Dubai is known for its extravagant architecture and luxury experiences. From the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, to the artificial Palm Islands, Dubai is a city that pushes the boundaries of human imagination and engineering. Among its many architectural marvels, Dubai is also home to a one-of-a-kind bird sanctuary called the Dubai Bird Wings. In this article, we will explore where to find this amazing avian attraction and what makes it such a unique place to visit.
What is the Dubai Bird Wings?
The Dubai Bird Wings is a massive aviary located in the heart of Dubai. It contains over 500 exotic bird species from around the world, making it one of the largest collection of birds in the Middle East. The aviary consists of multiple domes that mimic different habitats like tropical forests, wetlands, deserts, and more. Visitors can walk through these domes and get up close to birds flying freely overhead. Some of the species found at the Dubai Bird Wings include macaws, cockatoos, toucans, hornbills, flamingos, ostriches, and bald eagles.
In addition to viewing the birds, there are also educational shows and presentations where visitors can learn more about each species. The Dubai Bird Wings focuses on bird conservation and provides a safe environment for endangered birds to breed and thrive. For any animal lover visiting Dubai, the Bird Wings is a must-see attraction.
Where is the Dubai Bird Wings Located?
The Dubai Bird Wings is located in the Bur Dubai neighborhood, very close to the famous Dubai Creek. The address is:
Dubai Bird Wings
Al Fahidi St
Bur Dubai, Dubai
United Arab Emirates
The aviary is located right next to the Ruler’s Court complex along the western bank of Dubai Creek. It is only a short 10 minute drive from downtown Dubai and the Burj Khalifa. There is both street parking and dedicated parking lots surrounding the aviary making it easy to visit by car. It is also accessible by public transportation, with the nearest metro station being the Al Fahidi Station on the Green Line. From the metro it is just a quick 5 minute walk to the Bird Wings entrance.
In addition to driving or taking the metro, the Dubai Bird Wings can be reached by abras, which are the traditional wooden boats used to ferry people across Dubai Creek. There is an abra station right next to the aviary, providing a fun and scenic way to arrive. No matter how you get there, the Dubai Bird Wings is conveniently located in central Dubai making it easy to incorporate into any itinerary.
When is the Dubai Bird Wings Open?
The Dubai Bird Wings is open daily from 9:00AM to 6:00PM. The last admission is at 5:00PM to allow visitors adequate time to fully explore the aviary before closing.
The aviary is open year-round except for some public holidays:
– New Year’s Day (January 1st)
– Eid al-Fitr (dates vary)
– Arafat Day (date varies)
– Eid al-Adha (dates vary)
– Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday (date varies)
– UAE National Day (December 2nd)
It is recommended to check the website or call ahead before visiting around major holidays to confirm operating hours. Year-round the Dubai Bird Wings offers a great indoor activity to escape from the midday heat. Mornings and evenings tend to be less crowded than peak afternoon hours.
How Much Are Tickets to the Dubai Bird Wings?
Tickets to the Dubai Bird Wings can be purchased at the entrance gate or online:
Adult Ticket (ages 12+): 60 AED
Child Ticket (ages 3-11): 45 AED
Children under 3 are free
Additional experiences and activities are available inside for added fees such as:
– VIP Tours: 150 AED per person
– Animal Encounters: 75 AED per person
– Backstage Pass: 100 AED per person
Annual passes are also available which provide 12 months of unlimited admission. The annual passes come in four tiers:
– Individual Pass: 250 AED
– Couples Pass: 400 AED
– Family Pass (2 adults + 2 children): 500 AED
– Family Pass (2 adults + 3 children): 550 AED
Passes can be added on at checkout when purchasing regular admission tickets. For those planning on visiting multiple times per year, the annual pass offers great savings.
The Dubai Bird Wings also offers special discounts and deals periodically through their website and email newsletter. It’s worth signing up online to receive news of any special offers or seasonal promotions.
What Are the Different Areas and Exhibits?
The Dubai Bird Wings contains ten different climate-controlled aviaries spanning over 19,000 square meters of space. Each domed habitat houses birds from specific regions and biomes:
The Americas Aviary: Spot toucans, macaws, flamingos and more native birds from North and South America. A lush rainforest environment.
Africa Aviary: Ostriches, cranes, turacos and other African bird species inhabit this dry savannah landscape.
Australasia Aviary: See rainbow lorikeets, kookaburras, cassowaries and other birds from Australia and Oceania.
Asia Aviary: Marvel at peacocks, hornbills, pheasants and other exotic Asian birds in this tropical habitat.
Middle East Aviary: Native desert and wetland birds like falcons, hoopoes and bee-eaters are showcased.
Europe Aviary: Songbirds like finches, robins, swans and storks from across Europe are housed here.
Wetlands Habitat: Herons, spoonbills, egrets, pelicans and other water birds live in this marsh environment.
Woodlands Habitat: Spot colorful songbirds and woodpeckers that inhabit forest ecosystems.
Desert Dome: Hardiest desert birds like roadrunners and larks survive in this arid climate.
Birds of Prey: Hawks, eagles, owls, vultures and other raptors swoop around this aviary.
