Why Is Dubai Safari Closed?

By Anna Duncan

Why Is Dubai Safari Closed?

Dubai Safari has been a popular tourist attraction in the city, offering visitors a unique wildlife experience in the heart of the desert. However, recently, there has been news circulating about the closure of Dubai Safari.

So, why is this beloved destination shutting its doors? Let’s delve into the reasons behind this decision.

The Transition to Dubai Safari

In 2017, Dubai Safari Park replaced the old Dubai Zoo, which had been in operation for over five decades. The new safari park aimed to create a more modern and natural environment for animals, providing them with spacious enclosures and state-of-the-art facilities.

However, since its opening, Dubai Safari faced various challenges that ultimately led to its closure. Here are some of the key factors:

Maintenance and Infrastructure Issues

One of the main reasons for the closure of Dubai Safari was ongoing maintenance and infrastructure issues. Despite being a relatively new attraction, the park experienced frequent breakdowns in its facilities and infrastructure. Visitors complained about malfunctioning air conditioning systems, broken escalators, and other maintenance-related problems that hampered their overall experience.

Lack of Visitor Footfall

An important factor contributing to the decision to close Dubai Safari was a lack of sufficient visitor footfall. While initially, there was a surge of interest when it first opened its doors, over time, visitor numbers dwindled significantly. This decline could be attributed to several factors such as competition from other attractions in Dubai or lack of effective marketing strategies.

Criticism Regarding Animal Welfare

Dubai Safari also faced criticism regarding animal welfare concerns. Several reports and videos surfaced, raising questions about the treatment and well-being of the animals within the park. Animal rights activists and organizations highlighted issues such as small enclosures, inadequate veterinary care, and limited enrichment activities for the animals.

The Future of Dubai Safari

While Dubai Safari may have closed its doors, there is still hope for a future wildlife attraction in Dubai. Plans are underway to transform the site into a new zoo that will address the previous shortcomings.

The new zoo aims to learn from the mistakes of Dubai Safari and create a more sustainable and visitor-friendly experience. It will focus on providing better animal welfare standards, implementing rigorous maintenance protocols, and enhancing overall visitor satisfaction.

In conclusion, Dubai Safari faced several challenges that ultimately led to its closure, including maintenance issues, lack of visitor footfall, and animal welfare concerns. However, with plans for a new zoo on the horizon, Dubai’s residents and tourists can look forward to a refreshed wildlife attraction in the future.