Abu Dhabi’s First ‘Butterfly Gardens’ Opens This Year — Here Are 4 Other Sanctuaries to Visit Across the Region
Abu Dhabi’s skyline is about to get a splash of color with the opening of Butterfly Gardens this September. This indoor sanctuary will be a stunning addition to the region’s growing network of butterfly havens.
While Abu Dhabi prepares for its grand debut, there are already a number of beautiful spots around the region where you can experience the delicate beauty of these winged creatures! Let’s take a look at the new sanctuary and some of the other existing ones around the region!
1. Butterfly Gardens: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Opening this September at Al Qana, Butterfly Gardens will be Abu Dhabi’s first immersive sanctuary with over 10,000 butterflies from Asia and the Americas. Inside climate-controlled domes, visitors can explore lush trails filled with sloths, koi carp, bearcats, and even caiman crocodiles.
It’s more than just a photo-friendly escape. The space blends rainforest vibes with interactive learning and conservation. So, whether you’re into nature, planning a day out, or just a peaceful stroll, this new spot is set to be a must-see.
2. Butterfly House: Al Noor Island, Sharjah, UAE
Al Noor Island’s Butterfly House delivers a magical escape. It offers a peaceful blend of wild greenery, modern art, and is home to over 500 species of butterflies.
You can simply cross a pedestrian bridge from the Corniche and step into 45,000 sqm of landscaped serenity. The area comes complete with a cafe, meditation areas, play zones, and literary spaces. Plus, the curved glass pavilion filters in warm light. This coaxes hundreds of colorful species to drift past visitors as they wander along winding paths.
3. Butterfly Garden & Pavilion: Bekaa Valley, Lebanon
Perched on a scenic hilltop in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, this 2,000 sqm Butterfly Garden & Pavilion is a haven for butterflies, wildflowers, and curious visitors. In partnership with West Bekaa Country Club, it features native plants, a botanical gallery, a greenhouse, and over 350 meters of nature trails.
It offers workshops, butterfly watching, and eco-friendly activities like beekeeping and permaculture. However, it’s only open seasonally. With mud-puddling spots, basking zones, and a focus on conservation, it’s a fun day out for families, kids, and nature lovers alike.
4. Dubai Butterfly Garden: Dubai, UAE
Right next to the Dubai Miracle Garden, you’ll find an indoor paradise that houses over 15,000 butterflies across 50 vibrant species in ten climate-controlled domes. The Dubai Butterfly Garden offers visitors a chance to explore lush gardens, learn about butterfly life cycles, and marvel at the Butterfly Museum’s intricate artwork.
With kid-friendly snacks, a mini theatre, and even butterfly-themed souvenirs, it’s perfect for special events. On top of that, temperatures stay a cool 18–25°C year-round, making it a breezy escape from the city heat.
5. Butterfly House: Wonder Garden, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Inside Riyadh’s Wonder Garden zone, the Butterfly House isn’t your usual quiet nature escape. Sure, it’s got over 1,000 butterflies fluttering through a lush, climate-controlled habitat—but step outside and you’re met with neon arcades, street food, and over 70 attractions.
The butterflies themselves are globe-trotters: Brazilian, Costa Rican, and Philippine species swirl around in the greenhouse-like setting. With sugar-sipping butterflies, late-night hours, and weekend crowds, this is nature with a theme park twist, making it one of Riyadh’s most unexpectedly fun mashups. The only drawback is that you’ll have to wait for the Riyadh Season every year to experience this masterpiece.
Butterfly Sanctuaries Around the Arab World
Across the Arab World, these attractions share one goal: to connect people with the delicate beauty of butterflies and inspire a new generation of conservation champions.
From Abu Dhabi’s cutting-edge sanctuary to Jbeil’s tucked-away pavilion, each venue showcases a unique approach, and together, they form a fluttering trail that invites you to explore, learn, and protect these enchanting insects wherever you travel!
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