Al Ain Zoo: A Wildlife Oasis in the Desert

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaba]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wadaea]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [laa]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [aathiraa]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kaifa halik?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bukhayr. wa'ant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتكلم الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatakallam al'iinjlezia?]
• I don't understandلا أفهم
  [laa afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأريد أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [urid an araa alqaemah, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [ana la aakul allahm]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [fi sahtak!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأود أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [awad an adfae, min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [alnajdah!]
• Go away!انصرف!
  [ansarif!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [aitisal bialsurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بالطبيب!
  [aitisal bialtabib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت
  [laqad dalalt]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أود أن أشتري...
  [awad an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتطلع
  [ana faqat attala]
• How much is it?بكم؟
  [bikam?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hatha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك تخفيض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuk takhfith alsaaer?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alsaaeah?]
• It's one o'clockالواحدة
  [alwahidah]
• Half past (10)العاشرة والنصف
  [al'ashirah walnusf]
• Morningالصباح
  [alsabah]
• Afternoonالمساء
  [almasa]
• Eveningالمساء
  [almasa]
• Yesterdayالبارحة
  [albarihah]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyyaum]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [athnain]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arbaah]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsah]
• 6ستة
  [sittah]
• 7سبعة
  [sabah]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamaniyah]
• 9تسعة
  [tisah]
• 10عشرة
  [asharah]

• Where's a/the...?أين هو/هي...؟
  [ayn hu/hyi...?]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma hu alaunwan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك اظهار لي (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuk aezhar li (ealaa alkharyata)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى القادم (الحافلة)؟
  [mata alqadim (alhafilah)?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ....)
  [tazkirah (iilaa ....)]

Al Ain Zoo was established in 1968 by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the United Arab Emirates. His vision was to create a sanctuary for the conservation of wildlife and to provide educational opportunities for the public. The zoo originally focused on animals native to the Arabian Peninsula, such as the Arabian oryx and gazelle.

Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Al Ain Zoo underwent significant expansion and modernization. New habitats were created to house a wider variety of animals from around the world. The zoo also introduced interactive exhibits and educational programs aimed at raising awareness about conservation issues. This period marked a transformation from a regional zoo into an internationally recognized institution.

In 2016, Al Ain Zoo opened the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to environmental education and sustainability. The centre serves as a hub for research and learning, offering interactive exhibits that explore the natural history and cultural heritage of the UAE. It also underscores the zoo's commitment to conservation and education.

Al Ain Zoo has been at the forefront of wildlife conservation, particularly for species native to the Arabian Peninsula. The zoo has successfully bred endangered species like the Arabian oryx and the sand cat. Its conservation programs extend beyond the zoo's boundaries, involving partnerships with international organizations to protect habitats and reintroduce species into the wild.

Al Ain Zoo has always been a vital part of the local community, offering a place where families can learn about wildlife and conservation. The zoo hosts various cultural events and activities that celebrate Emirati heritage, including traditional music and dance performances, educational workshops, and festivals. These initiatives help to foster a deeper connection between the local community and the natural world.

Looking ahead, Al Ain Zoo continues to evolve with plans for further expansion and the introduction of new exhibits. Future developments aim to enhance the visitor experience while maintaining a strong focus on conservation and education. Upcoming projects include the construction of new animal habitats, the expansion of the botanical garden, and the implementation of advanced technologies for animal care and research.

Al Ain Zoo is located in the city of Al Ain, which is part of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. The nearest major airport is Abu Dhabi International Airport, approximately 150 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or rent a car to reach Al Ain Zoo. The journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by road. Alternatively, Dubai International Airport is about 140 kilometers away, and the drive takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Once in Al Ain, you can use taxis or public buses to get around. Taxis are readily available and can be hailed from the street or booked via mobile apps like Uber and Careem. Public buses are also a convenient and cost-effective option, with routes connecting major parts of the city, including the zoo. Renting a car can offer more flexibility for exploring Al Ain and its surrounding attractions.

The official currency in the United Arab Emirates is the UAE Dirham (AED). Credit cards are widely accepted at Al Ain Zoo, including in restaurants and gift shops. ATMs are available within the zoo premises for cash withdrawals. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases or if you plan to visit nearby local markets.

Al Ain is generally considered a safe city for tourists. The zoo itself is well-secured and family-friendly. However, standard safety precautions should be taken. Avoid leaving personal belongings unattended, and be mindful of your surroundings. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists in Al Ain, but it is always wise to stay vigilant.

In case of an emergency, dial 999 for police assistance, 998 for ambulance services, and 997 for fire emergencies. The zoo has first aid stations and trained staff to handle minor injuries. For more serious medical issues, the Al Ain Hospital is located nearby. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies while visiting.

Fashion: Do dress modestly; lightweight, loose-fitting clothing is recommended. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. The UAE is a Muslim country, and modesty is appreciated. Public Transport: Do be respectful and courteous to fellow passengers. Avoid eating or drinking on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. It's customary to greet with 'As-salamu alaykum.' Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies at the zoo's restaurants. Don’t eat, drink, or smoke in public during the holy month of Ramadan during daylight hours.

To experience Al Ain Zoo like a local, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends. Don’t miss the bird show and the giraffe feeding sessions, which are popular with both locals and tourists. Engage with the zoo staff, who are often eager to share information about the animals and conservation efforts.