Butterfly Gardens Abu Dhabi

A Tropical Rainforest in the Middle of Abu Dhabi

The Butterfly Gardens at Al Qana is one of those places that genuinely surprises you. What sounds like a butterfly garden turns out to be a full tropical rainforest experience — 10,000 free-flying butterflies sharing air-conditioned domes with sloths, bearcats, giant squirrels, hummingbirds, finches, caimans, koi fish, giant moths, stick insects, and beetles. It is lush, calm, and completely unlike anything else in Abu Dhabi. The butterflies are sourced through conservation breeding programmes in Costa Rica and the Philippines, and each month a portion are released back into their native habitats to support local ecosystems — so the visit carries a bit more meaning than just a pretty garden.

It is open year round and fully air-conditioned. Tickets start from AED 55, under-3s free.

Insider tip: the garden is beautiful but compact — if you are making the drive from Dubai, combine it with The National Aquarium right opposite. The combo ticket saves AED 45 and the two together make a proper full day out.