Dubai to Build New World-Class Zoo

The emirate of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) plans to build a new world-class zoo, a top official said.

Hussain Nasser Lootah, director general of Dubai Municipality, said a consultant and an action team have been appointed to come up with the final concept of the project, including selection of site, required area and distribution of animals in line with international standards.

He said the two concepts were submitted. One was for "safari," adopted in developed countries like Singapore and Thailand, while the second was of cages, which is more common.

"We are going to adopt the cages system considering the area constraints in the emirate," he said.

A team of specialists, veterinarians, animal curators and qualified cadres for animal welfare will be appointed at the zoo.

The present zoo in Dubai was established in 1967 by late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, then UAE vice president and prime minister.