Emiratis choosing zoo careers as Emiratisation drive gathers momentum

Al Ain: The government’s efforts to provide non-traditional career opportunities for Emiratis have resulted in over 160 of them being employed at the Al Ain Zoo in roles of wildlife welfare and conservation.

These Emiratis make up around 33 per cent of the Zoo’s manpower.

“Al Ain Zoo’s Emirati employees play a vital role in the Zoo’s overall strategy, delivering our message of conservation with unique insight into the UAE’s natural environment and history,” said Ganem Al Hajeri, director general of the Zoo.

He said the career opportunities are endless, whether in animal care, tourism or administrative roles. “UAE national employees can act as ambassadors for our nation, allowing visitors to experience our culture from a different perspective,” he added.

As part of the UAE’s ongoing commitment to Emiratisation, Al Ain Zoo has implemented various strategies, including training schemes and internship programmes, to attract and develop a strong, qualified national workforce. Initiatives focus on honing individual skills so that each employee can share the zoo’s history, heritage and culture with visitors, in line with the Abu Dhabi 2030 plan.

Influx of applications

Mariam Al Shamsi, director of human resources and strategy at Al Ain Zoo, said: “We are delighted to continue seeing an influx of applications from UAE nationals for vacancies at Al Ain Zoo.” She said there is enthusiasm among Emiratis to contribute to the Zoo’s success, particularly when employees witness first-hand the results of the efforts to conserve native wildlife.

“The UAE’s tourism market is rapidly evolving, placing Al Ain on the map as a tourist destination. Thus, it is an ideal time for Emiratis to be a part of Al Ain Zoo’s history and future,” said Al Shamsi.

Eman Rashed Al Muqbali, who has been working as a retail associate at the Zoo for over a year now, said: “My favourite part is being able to engage with people of different nationalities and backgrounds... I feel proud as a UAE citizen to contribute in spreading the conservation message and to promote tourism.”

Meanwhile, Mahrah Al Shamsi, an animal outreach supervisor who has been with the Zoo for five years and lived in Al Ain all her life, said she enjoys the educational programmes and presentations given to school students and visitors. “I take pride in my role and learn something new everyday through my interactions with the animals,” she said.

Al Ain Zoo is a member of the World Association for Zoo and Aquaria (WAZA) and is actively involved in several internationally co-ordinated conservation projects, working with other like-minded organisations such as the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, universities and schools, Tourism Development and Investment Company, Environment Agency — Abu Dhabi, the Species Survival Commission, San Diego Zoo, the Northern Rangelands Trust of Kenya and the Sahara Conservation Fund, to conserve and re-introduce threatened arid land species such as the Arabian oryx and Scimitar-horned oryx to their natural habitat.