A comprehensive guide to the man-made jungle: animals, tickets, unique experiences, and tips for the perfect visit. Imagine this: it’s +40°C outside, futuristic skyscrapers soar into the sky all around, and beneath your feet lies scorching asphalt of a metropolis grown right in the middle of the desert. You step through glass doors and… find yourself in another world. Humid, warm air is filled with the songs of exotic birds, the scent of wet earth, and the rustle of giant leaves. Welcome to The Green Planet—a real tropical forest that Dubai has somehow managed to grow under a giant glass dome. Forget the usual zoos with cages. The Green Planet is different: it’s a living, breathing ecosystem designed as a vertical immersion experience. Your journey will begin right under the roof, among the treetops, and gradually, spiral by spiral, you’ll descend down to the forest floor and even peek into the underwater world of flooded jungles. This guide will be your companion in this amazing realm, revealing all its secrets and helping you plan an unforgettable adventure—from meeting a sloth to experiencing a real tropical rainstorm.
What is The Green Planet? A journey into the heart of a living bio-dome
From the outside, The Green Planet looks like a futuristic glass cube, elegantly integrated into the modern architecture of the City Walk district. But behind its walls lies an engineering marvel—a fully autonomous bio-dome that recreates the conditions of a real, humid tropical rainforest.
What is a bio-dome?: A bio-dome is a closed artificial ecosystem designed to accurately replicate and maintain the natural conditions of a specific climate zone. At The Green Planet, engineers have achieved the perfect tropical microclimate, where over 3,000 species of plants and animals feel right at home.
At the heart of this ecosystem is a giant artificial tree, 25 meters tall—the largest in the world. Its trunk and branches serve as support for living plants, vines, and moss, creating a multi-level home for hundreds of inhabitants. Smart technologies constantly maintain ideal conditions here: a temperature of 24–27°C and humidity around 75%, ensuring that every resident—from a tiny frog to a sloth—feels completely at ease.
Four worlds under one roof: A journey from canopy to roots
The uniqueness of The Green Planet lies in its vertical structure. You don’t just move from enclosure to enclosure; instead, you embark on a true journey through four layers of the tropical forest, starting from the very top and descending down to the roots.
The canopy: kingdom of birds and sloths
Your adventure begins high up, just beneath the dome's roof. Here, in the light-filled crowns of the giant tree, an atmosphere of openness and flight prevails. The air is filled with the polyphonic chirping of exotic birds, freely flitting from branch to branch right above your head. The main stars of this level are the leisurely sloths, casually hanging from the branches, and the vibrant toucans with their massive beaks. Try to spot them among the dense foliage—this is a world seen through the eyes of its winged and most unhurried inhabitants.
The mid-storey: secrets of the forest undergrowth
Descending along the spiral path, you immerse yourself in the thick of the forest. The light becomes more subdued, and the shadows deepen. This is the mid-storey, a realm of trunks and vines, teeming with hidden life. Your journey transforms into an exciting quest: peer closely at the intertwining branches and gnarled roots to catch sight of camouflaged inhabitants. It is here that amazing reptiles, small mammals, and other masters of disguise hide. Every rustle and movement in the foliage could be a sign that you're being watched.
The forest floor: a world in semi-darkness
At the base of the giant tree, you are greeted by the most mysterious level—the forest floor. Here, a dim light prevails, and the air is filled with the scents of damp earth and decaying leaves. In this half-light, a hidden life unfolds, concealed from the bright glare of sunlight. Behind terrariums and glass panes, activity thrives out of sight: nimble insects dart about, amphibians lie in wait for their prey, and in the shadowy caves you can encounter nocturnal animals that only awaken when the sun sets over the jungle.
Flooded rainforest: the aquatic realm of piranhas
Your journey concludes at the very bottom, where tree roots plunge beneath the water. Here, the sounds of the forest give way to underwater silence, and before you lies an aquarium simulating flooded jungles. Behind thick glass, freshwater stingrays glide smoothly, turtles swim leisurely, and schools of over 1,000 piranhas shimmer with silvery sides. This is an entirely different world—calm and mesmerizing—a stark contrast to the bustling life on the upper levels.
More than just
This is an absolutely safe yet incredibly atmospheric spectacle.
- Piranha feeding: Every day (usually at 4:00 PM) a real feast begins in the "Flooded Forest" area. Biologists feed the predatory fish right before your eyes, accompanying the process with an engaging story about their habits and role in the ecosystem. Important: Be sure to check the current show schedule on The Green Planet's official website on the day of your visit.
Exclusive programs (for an additional fee)
For those looking to maximize their experience, The Green Planet offers several unique paid programs:
- Animal encounters: A rare opportunity to get up close with a sloth, feed a lemur, or hold an exotic reptile under the supervision of a biologist. This is a chance to give yourself and your loved ones unforgettable moments and, of course, capture some truly unique photos to remember.
- Snorkeling with Piranhas: An adventure for the bravest! You'll get to swim with a mask and snorkel in the aquarium, being in close proximity to hundreds of piranhas. Safety is guaranteed, and the adrenaline rush is off the charts.
