UAE | Government

Al Ain is all set to be an international wildlife destination

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.

  • By Rayeesa Absal, Staff Reporter
  • Published: 17:34 May 5, 2008
  • Gulf News

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 gets completed 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 get completed in 2010.

From desert safaris, themed desert wildlife experiences, botanical gardens, desert science and learning facility and water parks to outdoor and indoor shopping and dining areas, the park is a different game altogether, promising to enthrall its visitors.

To those who consider living close to nature, it cannot get any closer as the park houses a residential community. It will deliver a completely new way of living to the residents and visitors.

"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 central focus of the AWPR will be the core zoo and a recreation of the various deserts of the world located within: the UAE, Arabia, Africa, Asia, Australia and America.

Each of these themed deserts will exhibit their natural inhabitants and plants that are 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 Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Six residential clusters will be integrated within the safaris 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 the luxuries of the 5-star resort. It will also include a multi-level retail area will include shopping promenades, cafes and restaurants.

Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort and San Diego Zoo team up

The Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort and San Diego Zoo have entered into a twenty year agreement to transform the Al Ain Zoo into a world class wildlife destination.

The strategic partnership was inked on Monday 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.

San Diego Zoo, which is one of the world's largest and most progressive zoos home to over 4000 animals of 800 different species stretching over 100 acres of land, will be an integral partner involved in all aspects of the project from the initial planning and design to the park and resort operations with special attention to the sustainable conservation of wildlife and education.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Shaikh Sultan said, "In 1968, when late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan established the Al Ain Zoo, he had a vision of a world class zoo, that will 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 realizing this vision and dream."

The development of AWPR will be in three phases. Phase 1, due for completion by end of 2010, will feature part of the new core zoo, the Arabian and African safaris, resort, retail outlets, a residential community, and luxury camps.
Phase 2 will include the Asian safari and residential clusters and the core zoo will be completed by the end of 2011. The entire development is scheduled to be completed by 2013.

"We are excited to be able to work with species of this region, recreating their natural habitats and preserving biodiversity, while educating the public on their involvement in the conservation of nature," said Douglas Meyers.

Timeline

1968: Late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan establishes the Al Ain Zoo and Aquarium.

1972: Oryx on the verge of extinction in the wild. Conservation efforts begin.

1982: Al Ain Zoo breeds Houbara for the first time.

1987: Awnes, the first female gorilla, arrives in Al Ain Zoo. The only gorilla in captivity in the Middle East.

1990: The Master plan for Phase 1 is commissioned.

2005: First captive bred Houbara released into the wild.

2005: The Al Ain Zoo and Aquarium Public corporation is established.

2006: The Master plan is updated. Al Ain set to become a world-renowned Wildlife park and resort.

2007: First pack of Oryx released into the wild.

2010: Desert safari and residence will open to residents.

2012: Hospitality and retail section will open, completing the master plan of a fully integrated wildlife destination.

(Source AWPR)

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