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The long awaited Dubai Safari wildlife attraction has been completed, with a small group of journalists, locals and officials given an early tour of the project in the past week.

With most of the animals in situ and finishing touches in place, the s got to tour the AED1 billion (US$272 million) attraction will open its doors to the public from January.

To celebrate its launch, Dubai Safari is also offering free admission for the first two weeks.

Announcing the completion of the project, Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director-General of Dubai Municipality, told Gulf News, “our vision for this project, which is more than just a wildlife park, is to offer a highly engaging edutainment experience that fosters education on animal welfare, inspires a sense of learning about wildlife diversity and raises awareness on what makes wildlife protection a top priority.”

To allow visitors to get closer to the animals, part of the experience takes place on an open-sided passenger train - or inside a closed vehicle when viewing the more predatory species. Guests are also able to walk through a large aviary.

The attraction spans 119 hectares and hosts 2,500 animals of 250 species.

The park, located in Dubai’s Al Warqaa district, is divided into three different geographical zones - African, Asian and Arabian.

The new development also features an open safari area themed around different world locations, with architecture to match.

The safari replaces Dubai Zoo, which was the oldest zoo on the Arabian Peninsula.

Image: Guests attend a soft launch event at Dubai Safari.

5th November 2017 - ANIMALS MIGRATE TO DUBAI SAFARI AFTER 50 YEARS OF DUBAI ZOO OPERATIONS 

17th May 2017 - ANIMALS SET FOR DUBAI SAFARI PARK MOVE

26th February 2017 - SIGNIFICANT YEAR FOR DUBAI THEME PARKS

24th February 2017 - DUBAI SAFARI PARK READY TO OPEN IN THREE MONTHS 

28th October 2016 - END OF THE ROAD FOR DUBAI UNIVERSAL STUDIOS THEME PARK PLAN

28th April 2015 - DUBAI SAFARI PARK PROJECT SET FOR 2016 COMPLETION AND OPENING

26th July 2014 - DUBAI’S LATEST LEISURE DEVELOPMENTS

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