A wildlife reserve in the UAE has been commended at a recent tourism awards ceremony.
The creation of the United Arab Emirates’ first-ever protective area has seen Emirates Hotels & Resorts recognised at the Tourism For Tomorrow Awards.
Organised by the World Travel Tourism Council the prizes are presented for sustainable tourism initiatives.
The Daily Telegraph reported that the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve saw the hospitality group recognised in the conservation category.
It was one of four winners at the event – prizes were also given to the Botswana Tourism Board, Whale Watch Kaikoura in New Zealand and international hotel chain Accor.
Those who have booked flights to Dubai can spot creatures such as the endangered Arabian oryx and over 33 mammal and reptile species on a visit to the facility.
Although the creatures were on the brink of extinction 50 years ago, a breeding programme at the reserve is working to reintroduce the animals – which are indigenous to the UAE – back into the wild.
Written by Ruth Nor
