The Shaikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre was opened yesterday (Monday) at Al Ain Zoo.

The centre will work on unveiling secrets of the desert environment and studying its natural resources and unearthing national treasures and relics related to UAE heritage.

The centre was opened by Shaikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, deputy chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

The centre immortalises the vision of the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan in preserving the environment and achieving sustainable development. The centre is not just an academic and cultural institution but also serves as a tourist attraction. It also highlights the natural, cultural and historical life of the UAE in a detailed, unique and innovative manner.

The centre emphasises Abu Dhabi’s commitment to protecting wildlife, providing a rich database on various species of wildlife in the desert using advanced technologies and educational methods that were set up as the result of cooperation, partnerships and studies with a number of experts around the world.

Shaikh Hazza toured the 217-hectare Al Ain Safari at Al Ain Zoo, and was briefed on its future expansion. “The UAE environment and desert are beautiful, and deserve more studies to discover their hidden treasures and learn more about them,” said Shaikh Hazza.

Shaikh Hazza also inspected development projects that are expected to be completed this year, such as Al Ain Avenue, which will feature different leisure facilities and services that will serve thousands of visitors.