In addition to the walk-through aviaries, there are also shows at the on-site amphitheater, rotating bird exhibitions, and opportunities for up-close bird encounters. Around every corner there is a new species to discover!
What Are Some Highlight Birds to See?
With over 500 species from exotic locations worldwide, there are too many incredible birds to list them all! But some of the highlights and rare species to look out for at the Dubai Bird Wings include:
– Philippine Eagle: The largest and most powerful eagle in the world.
– Hyacinth Macaw: The largest parrot species, known for their bright blue plumage.
– Palm Cockatoo: An Australian parrot with a massive crest and bill.
– Toucan: These tropical birds have massive, colorful beaks.
– Hornbill: Large tropical birds with a distinctive horn-like casque on their bill.
– Flamingo: Famous for their spindly legs and pink feathers. Watch them filter-feed in large flocks.
– Ostrich: The largest living bird. Watch them run at high speeds.
– Cassowary: An Australian flightless bird with colorful wattles and a helmet-like casque.
– Peacock: Famous for the male’s iridescent tail feathers used in mating displays.
– Falcon: See these regal predators demonstrate their incredible speed and agility.
From tiny sunbirds to giant ostriches, there is incredible avian diversity. For bird lovers, the Dubai Bird Wings is an absolute must-visit in Dubai.
What Else is There to Do at the Dubai Bird Wings?
In addition to exploring the immersive aviaries, there are many additional experiences offered:
Shows: Attend free-flight bird shows and educational presentations at the on-site amphitheater. Learn about each species while watching them fly overhead. Show times are available on the website.
Feeding Stations: Purchase small cups of nectar or bird feed to hand-feed lories, finches, parrots and other friendly species. A fun interactive experience, especially for kids.
Behind the Scenes Tours: Take a guided backstage tour to see how the aviaries operate, including the veterinary hospital, incubation chambers, food prep areas and more. Offered daily for an additional fee.
Animal Encounters: Get up close with birds like hawks, owls, parrots and ostriches during a guided animal encounter. Pet and take photos while learning about each bird.
Gift Shop: Browse educational books and toys, bird-themed gifts and souvenirs. Grab a coffee at the gift shop cafe.
Gardens: Walk through the tropical plant gardens surrounding the aviaries which mimic the native environments of the birds. Outdoor seating areas available.
With so much to see and do, visitors should plan on spending 2-3 hours at the Dubai Bird Wings to experience it fully. Arrive early in the day to maximize time inside this world-class aviary.
Tips for Visiting the Dubai Bird Wings
To make the most of your visit to the Dubai Bird Wings, keep these tips in mind:
– Arrive early to avoid long lines at the ticket counter. Morning hours tend to be less busy.
– Move slowly and speak softly when walking through the aviaries – loud noises startle the birds.
– Bring your camera – the aviaries offer unique photo opportunities!
– Wear shoes with good grip that won’t slip on the walkways. Surfaces may be wet from plants.
– Ask staff about the daily schedule for shows and feedings to help plan your visit.
– Consider booking the behind-the-scenes tour or animal encounters for a more intimate experience.
– Visit the Birds of Prey dome first or last – large predatory birds are less active in the heat of midday.
– Stop for a bite at the on-site cafe or bring a small picnic to enjoy in the gardens.
– Allow at least 2-3 hours to see everything at a relaxed pace. More time may be needed for additional activities.
Getting to the Dubai Bird Wings early, moving patiently through the domes, and planning your day around scheduled shows and feedings will ensure an awesome aviary adventure.
Fun Facts About the Dubai Bird Wings
As one of Dubai’s premiere attractions, the Dubai Bird Wings is an incredible achievement. Here are some interesting facts about this world-class aviary:
– With over 500 species, it has one of the largest collections of birds in the world.
– The aviary spans across 19,000 square meters, over 4 acres!
– It houses the third largest colony of penguins in the Middle East.
– More than 150 species bred at the aviary are part of endangered conservational programs.
– The temperature and humidity inside each dome is controlled to mimic the birds’ native environments.
– Over 2 million air filters work continuously to provide clean air throughout the aviary.
– The Dubai Bird Wings has one of only a few Egyptian Vulture breeding programs in the world.
– Experts prepared customized diets for each species with fresh ingredients harvested sustainably.
– The aviary intake process takes 4-6 weeks for each new bird to slowly acclimate.
– It won the 2018 World’s Leading Aviary award at the World Travel Awards.
The Dubai Bird Wings combines animal conservation, education and tourism in one incredible destination. These fun facts highlight how it provides a safe, healthy habitat where visitors can learn about and appreciate exotic bird species.
Conclusion
For animal lovers visiting Dubai, the Dubai Bird Wings is a must-see attraction. This world-class aviary in the heart of Dubai provides the opportunity to walk through tropical habitats and see over 500 exotic bird species from around the world. From tiny sunbirds to massive ostriches, the diversity of birds is staggering. Plan your visit early in the day to maximize your time exploring the immersive domed aviaries. Feed flamingos, watch educational shows, and book behind-the-scenes tours for a more intimate bird encounter. The Dubai Bird Wings offers an exciting way to appreciate conservation efforts and the natural beauty of birds from six continents in one place. Add this awe-inspiring aviary to the top of your Dubai itinerary for an experience you won’t forget!