The project will include a zoo and safari park that will recreate many of the world's largest deserts over an area of 9 square kilometres.

Desert environments from the Arabian peninsula, Africa, Asia, Australia and America will all be recreated. Each will exhibit the wildlife and plants that are indigenous to these areas.

The development will include a luxury resort, a family hotel and retail outlets. Six residential clusters will be built in the safari areas as well as desert campsites linked to the resort hotel.

Al-Ain Wildlife Park and Resort will be developed in three phases. Phase one is due for completion by the end of 2010 and will include the zoo, the Arabian and African safaris, the luxury resort, retail outlets, a residential community, and luxury camps.

Phase two will include the Asian safari and residential clusters. The core zoo will be completed by the end of 2011. The entire development is scheduled to be completed by 2013.

San Diego Zoo is a strategic partner in the project.