May 8th, 2007: Today Al Ain Zoo, which was established by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan in 1968, is entering an exciting new phase in its evolution as His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE, proudly continues the commitment to conservation and environmental causes.

Set in the heart of Al Ain, the Garden City of the United Arab Emirates, extensive works are currently underway to transform the Al Ain Zoo to Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort by expanding exhibits and improving facilities are turning the former zoo into a world class wildlife park and resort.

These plans are now being display in the first edition of Cityscape Abu Dhabi which was opened in the capital today (Tuesday), as this projects represents a unique opportunity for the investor.

H.E. Majid Al Mansouri, Managing Director of the Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort said that as the UAE continues its dynamic transformation into a booming economic and tourism hub, a mixed use development has been planned and designed, creating a world class, sustainable leisure and learning destination with a wealth of opportunities for the astute investor or developer.

He said "Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort is the beneficiary of a rare, clear vision of how the environment, people and wildlife can co-exist in a sustainable and viable manner. It is based on the ideas of conservation and education, what we term 'Leisure, Learning, Living'.

One of the unique feature and quality of the project is the fact that investors and residents will directly contribute and be part of supporting wildlife conservation efforts and community development in UAE and abroad.

The residential community within the Park will deliver to residents and visitors a completely new way of living.  Wildlife, ecology and the environment all co-exist with sustainable practices to create a living environment in harmony with nature.

Various accommodations will provide visitors the choice of a family oriented hotel and a luxurious 5-star resort.  All with convenient access to excellent shopping and an oasis theme water park as well as stunning vistas of the Jebel and the wildlife park.

A themed shopping environment and multi-level retail area will include outdoor shopping promenades, a shopping mall, cafes, restaurants and special 'dining with a view' opportunities.

The core zoo and its expanding exhibits and themed desert safaris will provide a centre of excellence that welcomes people of all ages and nationalities to gain a deeper understanding of desert environments from around the world and wildlife that inhabit them.  We are building an immensely valuable resource for generations to come.

Building a residential community that borders the themed desert areas and wildlife means providing an environmentally-friendly and sustainable living environment.  The building of this community will include land use, development and community design techniques that preserve natural features.

The close proximity to natural wildlife provides an outstanding backdrop from which to relax, contemplate, and observe animals in their natural settings.  This can be done whether you are shopping in the themed retail complex, enjoying fine dining, or indulging in a spa treatment at the hotel. 

The new core Zoo is a compact area that's easy for families to walk around.  It's filled with exciting displays of desert animals featuring exhibit zones of the world's great ocean-edge deserts.

The wildlife park is set amidst the splendour of a rugged landscape with a surprising and rich variety of flora, botanical gardens, native birds and butterflies.

Themed desert wildlife experiences will take visitors on day and night safaris.  This will make Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort one of largest desert safari parks in the Northern Hemisphere. This will include Africa by Day - Kalahari Desert, Arabia - Arabian Desert, Australia by Night - Great Sandy Desert, India by Night - The Desert, Africa by Night - Sahara Desert, Bedouin Restaurant and Oasis and Royal Bedouin Encampment>

The residential neighbourhood will create a unique type of residence in a desert setting with architectural styles reflecting contemporary Arabia and Africa.

It will allow residents to enjoy a very special lifestyle living in close and harmonious proximity to a delightful wildlife environment. This will include a green space filled with parks, community club & health club, homes situated on generous parcels of land and Dramatic panoramic views of the wildlife park & Jebel

The master plan also provides for the many visitors who will want to visit and stay at Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort.  A 5-star Oasis Hotel will pamper guests with superb service, accommodations in suites and private villas, spa and health club, fine restaurants, cafes and exclusive shopping. And for the more adventurous, a themed African Thatched Resort with private cottages will transport people to another world with a central 'waterhole' swimming pool and close interaction with animals under ranger supervision. 

Exciting Retail

The multi-level retail area will create a themed shopping environment for residents, the people of Al Ain and visitors.  It will include airy outdoor shopping promenades and an inviting shopping mall.

A highlight of the design is to have the restaurants and cafes surround a grand entrance at the edge of the park, allowing patrons scenic views of the stunning landscape and nearby wildlife. 

These special 'dining with a view' opportunities will be a major attraction in themselves. 

Al Ain - Garden City of the UAE 

  • Al Ain holds a special historic and spiritual place in the hearts of the people of UAE, and is a source of enormous pride. 

  • 'The Garden City' boasts a lush oasis setting blessed with natural mineral springs, nature and greenery close at hand. 

  • It is ideally positioned approximately 1 hours by road from both the capital Abu Dhabi and Dubai, strategically located in the heart of a booming economic and tourism region.

-Ends-

© Press Release 2007