Al Ain Zoo is getting ready to welcome families back and this time, there’s a little more magic waiting after sunset.

The popular attraction will reopen to visitors on September 5 with a refreshed line-up of wildlife encounters, family entertainment and dining options, alongside a new month-long nighttime celebration designed to give visitors a different way to experience the zoo.

Called ” Glow after dark” the festival runs from September 5 to October 4, transforming the zoo into an illuminated evening experience. As the sun goes down, glowing animal displays, immersive performances and family-friendly entertainment will take over the grounds.

During the festival, the zoo will remain open from 2pm to 10pm, with the main entertainment getting underway from 5pm , making it an appealing option for families looking to escape the daytime heat and spend an evening surrounded by wildlife.

Expect plenty of colour and movement, with performers dressed in LED costumes and glowing stilt walkers adding to the after-dark atmosphere. The festival will also introduce Nature Venture, an immersive storytelling show created to bring stories of animals and the natural world to life for younger visitors and their families.

But the evening isn’t only about the lights.

Visitors can still make time for some of the zoo’s familiar experiences, including its safari adventure, where guests can get close to African wildlife and even feed giraffes. The Lemur Walk offers another interactive encounter, allowing visitors to observe the social primates from close range.

And if all that exploring works up an appetite, the zoo’s dining options have something for different moods and appetites. Zarafa Restaurant serves international cuisine, while Oasis Café and Bites Corner offer quicker options for families on the move.

With wildlife encounters by day and glowing performances by night, Al Ain Zoo’s reopening looks set to offer families more than just a return visit. It’s an invitation to experience the zoo from a whole new perspective.