What is the overall objective of the Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort?

The AWPR intends to become nothing less than an international reference for sustainable living in harmony with nature and wildlife, as well as a welcoming environment where people can relax and contemplate animals and plants in their natural settings.

It will showcase wildlife in its natural habitat, which can be seen at thrillingly close quarters with a choice of themed desert safaris, as well as world leading arid-land botanic gardens and plant collections. The development will also house a centre of learning.

What makes this project different to other real estate/development projects in the UAE?

Unlike other developments, profit is not a core value here. The project's sole aim is to promote sustainable living in touch with nature. Conservation and education are the elements that drive its development and operation.

Why was it created?

It was created primarily to continue and expand the excellent work and 40 year heritage of the Al Ain Zoo, and the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, father of the United Arab Emirates. As the Sheikh intended, its main activity will be the protection, preservation and conservation of indigenous wildlife and plant life.

With its conservation, education, tourism, residential opportunities and commercial enterprises, it will also play a leading role in Al Ain’s long term goals for economically sustainable controlled growth, by creating a uniquely attractive tourism and resort destination.

As species extinction and habitat loss continues and even accelerates worldwide, projects like these can only grow in importance. The AWPR will help people to understand and experience life and living in a desert arid environment.

Who owns it?

The AWPR is a non-profit Abu Dhabi government agency. Any revenue generated from its commercial activities supports the wildlife and conservation efforts as a whole.

The Abu Dhabi government has launched various successful environmental initiatives in the past and constantly strives to incorporate sustainable practices in all its new developments.

Where is the resort located?

The AWPR is located in Al Ain, 150 kilometres to the east of Abu Dhabi and south-east of Dubai, near the border with Oman. Jebel Hafeet, the tallest mountain peak in the UAE, forms a dramatic backdrop for the development.

What is the total land size?

When completed, the resort will cover almost 900 hectares (2000 acres), including the land formerly occupied by the Al Ain Zoo.

When will the project be completed?

The construction is spread over three phases. Phase 1 is currently under way and scheduled to be open to the public in October 2010. Phase 2 will open in October 2012, and phase three in October 2013.

What can I see in the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre?

The Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre will focus on the desert living experience. Fascinating displays and exhibits will provide a historic account of life in the region, the necessary conservation practices for desert wildlife and habitat, as well as sustainability practices through the ages.

Will the ongoing construction works have an impact on the visitors’ experience?

The project site is almost 900 hectares and most of the construction is occurring in a distant area beyond the current zoo site. It has been planned so as not to affect visitors’ experience or the quality of life for our animals.

Will animals be disturbed by the noise of construction equipment?

Protecting the animals’ wellbeing is always our primary concern. When site preparation began, we relocated many animals from the construction site to another area where they would be more comfortable and undisturbed.

To do this, we built a system of "raceways" up to 2 kilometres in length. Once they were opened, we began feeding animals further and further down the raceways until they had moved to the new site without even noticing.

What will happen to the trees within the construction area?

In line with the very highest standards of sustainability, we are making great efforts to preserve the trees that are already on the site. Our Operation “Green Thumb” involves moving more than 500 trees, some taller than 20 metres and over 40 years old, with the help of an expert team flown in from California.

Using techniques developed in the US and applied for the first time in the UAE, each tree is carefully transferred to a tailor made box made of eco-plastic lumber, then lifted and moved to a temporary nursery, before being returned for planting at its final destination.

What are the opening hours of the Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort?

From June to September, we open 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM Saturdays to Thursdays, 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Fridays. From October to May the hours are 09:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily. Last admission is one hour before closing.

How long does it take to see all exhibits?

We recommend that you spare at least four hours to experience the current core zoo. The majority of our guests spend a full day here.

Is there any transportation offered inside the park?

Yes, you can use the Zoo train that stops next to the Australian mixed exhibit. It will take you on a 30 minute non-stop tour through the existing core zoo area.

Am I allowed to bring food and beverages into the park?

Food and beverages can be bought at our Bonfood restaurant within the park, or the kiosk at the entrance.

You are also welcome to bring your own and use the picnic area next to the Education Centre and Australian mixed exhibit. Please remember to clear up before leaving and place your waste in one of the bins.

Please also bear in mind that drinks cans with pull-rings, as well as plastic straws, are prohibited throughout the park. Potentially, they are highly dangerous as they can cause animals and birds to choke.

I am a teacher and would like to visit the park with my students. Are there any special educational programmes? Who do I need to contact?

Our Education Centre offers specially designed educational programmes for students of various ages. You can find out more in the Education section of this website.

How many animals currently live in the Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort?

