A safari park in the Middle East is finally complete and set to open its doors to the public from January.

To celebrate its launch, Dubai Safari is also offering free admission for the first two weeks.

Journalists, locals and VIPs got to tour the AED1bn (US$272m, €233m, £208m) project this week, with most of the animals in situ and finishing touches in place.

“Our vision for this project, which is more than just a wildlife park, is to offer a highly engaging edutainment experience that fosters education on animal welfare, inspires a sense of learning about wildlife diversity and raises awareness on what makes wildlife protection a top priority,” Hussain Nasser Lootah, director-general of Dubai Municipality, told Gulf News.

To allow visitors to get closer to the animals, part of the experience takes place on an open-sided passenger train – or inside a closed vehicle when viewing the more predatory species. Guests are also able to walk through a large aviary.

The attraction spans 119 hectares and hosts 2,500 animals of 250 species.

The safari replaces Dubai Zoo, which was the oldest zoo on the Arabian Peninsula. Dubai Zoo’s 1,000 animals were rehoused at the new Dubai Safari.

The park, located in Dubai’s Al Warqaa district, is divided into three different sectors – African, Asian and Arabian.

The new development also features an open safari area themed around different world locations, with architecture to match.