Al Ain Zoo has announced it is preparing to welcome its 10 millionth visitor with a “massive celebration” and the opportunity to enjoy special offers.
The zoo said the occasion would also be a milestone in its efforts to support eco-tourism and raise awareness about conservation, state news agency Wam reported.
In 2021, two newborn giraffes reared at the zoo were rehomed in the safari park near Jebel Hafeet.
Last December, the zoo classified five new species of birds after an annual study that monitored migrating and resident birds.
The zoo opened in 1968 and in 2010 began counting towards its 10 millionth visitor.
It plans to honour one lucky arrival this year, with visitors contributing to the zoo's initiatives and programmes for the protection of wildlife and environmental sustainability, Wam reported.
The 10 millionth person to enter the zoo will be awarded an annual membership free of charge that allows them access to the zoo, its facilities and wild inhabitants for a year.
“We are pleased to receive the 10 millionth visitor who will crown our years of effort and relentless work in providing exceptional experiences and services, through which we aim to support eco-tourism based on the highest cultural and recreational standards,” said Ghanim Al Hajeri, director general of Al Ain Zoo and Aquarium Public Institution.
“We are working closely with our partners to add more in the near future to make our park the region's top family tourist destination.”
Al Hajeri praised all of the zoo's visitors over the years for helping to support projects that aimed to boost sustainability and efforts to protect endangered species.
The 400-hectare zoo is home to more than 4,000 animals, including oryx, giraffes, Barbary sheep, rhinos, tigers and lions.
There are also plenty of activities on site for visitors to enjoy, such as a petting zoo for children and Al Ain Safari, where visitors can encounter the “big five” – lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalo – from an SUV or safari truck.
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ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.
The tours
A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages.
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
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Maratha Arabians 138-2
C Lynn 91*, A Lyth 20, B Laughlin 1-15
Team Abu Dhabi 114-3
L Wright 40*, L Malinga 0-13, M McClenaghan 1-17
Maratha Arabians won by 24 runs
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“The only thing we need is to know that we have faith. Faith and hope in our own dreams. The belief that, when we keep going we’re going to find our way. That’s all we got.”
“Sometimes we try so hard to keep things inside. We try so hard to pretend it’s not really bothering us. In some ways, that hurts us more. You don’t realise how dishonest you are with yourself sometimes, but I realised that if I spoke it, I could let it go.”
“One good thing is to know you’re not the only one going through it. You’re not the only one trying to find your way, trying to find yourself, trying to find amazing energy, trying to find a light. Show all of yourself. Show every nuance. All of your magic. All of your colours. Be true to that. You can be unafraid.”
“It’s time to stop holding back. It’s time to do it on your terms. It’s time to shine in the most unbelievable way. It’s time to let go of negativity and find your tribe, find those people that lift you up, because everybody else is just in your way.”
