Emirates Park Resort is worth considering. It offers something different from standard hotels and creates memorable experiences, especially for families.
For couples or travelers looking for luxury, nightlife, or beach access, this may not be the best fit. But for family trips, short staycations, and educational travel, it delivers good value.
FAQs – Emirates Park Resort
Is Emirates Park Resort connected to the zoo?
Yes, the resort is directly connected to Emirates Park Zoo, and many stay packages include zoo access.
Can non-guests visit Emirates Park Zoo?
Yes, the zoo is open to the public. Resort guests usually get added benefits like discounted or free entry.
Is Emirates Park Resort suitable for toddlers?
Yes, but parents should supervise children closely during animal encounters and outdoor activities.
How many days are enough for Emirates Park Resort?
One or two nights are usually sufficient to enjoy the zoo and resort facilities.
Does the resort offer luxury facilities?
The resort is more family-focused than luxury-focused. Facilities are simple and practical.
Hi, I’m Haseeb Ahmed, the founder of KhaleejBlog.com — a premier travel platform dedicated to providing practical and up-to-date travel tips across Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar. My mission is to help travelers explore the Gulf region with ease, discover hidden gems, and make the most of every journey.
