The Green Planet is a tropical rainforest built inside a building, and it is one of the most refreshing places in Dubai in the hottest months. Found in City Walk, it packages the experience as an escape from the desert: step through the doors and you enter a humid, leafy biodome with trees, birds, flowing water and the inhabitants that make it famous, including sloths. The ticket page lists more than three thousand types of plants and animals, so the density of life is the point. The route climbs through the forest levels, with canopy views and an emphasis on conservation and education that is gentle enough for children but substantial enough for adults who want to learn what makes a rainforest tick. It is a calm attraction rather than a thrilling one, and it is best taken slowly. Early visitors tend to see the animals at their most active, and the humid, warm microclimate feels good in winter and lovely in summer. For families with young children it is among the most rewarding indoor attractions in the city, and for solo travelers and couples it is a quiet, photogenic hour.
Planning is easy. The Green Planet lists weekend opening from ten in the morning to six in the evening and weekday opening an hour later, so check the day you plan to go. The Skip The Line ticket is the cheapest standalone option, and the attraction is sold in combination with Burj Khalifa and with Aquaventure World, plus the multi-attraction Dubai pass products, so if you are buying several things, compare the bundles before you commit.
City Walk is a district of boutiques, cafes and restaurants, and the Green Planet is among its anchors, so you can pair a visit with lunch there.
How to enjoy it
Go early, when the animals are more active and the dome is quieter, and plan on one to two hours. Wear light, breathable clothing, because the humidity is part of the experience, and bring a small bottle of water. Photographs of sloths and birds work best if you slow down and wait rather than rush, and quiet, patient visitors tend to see the most. Strollers and wheelchairs generally manage a rainforest route, though check accessibility details on the ticket page if you need step-free access.
Who should choose it
It is superb for families, for wildlife enthusiasts and for anyone who needs a break from heat and concrete. It competes for your time with the Lost World Aquarium and the Dubai Aquarium, so pick one or two of the three rather than all of them: the Green Planet for rainforest and birds, the Dubai Aquarium for the big shark tank in the Dubai Mall, and the Lost World for themed rooms and special experiences at Atlantis. If your trip is built around outdoor sights, the Green Planet is a clever way to balance the itinerary with something cool and quiet.
What to expect
The experience
An indoor tropical biodome at City Walk with more than 3,000 types of plants and animals, including sloths and colorful birds, reached by a route through the forest levels.
Best time
Opening time, when the animals are more active and the dome is quiet. A welcome escape in summer afternoons.
How long
One and a half to two hours at an unhurried pace.
Tips
Check weekday versus weekend opening times. Wear light clothing for the humidity. Compare combo tickets with Burj Khalifa or Aquaventure before buying.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families, wildlife lovers and anyone who needs a cool break from the desert.
- Families
- Excellent. Sloths and birds delight children, and the route is easy to manage.
- Couples
- A relaxed, photogenic hour followed by lunch at City Walk.
- Pair with
- Lunch or a coffee at City Walk, then an afternoon at the beach on Kite Beach or La Mer.
- Time needed
- Two hours with a coffee afterward.
Good questions
What is The Green Planet?+
An indoor tropical rainforest in City Walk, described by the ticket page as home to more than three thousand types of plants and animals, with sloths and birds among the highlights.
How long does it take?+
Most visitors spend one to two hours. Go early to see the animals at their most active.
What are the opening times?+
The ticket page lists weekends from ten in the morning to six in the evening and weekdays from eleven to six. Check the day you plan to visit.
Which ticket should I buy?+
The Skip The Line ticket is the cheapest standalone option. Combos with Burj Khalifa or Aquaventure World, and multi-attraction passes, can save money if you plan to visit several attractions.
Is it a good choice in summer?+
Yes. It is air-conditioned and green, which makes it one of the nicest indoor options when daytime temperatures are fierce. Wear light clothing, because the dome is humid.
