Abu Dhabi, May 5th, 2008 (WAM) -- H.E Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), announced Monday the official launch of Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort during a gala dinner at the Intercontinental Hotel in Abu Dhabi.

Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort is an exciting new development that is the first of its kind worldwide. 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 HE Majid Al Mansouri, Managing Director of Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort.

Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort is a multi-faceted development spread over 900 hectares at the foothills of Jebel Hafeet. The central focus will be the core zoo and a recreation of the various deserts of the world located within - UAE, Arabia, Africa, Asia, Australia and America. Each of these will exhibit their natural inhabitants and plants that are indigenous to those areas.

The core zoo will also include a children?s zoo and the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre, showcasing the conservation efforts of the late Sheikh Zayed. The Centre will also serve to raise awareness of sustainable living in a desert environment. Aside from the natural habitats the wildlife park will include animal safaris, each over 100 hectares, displaying the desert and arid zones of Africa, Arabia and Asia.

The living communities within the development include a luxury resort, a family hotel and retail outlets. Six residential clusters will be integrated within the safaris as well as exclusive camps linked to the resort hotel. The guiding principles of sustainability will be central to the design and operation of the development.

A strategic partner, San Diego Zoo will be instrumental in the development advising on all aspects of the project, from the initial planning and design through to the park and resort operations, with special attention to the conservation of wildlife and education of the public.

We aim to provide the community with an environment where they can appreciate wildlife and nature by understanding our responsibilities towards them and learn how to make a difference Al Mansouri added.

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

?On behalf of Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort team, I want to take this opportunity to thank HH Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed al Nahyan, President of the UAE as well as HH General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, HH Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in the Eastern Region for their continuous support and guidance?, Al Mansouri concluded..

Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort is a unique concept worldwide. It is a multi-faceted development designed around the wildlife component to create a world class sustainable leisure and learning destination. Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort will include a residential community within the Park to create a surrounding that is in touch with nature. Moreover, Hospitality venues will provide visitors the choice of a family hotel and resort, with convenient access to themed wildlife parks. A multi-level retail area will include shopping promenades, cafes and restaurants. The close proximity to natural wildlife with the core zoo and its expanding exhibits, in addition to the themed desert safaris will provide a centre of learning excellence and a backdrop from which to relax and contemplate animals in their natural settings.

San Diego ZOO The 100-acre San Diego Zoo is a conservation organization which is home to more than 4000 rare and endangered animals representing approximately 800 species and subspecies. The Zoo has a wide diversity of animal and plant species and is well known for its lush naturalistic habitats and unique animal encounters. San Diego Zoo is located at the Balboa Park at Park Boulevard and Zoo Place in North of Downtown, San Diego.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2008.