UAE | Environment
Al Ain to go wild as zoo gears up for revamp
Huge facelift will see facility transformed into park and five-star resort complete with residential clusters
- By Rayeesa Absal, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:11 May 6, 2008
- Al Ain Zoo is being given a billion dollar facelift to be transformed into Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort.
- Image Credit: Supplied picture
Abu Dhabi: Ever wanted to get away from the boredom of everyday routine? The Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort could be the perfect answer, located just a few hours drive away, for all those who love nature.
Al Ain city is all set to go wild once the redevelopment of Al Ain Zoo and Aquarium is complete in 2013. The zoo is being given a billion dollar facelift to be transformed into Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort (AWPR). The first phase of the project will be ready in 2010.
From desert safaris, themed desert wildlife experiences, botanical gardens, desert science and learning facilities and water parks to outdoor and indoor shopping and dining areas, the park promises to enthral its visitors.
Heritage
"It is a project that will not only facilitate growth in Al Ain but also preserve the heritage and natural wildlife from future extinction," said Majid Al Mansouri, Managing Director of AWPR.
Spread over 900 hectares at the foothills of Jebel Hafeet, the focus of the AWPR will be the core zoo and an area displaying deserts of the world. Each of these themed deserts will exhibit the natural inhabitants and plants indigenous to those areas.
The core zoo will include a children's zoo and the Shaikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre, showcasing the conservation efforts of the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Six residential clusters will be integrated within the area as well as exclusive camps linked to the resort hotel. Living communities and shopping areas allow visitors and residents access to the themed deserts and luxury of the five-star resort.
The facility will also include a multi-level retail area which will include shopping promenades, cafes and restaurants.
Realising a dream
The Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort and San Diego Zoo have entered into a 20-year agreement to transform Al Ain Zoo into a world-class wildlife destination.
The partnership was signed yesterday by the AWPR represented by Shaikh Sultan Bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of AWPR and the San Diego Zoo, represented by Berit Durler and Douglas Meyers, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the zoo.
Speaking at the ceremony, Shaikh Sultan said: "In 1968, when our late President, Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, established Al Ain Zoo, he had a vision of a world-class zoo that would be the pride of Al Ain and a world-class facility contributing to the conservation of endangered species and the education of the young generations. Today, we are realising this vision and dream."
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