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Dubai to get crocodile park

Two years from now, residents of the UAE as well as the 10 million tourists who visit Dubai every year will have access to the Emirates’ first crocodile park.

The park is set to come up in the north-east of Dubai, about 10km from the international airport.

Dubai Municipality on Thursday signed a Dh10 million agreement with White Oryx Investment LLC to set up a crocodile preservation park. Hussain Nassir Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality said: “This ambitious project would be a turning point in the history of Dubai tourism and research projects as the proposed crocodile park would encompass different crocodile species in future stages of the park development enabling tourists and research students to learn the A-Z about the crocodile, a gigantic animal existing for the last 220 million years.”

The park will add to Dubai’s already existing natural reserves such as the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, Mushrif Park and Desert Conservation Reserve in addition to several initiatives to protect animals like turtles, Arabian Oryx, hawks, camels and horses, Lootah said.

Khalifa Abdullah Hareb, Director of Assets Management Department said: ‘The park will strengthen the role of the UAE in the protection of endangered animal species working closely with educational institutions as an alternative and pedagogical tool that encourages the interest of youth in natural sciences,’ Hareb said.

This project will adopt an eco-friendly approach through sustainable use of eco-friendly materials, resources, waste, renewable energy and creating a most suitable environment for the crocodiles for a hassle-free living, interaction and reproduction,’ he added.

Mohamed Oueslati, General Manager of White Oryx said the company hopes to successfully implement the most awaited project in sync with the expectations of the Dubai Government, Civic Body, citizens and residents of Dubai in addition to millions of tourists and research students who are expected to visit the park.

“Visitors can enjoy an exciting tour in total immersion into natural sceneries facing hundreds of crocodiles in natural water. The design of the pathway strongly inspired by the natural environment of the animal will enhance the experience,’ Oueslati said. Visitors to the park will also be able to observe various stages of a crocodile’s life, such as egg laying, hatching, growing and breeding, also the animals in various stages of repose.

“All activities will be held in strict respect of the course of the animal natural life without considering any external or artificial element for added attraction,” he added.

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