- "Zookeeper for a day": A deep dive into life inside the bio-dome. This program allows teenagers and adult enthusiasts to spend several hours with the team of biologists, helping care for the animals and learning the secrets of their maintenance.
The Green Planet vs Dubai Aquarium: A battle of giants or two different worlds?
Many tourists in Dubai face a choice: man-made jungles or the giant aquarium at Dubai Mall? Let's clarify right away—comparing these two places is like comparing a theater performance to an immersive show. Both are forms of art, but the experiences they offer are fundamentally different.
- Atmosphere and immersion: The Green Planet provides complete immersion into a living, breathing ecosystem, complete with sounds, scents, and freely roaming animals. Dubai Aquarium creates a "wow" effect thanks to its sheer scale, massive acrylic panel, and underwater tunnel, but it’s more of a spectacle—a theater of underwater life.
- Scale and diversity: Dubai Aquarium impresses with its size and the sheer number of marine inhabitants. The Green Planet covers a smaller area but offers a unique vertical slice of a terrestrial rainforest ecosystem.
- Interactivity and education: Both venues have a strong educational component. However, The Green Planet places greater emphasis on ecology and immersive interaction, while Dubai Aquarium focuses on spectacular shows and the diversity of marine fauna.
- Location and convenience: The Green Planet is located in the stylish and tranquil walking district of City Walk. Dubai Aquarium, on the other hand, is situated right in the heart of the bustling and crowded Dubai Mall, which is convenient for shopping but less secluded.
| Parameter | The Green Planet | Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo |
|---|---|---|
| Key Experience | Immersion in a living ecosystem | Large-scale spectacle, "wow factor" |
| Focus | Education, ecology, immersion | Entertainment, diversity of species |
| Atmosphere | Intimate, calming | Grand, bustling, crowded |
| Location | City Walk promenade area | The Dubai Mall, the largest shopping mall |
Conclusion: These two places don't so much compete as complement each other. If you're looking for a deep, educational, and calming experience—The Green Planet is your choice. If your goal is to see a grand spectacle and marvel at the scale—head to the Dubai Aquarium.
Planning your visit to The Green Planet: A practical guide
Now that you're inspired to visit Dubai's jungles, let's move on to the practical details that will make your visit perfect.
Tickets, prices, and opening hours
Ticket prices and exclusive programs may vary. For example, participating in the "Zookeeper for a Day" program or snorkeling with piranhas will cost around 350 AED. It is strongly recommended to purchase tickets online from the official website—this almost always helps you avoid queues at the ticket counters and sometimes grants access to special offers.
Please always check the current ticket prices and opening hours on The Green Planet's official website right before your visit.
Best time to visit
To truly immerse yourself in the jungle atmosphere, here's a top tip: arrive right at opening time. During the first hour, while most tourists are still enjoying their coffee, you'll have the chance to enjoy the birdsong almost entirely alone. Before heading out, check the website for show schedules—especially the "Tropical Storm"—to plan your visit and not miss the most spectacular spectacle. Overall, allow about one and a half to two hours for a leisurely stroll through all the levels and watching one or two performances—this should be enough time to explore everything at a relaxed pace.
Rules of conduct: how to be a good guest in the jungle
- Dress code: Inside the bio-dome it's warm and very humid, so choose light, comfortable clothing. Official guidelines recommend respectful attire covering shoulders and knees; beachwear is prohibited.
- Photography: Taking photos and videos is allowed and encouraged, but there's one golden rule.
Attention, photographers!: The use of flash is strictly prohibited throughout the entire bio-dome. Bright light scares the animals, causes them severe stress, and can harm their eyesight. Please respect the inhabitants of this home.
- Other rules: Bringing your own food and drinks is not permitted (except baby food). And most importantly, you must not touch the animals or plants unless you're supervised by a staff member. Remember, you're a guest in nature's home.
Amenities and accessibility on site
The Green Planet offers everything you need for a comfortable visit. There's The Green Planet Café (prices above the city average), paid lockers (25–40 AED), and free Wi-Fi. The Green Planet is a true example of inclusivity: the facility is fully adapted for visitors of all categories. Spacious elevators connect all levels, there are ramps, as well as mother-and-child rooms. This demonstrates a high level of care, which is a hallmark of modern Dubai.
Fact about accessibility in Dubai: Dubai is actively implementing the government strategy 'My Community... A City for All,' aimed at transforming the emirate into one of the world's most welcoming cities for people with disabilities (referred to here as 'people of determination').
Final verdict: A jungle that will stay with Yyu
The Green Planet offers a rare experience for Dubai—not just admiring yet another man-made wonder, but a complete immersion into a living, breathing ecosystem. This visit will be remembered not only for vivid photos, but also for new knowledge gained. It’s an investment not so much in a “wow effect,” but in curiosity—both your own and that of your children. This place is perfect for families, curious travelers, and anyone who’s tired of the hustle and bustle of the city and wants to spend a couple of hours in an entirely different world. Stepping through these doors, you’ll not only feel pleasantly refreshed after Dubai’s heat, but you’ll also gain a slightly deeper understanding of how our amazing world works. And trust me, that very feeling is the most valuable souvenir you can take home from The Green Planet.
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