Inspiring Future Generations with Interactive Tours on Sustainability and Culture at Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre

Al Ain, Abu Dhabi : The Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre at Al Ain Zoo welcomes visitors with a range of immersive experiences and educational tours designed to raise awareness about the importance of nature conservation, environmental protection, and ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources. These initiatives are closely aligned with the environmental goals of the United Arab Emirates.

Among the most popular tours at the Centre is the Sustainable Water tour, which takes visitors back in time to explore the ingenuity of their ancestors in developing the falaj irrigation system, a vital source of life during that era. The tour showcases the engineering behind the falaj, its social significance in distributing water among residents, and its role in the prosperity of Al Ain, emphasizing its contributions to long-term sustainability.

The Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre is renowned for its diverse educational tours, which include a general tour of the Centre and its five exhibitions, as well as the On the Path of Zayed tour, which provides an engaging narrative about the life of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (may he rest in peace) and his immense contributions to environmental preservation. For those interested in architecture and sustainability, the Art of Architecture tour explores the Centre’s building design, which is inspired by Abu Dhabi’s natural surroundings. Another unique experience is the Our Traditional Identity tour, which highlights the Emirati heritage shaped by the UAE people’s historical relationship with nature.
The Centre also features the documentary The Vision of the Arabian Desert, a 13-minute film that portrays the resilience of the region’s ancestors in overcoming the harsh conditions of desert life. The visually captivating film is screened multiple times daily on one of Abu Dhabi’s largest cinema screens. The film showcases visual effects that illustrate the biodiversity and various species that have made the desert their home.

The Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre is an important architectural and scientific landmark within Al Ain Zoo. Established to honor the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his lifelong dedication to nature conservation, the Centre has earned a Platinum LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council and a 5-Pearl sustainability rating from the Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities. It houses five interactive exhibitions: the Sheikh Zayed Tribute Hall, Abu Dhabi Desert Through Time, Living Abu Dhabi, People of the Desert, and Vision for the Future.

The Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre is committed to instilling the concept of sustainability in individuals, particularly future generations. Through interactive storytelling, the Centre reinforces the principles of sustainability, environmental preservation, and wildlife conservation. With a focus on continuously upgrading its content to suit various audiences, the Centre ensures the effective communication of environmental information in a manner that resonates with all visitors.