In pictures: New ‘indoor rainforest’ set to open in Dubai

A new indoor rainforest is set to open its doors in Dubai, featuring the region’s only bio-dome with 3,000 plants and animals.

The Green Planet, developed by Meraas, is located at City Walk and features the world’s largest indoor, man-made tree.

The origami style glass building features a ‘flooded forest’ and includes a giant aquarium with species such as arapaima, arowana and stingrays.

Visitors can also see exotic and tropical animals such as South American toucans, crocodile lizards and tailed porcupines.

The facility also regulates the temperature and humidity levels of the venue to make it similar to a rainforest.

Head architect of The Green Planet, Brad McTavish said: “The whole building was designed from a simple story about recreating a tropical forest within Dubai.

“We gathered and worked very closely with zoologists, aquarium specialists, and sophisticated mechanical and structural engineers to pool together our expertise to create the perfect habitat for the species at The Green Planet.”

The facility is operated by a team from the ZoOceanarium Group, which has been involved with the project since its conceptualisation through to animal acquisition and animal care.

Jean-Marc Bled, general manager of Leisure and Entertainment at Meraas said: “We hope to showcase science in action and instill a sense of appreciation amongst visitors so that we can understand our eco system better in order to preserve it.”

The Green Planet will offer 15 educational programmes across five topics and three age groups (3 – 6 years, 7 – 11 years, and 12 – 14 years), in line with the objectives of the Ministry of Education.

The facility opens on Thursday, September 1 and timings are 10am to 10pm from Saturday to Wednesday and 10am to 12am on Thursdays and Fridays.

The entrance fee is priced at Dhs95 for adults and Dhs70 for children aged between 2 to 12.