Visitor numbers to the Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort (AWPR) increased dramatically during the first five months of 2009. More than 350,000 people visited the park and AWPR projects this number will swell to 800,000 by the end of the year. 

Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort is home to about 4,300 animals, and it is estimated nearly 30% of these are endangered.  AWPR was established in 1968 by the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nayhan and will occupy 900 hectares of land by 2013.  Managing Director of the AWPR said they are extremely pleased with their progress and “The AWPR is an important component in Al Ain’s long term desire to experience economically sustainable growth, and establish itself as an attractive tourism and resort destination, both regionally and internationally.”