My World: Al Ain

23 April 2013

Al Ain Zoo

This post on Al-Ain Zoo is part of Weekend getaway to Al-Ain.

Founded in 1968 by the late Sheikh Zayed, Al Ain Zoo is a true family destination, providing entertainment and learning experiences in a natural outdoor environment. You can discover the zoo's wildlife and enjoy a great day out packed with fun and adventure, and explore large animal collection of over 4,000 animals.

It has been a center for endangered species conservation, most notably the successful breeding of desert antelopes and gazelles, such as the endangered Arabian oryx.

The first guest you encounter are Flamingos.

Shuttle takes you from the main gate to various stop-off points, providing a comfortable and fast way to get around the zoo.

Zoo Shuttle

Ostrich

Antelope

In bird house are

(Updated: must be Pheasant, not sure though)

Penguin

Souvenir Shop(this picture is downloaded from Zoo website)

This Zoo is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquaria (WAZA), and has set up a number of strategic partnerships with leading zoos, conservation agencies and associations from across the world, including the World Conservation Union and Species Survival Commission, Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, San Diego Zoo, Edinburgh Zoo, the Northern Rangelands Trust of Kenya and the Sahara Conservation Fund.
Linked to Camera Critters, The Bird D'Pot, ABC Wednesday

22 April 2013

Al Ain

Al Ain is a lush green oasis city located approximately 160km east of the capital of the United Arabic Emirates, Abu Dhabi, and 140km South of Dubai. Sitting at the foot of the Hajar mountain range, Al Ain's reputation as the 'Garden City' is due to the 10,000 hectares of green land that comprise its parks and gardens. Translated to mean 'The Spring', Al Ain is the second largest city in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.

After a perfect munch to break the fast at Vasantham, our vehicle picked us from the Kamath corner. As our whole gang had joined this trip we needed a 15 seater Hiace to comfortable accommodate all of us. We started at 9:30 in the morning(from Dubai), with the perfect UAE roads we reached our first destination Hili Fun City by 11.

Hili City is a Theme Park, you can enjoy unlimited access to 31 attractions, ranging from gentle rides for the little ones, to fun family roller-coasters, thrilling rides and an amphitheatre for live shows. Beautifully landscaped and shaded gardens. As it was a day's trip we couldn't spend much time here, had a boat ride and walked through the Horror House.

Next was to Sameer's friend's place, who stayed in a villa(an independent/individual house) which for we from Dubai was indeed a dream... Had dinner and headed to Al-Ain Zoo... Separate post on Al-Ain Zoo...

Driving through Al-Ain Roads

A round about in Al-Ain

From Zoo was the most awaited Jebel Hafeet Mountain. On the way was a water fountain, unfortunately i don't remember the name...

Jebel Hafeet is a mountain on the outskirts of Al Ain. The mountain actually straddles part of the border with Oman. The mountain rises 1249 meters and offers an impressive view over the city. The Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road extends for 11.7 km up the mountain. With 21 corners and three lanes (two climbing and one descending). The road scales the mountain and ends at a parking lot with only a hotel and a palace belonging to the country's rulers. It seems part of the climax of the Bollywood movie Race was shot on this mountain.