Abu Dhabi: Plans to expand Al Ain Wildlife Park into a safari, educational and community living experience close to nature are firmly on track. Al Qudra's Ain Al Fayda project is also under construction and the municipality is beautifying the city.
"A couple of years ago it was only an idea but now the park is becoming reality. The next six months will bring a lot of activity," said Talha Saleh, project manager at the Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort.
Up until now the park has made headlines thanks to its various new activities, night safari experiences and most recently two white lions taking up residence.
Close to nature
Wildlife will continue to be the centre of attraction, but those who have eyed living close to animals surrounded by nature, the dream has come a step closer.
"We're going to start construction on the residential area number three within the next six months, alongside the hotel resort, which is currently in the tendering phase," Saleh said.
Al Ain Wildlife Park has five residential areas at the foot of Jebel Hafeet, each with its own character and designed in a modern interpretation of Islamic architecture. These neighbourhoods come with mosques and other community facilities geared towards UAE nationals.
"The other neighbourhoods are still under design. We plan to start selling homes within the next three months," said Saleh.
The resort & spa will also house a convention centre ideal for companies to get down to business.
Several of the world's continents are represented including Africa, Arabia and Asia.
"Infrastructure works is underway for the whole project, the learning centre is under construction. The new main entrance for the park and the linear park surrounding area and wildlife safari area will be complete soon."
Conservation is the number one concern in this expanding development. Much can be learnt about this at the Shaikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre.
The city's municipality is busy working on several projects, including the expansion of the Al Salami Park, a Civic Centre, a residential project, Al Bawadi Mall and Baladiya Street.
"We want people to live a healthier life and encourage them to walk creating more pathways," said Khazina Ganem Al Marar, an engineer at the Al Ain Municipality, dealing with landscaping at the design section of parks and recreational facilities.
