Friday, December 5, 2025
Riyadh Zoo Reopens for Riyadh Season with New Zones and Experiences
Riyadh Zoo has reopened as part of Riyadh Season 2025 and has quickly become one of the most popular outdoor attractions in the capital. The upgraded zoo now draws families, residents, and tourists with its larger space, new activities, and colorful themed zones.
Located in Al-Malaz and spread across 161,000 square meters, the zoo takes visitors on a global tour through environments inspired by different continents. The areas include tropical forests, pink lakes, and other natural landscapes, mixing wildlife encounters with educational activities.
Many visitors praised the improvements. Muskan Kureshi, visiting with her baby, said, “My baby is thrilled seeing the zoo. There are many new attractions added this year, and I’m enjoying my day so much. I am originally from India, but I currently live in Riyadh, and I have noticed significant improvements in this year's Riyadh Season. I’m enjoying all the lighting and everything around here.” Read: Riyadh Airport to undergo for a biggest upgrade in 40 years
The zoo is home to more than 1,600 animals from 170 species, divided into six themed zones:
➤ Pink Lake
➤ Wild Adventure
➤ Enchanted Forest
➤ The Swamp
➤ Ape Escape
➤ Almalaz Bay
Each zone recreates real ecosystems with natural enclosures, landscaping, and sound effects, giving visitors immersive, close-up experiences with the animals.
One of the main highlights is the Elephant Experience, where guests can watch elephants splash, forage, and interact up close.
The redesigned giraffe and African area features a high bridge that lets guests stand at eye level with giraffes and elands. Children can take part in animal feeding sessions, craft workshops, and interactive learning stations placed along the paths.
Entertainment is also a major part of the visit. The zoo hosts daily main-stage shows, including
🔘 The Silly Brothers
🔘 Blue Clown Circus
🔘 Magician Show
🔘 Bubbles Show
There are also roaming performers such as Jungle Friends, Music Band and Drummers, and entertainers on flamingo stilts, creating a lively environment. Most Viewed: Guinness World Record for Riyadh Metro
The zoo includes restaurants, food carts, shaded seating areas, retail shops, and play zones, encouraging guests to spend the whole day at the site. Clear pathways help visitors easily move through each zone.
With a daily capacity of 12,000 visitors and operating hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Riyadh Zoo is one of the largest daytime attractions of the season. Tickets can be booked through the Webook app.
Another visitor, Mohammed Rashid Ali, who has lived in Saudi Arabia for 17 years, said, “We really enjoyed it and we are very excited. We are enjoying seeing tigers, elephants, giraffes, all of them. Riyadh Season has given us the chance to visit this place.”
Liza Bondar, visiting with her son Yusif, added, “It is my second time here, and I really like it so much. It looks much better than before. It is an amazing place, and I’d highly recommend it for families, tourists, and visitors. It is a wonderful place to spend the day.”
As a major Riyadh Season attraction and part of one of the world’s largest entertainment festivals, the zoo supports Saudi Arabia’s wider plan to expand tourist destinations.
With richer animal habitats, new programs, and improved experiences, Riyadh Zoo has become one of the standout highlights of Riyadh Season 2025. See Also: New Tax in Saudi Arabia from 1st January 2026
 |
| Riyadh Zoo Reopens for Riyadh Season with New Zones and Experiences |
