Butterfly Gardens Abu Dhabi has officially announced it will open to the public in September 2025. The announcement was made at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, the region’s leading global event for the travel and tourism industry.
Located next to The National Aquarium at Al Qana, Butterfly Gardens Abu Dhabi will be the capital’s first immersive butterfly sanctuary. The facility will offer a nature-focused experience for residents, visitors, and educational groups.
The gardens will house over 10,000 butterflies from more than 40 species, within climate-controlled bio-domes that replicate natural ecosystems. The facility will be divided into two zones: Asia and The Americas. Visitors can encounter two-toed sloths, caiman crocodiles, and American insects in the Americas dome, while the Asian dome will include bearcats, koi carp, and a range of Asian insects.
Visitors will also see butterfly pupa displays and learn about insect life cycles and pollination at the dwarf honeybee exhibit. The Eden Café will feature a koi pond, white peacocks, and a waterfall, offering the chance to have high tea with butterflies in a calm garden environment. In the evenings, a starlight night setting will be introduced for an alternative viewing experience.
Paul Hamilton, General Manager of Butterfly Gardens Abu Dhabi, said, “With the Butterfly Gardens Abu Dhabi, our primary objective is to create an environment that authentically mirrors their natural habitats, ensuring they thrive in a secure and controlled setting. It is more than an attraction; it’s a nature reserve designed to promote a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of our ecosystems. We aim to inspire visitors to engage with nature on a meaningful level.”
Butterfly Gardens Abu Dhabi aims to provide a calm, nature-focused environment in the city, combining live exhibits with educational programming.
