Today's Edition
TAARIQ HALIM (Abu Dhabi)
Abu Dhabi is abuzz with the news of a brand-new wildlife experience opening on Friday, January 9.
Butterfly Gardens Abu Dhabi - located in Al Qana, five minutes from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and directly in front of The National Aquarium — brings together over 10,000 butterflies, rare rainforest species and tropical environments within a fully climate-controlled space.
The indoor sanctuary offers a tranquil, warm and immersive world that feels far-removed from the city.
Designed as a walk-through experience, the space leads guests through biodomes inspired by the landscapes of Asia and the Americas, with soft light, tall planting and the sound of water shaping the atmosphere. Along the pathways, visitors will also encounter koi ponds.
The experience moves beyond a traditional exhibit, offering an environment where butterflies exist as part of the space rather than as a display.
Within the gardens, visitors will encounter a rare mix of wildlife, including a two-toed sloth, Palawan bearcat, Cuvier’s dwarf caiman, tamandua, Sri Lankan giant squirrel and Gouldian finches.
Each species moves freely through the open environment where guests can observe their natural behaviour up close.
Paul Hamilton, General Manager, said this approach reflects the intention behind the attraction: a space designed to feel welcoming, calm and enjoyable.
“The Butterfly Gardens Abu Dhabi is designed to feel uplifting and inviting, a place where people can disconnect from the pace of the city and connect with something real and beautiful.
“We wanted to create an experience that’s memorable for families, inspiring for students and enjoyable for adults who simply want a quiet moment in nature.”
Butterfly Gardens Abu Dhabi says the butterflies are ethically sourced through long-standing partnerships with small-scale farming communities in Costa Rica and the Philippines. These programmes support conservation-focused breeding, help protect native ecosystems and provide sustainable livelihoods for families who have cultivated butterflies for generations.
A percentage of the butterflies is released back into the wild each month, helping to support local pollination and strengthen the surrounding ecosystem. Each butterfly seen in the gardens is part of a wider effort to support both people and nature.
Education is a central element of the attraction. School groups can explore sessions on ecosystems, pollination and biodiversity, while visitors of all ages can learn from interactive areas dedicated to insects and tropical species. Guided tours will be available for families, private groups and tourists.
The climate-controlled indoor gardens offer a year-round nature experience.
The space includes a café, a small retail boutique and dedicated areas for events and workshops, allowing guests to spend anywhere from a short visit to a full afternoon within the domes.
Visitors can also choose a combined ticket with The National Aquarium, located within Al Qana.
Butterfly Gardens Abu Dhabi is open Monday–Friday 10am–8pm and Saturday–Sunday 9am–8pm.
Tickets are Dh55 for the Butterfly Garden and Dh150 for combined entry with The National Aquarium.
