Butterfly Garden to Open in Abu Dhabi This Week as the City’s Newest Indoor Wildlife Attraction
A new chapter in Abu Dhabi’s wildlife and leisure attractions begins this week with the opening of The Butterfly Gardens Abu Dhabi on January 9 at Al Qana, one of the capital’s premier lifestyle and entertainment destinations.
Located just five minutes from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and opposite The National Aquarium, the new indoor sanctuary will feature more than 10,000 butterflies spread across multiple climate-controlled biodomes. Visitors will also encounter a variety of tropical animals and rare rainforest species, making it a one-of-a-kind indoor nature experience in the UAE.
Immersive Indoor Nature Experience
Designed as a walk-through attraction, The Butterfly Gardens Abu Dhabi allows visitors to move freely through lush, tropical environments filled with butterflies, koi ponds, and exotic plant life. Inspired by the diverse ecosystems of Asia and the Americas, each biodome re-creates a unique rainforest habitat using sustainable design and advanced climate control.
Exotic Animals on Display
Beyond butterflies, the attraction will feature several rare and tropical animals, including:
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Two-toed sloth
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Palawan bearcat
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Tamandua (lesser anteater)
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Sri Lankan giant squirrel
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Cuvier’s dwarf caiman
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Various species of finches and Gouldian finches
Opening Hours and Ticket Information
The Butterfly Gardens Abu Dhabi will operate 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends.
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Entry ticket: Dh55 per person
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Combo ticket (with The National Aquarium): Dh150
Being fully indoors, the facility will remain open year-round, offering residents and tourists an enjoyable escape even during the hot summer months.
Ethical Sourcing and Conservation Commitment
The butterflies showcased at the attraction are sourced through conservation-based breeding programs in Costa Rica and the Philippines. Each month, a portion of the butterflies are released back into their natural habitats to support pollination and local ecosystem health. The program also sustains small-scale farming communities in the countries of origin.
Paul Hamilton, General Manager of The Butterfly Gardens Abu Dhabi, said:
“Our goal is to bring people closer to nature in a sustainable, educational, and climate-controlled environment. The gardens are designed as a space of wonder, reflection, and respect for biodiversity.”
The Butterfly Gardens add to Al Qana’s expanding portfolio of attractions, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s growing status as a global destination for eco-tourism, education, and family entertainment.