Currently, we provide a home to more than 4,300 animals, including 2,500 mammals, 1,200 birds and 600 reptiles, representing more than 180 different species. You may be surprised to learn that over 30% of the species we manage here are threatened with extinction in the wild.

Will there be more species on display in future?

Yes, definitely. Our long term plan is to build breeding groups of threatened species. These animals are coming from zoos and breeders all over the world and many of them will be exhibited in the new World Desert and safari areas.

So even the most regular visitor will find new things to see and enjoy.

Has the resort set up any strategic partnerships with other conservation organisations?

Yes, we have set up a number of them, with leading museums, zoos, conservation groups and botanic gardens all over the world. Our key partners include the San Diego Zoo, probably the world’s greatest zoological institution, and Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, a leading conservation botanic garden. We are members of the WAZA, the World Association of Zoos and Aquaria, and BGCI, the world network for botanical gardens and plant conservation.

In the UAE we are also in partnership with the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-UAE) and the University of the United Arab Emirates.

What types of initiatives have you conducted in the past?

We are proud to say we have a long tradition of conservation. Over the years, we have successfully developed important breeding herds of highly endangered species, including the Mohrr gazelle, Spekes’ gazelle, the scimitar-horned oryx, Arabian oryx and addax. Better still, the Arabian oryxes bred at Al Ain have now been reintroduced into the wild in the UAE and Jordan, as part of a project with Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi.

What measures are taken to ensure animal welfare?

In line with nothing but the highest standards of animal collection management, we are upgrading facilities throughout the park and working with our international partners to deliver top quality veterinary care for the animals. The diets and husbandry of the animals are also carefully managed to ensure their health and happiness.

What will happen to the current zoo as the Al Ain Wildlife Park & Park is developed?

We will continue to welcome visitors to the existing zoo area through 2010 and will continue to improve the visitor experience with improved exhibits, services and animal collections. As the early phases of the new resort open, the existing zoo will become more of a "behind the scenes" facility, dedicated to our ongoing conservation work.

What plant species can I see in the Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort?

We are assembling a major collection with many unique and extraordinary plant species. Within the study of botany, desert plants are a truly amazing category. More often than not they have had to develop unique, ingenious strategies for surviving drought and heat. Many are beautiful and many have fed and sustained desert people for millennia.

The plant collections will be displayed alongside the animal collection in a series of natural habitats. For instance the Arabian World Desert, a representation of the mountains of Yemen and Oman, will not only exhibit Arabian leopards, Nubian ibexes and Hamydryas baboons but also frankincense trees and desert aloes.

Is there a central venue location to horticulture?

No, the plant collections will be spread all through the resort. In the safaris and world deserts the planting will be clustered according to geography so, for example, African animals will be seen amid African plants.

The Oasis Gardens will perhaps be the place to see the most concentrated gathering of plants, with spectacular gardens exhibiting cacti and succulents, desert palms and flowering trees.

Behind the scenes, specialist nurseries and research laboratories will support the collections and undertake conservation work with endangered plant species from the UAE and beyond.

What does desert landscaping mean?

We recognise that we are growing plants in a desert land where water is valuable and conditions are tough. Desert landscaping means that we only select plants that will grow well in these conditions and need less water than species from wetter climates. At the same time, our design has been sparing in the use of grass as lawns use huge amounts of water.

What is the link between sustainability and desert landscaping?

Desert landscaping is ecologically friendly; by using native species, you encourage native wildlife into the garden. You also use fewer chemicals, fewer pesticides and, importantly, much less water which is, of course, a scarce resource with a high carbon cost.

If you'd like to discover more on this subject, visit our web page on eco-friendly gardening for the UAE.

How many employees do you plan to recruit in the next few years?

The Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort currently employs 250 people. In the future, we expect to employ as many as 2,500 people, ranging from vets, botanists and scientists to tour guides, hotel staff, ground and animal keepers, security and other specialised professions.

Are there any special employment opportunities for UAE nationals?

Qualified UAE nationals are strongly encouraged to apply to join us. As an Abu Dhabi government agency we strictly follow the requirements of Emiratisation policies.

How do I get to know about vacancies?

All vacancies are posted on this web site.

How do I apply for a position within the AWPR?

Please check the careers section on the website for full information on the application process.

Do you work together with any recruitment agencies?

Yes. Because in some instances we have very specialised requirements, we collaborate with various recruitment agencies in order to search for the best candidates worldwide.

Do I have to come personally to apply?

No. You can use the CV Builder on this website to submit your application.

Do I need to contact any person to follow up my application?

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by our Human Capital department. But if you wish to follow up, you can send an email to recruitment@awpr.ae.