Butterfly Garden Opens in Abu Dhabi as New 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, launching on January 9 at Al Qana.

The fully indoor sanctuary will house more than 10,000 butterflies across a series of climate-controlled biodomes, offering visitors a walk-through rainforest-style experience designed to operate year-round, including during the UAE’s summer months.

Located within the Al Qana Walk area, the attraction sits just five minutes from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and directly opposite The National Aquarium, positioning it as a new family-friendly destination in the capital’s growing leisure district.

According to the operators, the gardens feature interconnected biodomes inspired by tropical landscapes from Asia and the Americas. Visitors can explore planted pathways, koi ponds and indoor greenery while observing butterflies flying freely in recreated natural habitats.

In addition to butterflies, the facility will showcase a range of tropical and rainforest animals. Species confirmed for the opening include a two-toed sloth, Palawan bearcat, tamandua, Sri Lankan giant squirrel and Cuvier’s dwarf caiman, alongside several bird species such as finches and Gouldian finches.

The Butterfly Gardens Abu Dhabi will operate from 10am to 8pm on weekdays and from 9am to 8pm on weekends. Entry tickets are priced at Dh55, while a combined ticket granting access to both the gardens and The National Aquarium is available for Dh150.

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

Paul Hamilton, General Manager of the attraction, said the project aims to offer an immersive nature experience within a controlled indoor environment, making wildlife education accessible throughout the year.

The opening adds to Abu Dhabi’s expanding portfolio of indoor attractions as the emirate continues to invest in sustainable tourism and family-oriented experiences.