Butterfly Garden to Become Abu Dhabi’s Newest Indoor Wildlife Attraction

Abu Dhabi is set to welcome a new indoor wildlife attraction this week with the opening of The Butterfly Gardens Abu Dhabi at Al Qana. Opening its doors to the public on January 9, the attraction adds another nature-focused experience to the capital’s growing leisure and tourism landscape.

Located within the Al Qana Walk area just five minutes from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and directly opposite The National Aquarium—the sanctuary will house more than 10,000 butterflies across a series of climate-controlled biodomes. These immersive domes recreate tropical environments inspired by Asia and the Americas, complete with lush indoor planting and tranquil koi ponds.

Designed as a walk-through experience, the gardens allow visitors to explore freely along planted pathways while observing butterflies in flight. Beyond insects, the attraction also features a range of tropical and rainforest species, including a two-toed sloth, Palawan bearcat, tamandua, Sri Lankan giant squirrel, Cuvier’s dwarf caiman, and several bird species such as finches and Gouldian finches.

The Butterfly Gardens Abu Dhabi will operate year-round as a fully indoor facility, making it a viable attraction during the UAE’s hotter summer months. Opening hours are 10am to 8pm on weekdays and 9am to 8pm on weekends. Entry tickets are priced at Dh55, with a combined ticket option alongside The National Aquarium available for Dh150.

According to the operators, all butterflies are sourced through conservation-focused breeding programmes in Costa Rica and the Philippines, in partnership with small-scale farming communities. The attraction follows an ethical sourcing model, with a portion of butterflies released back into their native habitats each month to support natural pollination and ecosystem balance.

Paul Hamilton, General Manager of the attraction, said the goal was to create a calming, educational space that brings people closer to nature within a fully indoor setting, while supporting global conservation efforts and sustainable livelihoods.