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Once completed, the Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort project will let visitors observe more than 400 wild animals in their natural environment. Image Credit: WAM

Dubai: The world’s largest man-made safari park is now open in Al Ain.

The safari park at Al Ain Zoo opened its doors to the public on Wednesday morning, providing visitors access to 217 hectares of open space that houses more than 250 animals in their natural habitat, including the Arabian oryx and sand cat.

 

This unique experience is an addition to Al Ain Zoo, which was described by the president of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Lee Ehmke, as “a model for not just zoos in the Middle East, but around the world,” according to the Emirates News Agency WAM.

What’s in store?

Residents can now sit back and enjoy a scenic and educational tour of the Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort, as you view animals without cages or restrictions. Officials at the zoo confirmed that tours are available at a cost of Dh200 for a 45-minute drive inside a 22-seater truck, while a private hire for a six-seater 4x4 Nissan Patrol, at a cost of Dh1,000 for one hour and a half.

The Shaikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre was also opened on Wednesday, which teaches visitors about the natural and cultural history of Abu Dhabi’s desert environment, as well as Arabian deserts and those worldwide.

 

In a statement issued earlier, Al Ain Zoo director-general Ghanem Al Hajeri said the centre, which spans 12,500 square metres, “provides a comprehensive description of the desert environment of Abu Dhabi, as well as the tradition and efforts to preserve the environment and sustainability agenda. The centre has been awarded an international certificate in the sustainability field.”

Once the Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort project is completed, it will include an expansion of the safari, an elephant sanctuary, an Arab safari, and an Asian safari – making it the largest man-made safari in the world.

Timings:

The Shaikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre is open

Saturday to Wednesday: 9.30am to 4.30pm

Thursday and Friday: 9.30am to 6pm