Dubai Municipality yesterday (December 12) celebrated the soft opening of its world-class wildlife park, a Dh1-billion ($272 million) development spread over a 1.2 million-sq-m area in Al Warqaa 5 off the Dubai-Hatta Highway.

Dubai Safari is home to the most diverse array of animals in the UAE with over 2,500 animals representing more than 250 species from around the world.

It is set to become a fun-filled living classroom for young minds, as they discover wildlife diversity through an array of immersive and engaging activities that bring them closer to more than 2,500 animals representing more than 250 species, said a statement from Dubai Municipality .

The family-friendly experience celebrates wildlife diversity while inviting visitors of all ages and nationalities to enrich their understanding of a wide variety of animal species native to the Middle East, Africa and Asia, through interactive activities and encounters that inspire a sense of discovery and wonder about the animal kingdom, it stated.

Hussain Nasser Lootah, the director-general of Dubai Municipality for Communications and Community Sector, said: "Dubai Safari is more than just a wildlife park. Our vision for this project is to offer a highly engaging edutainment experience that fosters education on animal welfare, inspires a sense of learning about wildlife diversity and raises awareness on what makes wildlife protection a top priority."

He was speaking during an exclusive first-look media event hosted by Dubai Municipality at Dubai Safari yesterday.

"The full range of activities at Dubai Safari have been designed keeping in mind these overarching goals, to ensure that every guest who walks through our doors, leaves the destination with a deeper appreciation for wildlife and wildlife conservation," he noted.

"As a unique edutainment destination, the safari park will allow visitors to engage their curiosity as they observe wildlife in their natural habitats, interact with animals in a safe and healthy environment, and discover fascinating facts about a wide diversity of species native to the Middle East, Africa and Asia, while developing a deeper understanding of the importance of wildlife conservation and protection efforts, he added.

According to him, a diverse array of family-friendly activities promises to make the park an exciting destination for hands-on learning and endless fun.

"From running around in the open in the Kids Farm, hearing fascinating animal stories from the park’s expert guides, feeding and petting other children-friendly animals, to experiencing an unforgettable journey of wildlife discovery across the Arabian, African, Asian and Safari Villages – Dubai Safari will ensure an unforgettable adventure for visitors of all ages," he added.-TradeArabia News Service