Dubai Zoo is the oldest zoo of its kind not only in the United Arab Emirates but also in the Arabian Peninsula. Dubai Zoo also happens to be the first Arabian zoo to breed the rare Chimpanzee and Arabian wild cat.

It is a special place of interest and fun for tourists and the people of Dubai.

Background
H. H. Sheikh Rashid bin Maktoum, the late Ruler of Dubai, permitted Otto J. Bulart to build the Zoo on a two hectacre plot in Jumeirah.

The Dubai Zoo became a landmark as it indicated the "town's end".

During the first couple of years of its existence, the Dubai Zoo housed only a few animals like the big cats, monkeys and hoofed-animals. There was also a small acquarium with some fishes and reptiles.

In 1971 the management of the Dubai Zoo was taken over by the Dubai Municipality.

From May 1986 to May 1989, a part of the Zoo was redesigned and rebuilt. From June 1989 to the present there is constant re-designing and renovation.

Dubai Zoo is ideally located in the lush green suburb of Jumeirah. Probably, it is the greenest spot in this area covered with a variety of trees.