Al Ain Zoo has announced it is preparing to welcome its 10 millionth visitor with a “massive celebration” and the opportunity to enjoy special offers.
The zoo said the occasion would also be a milestone in its efforts to support eco-tourism and raise awareness about conservation, state news agency Wam reported.
In 2021, two newborn giraffes reared at the zoo were rehomed in the safari park near Jebel Hafeet.
Last December, the zoo classified five new species of birds after an annual study that monitored migrating and resident birds.
The zoo opened in 1968 and in 2010 began counting towards its 10 millionth visitor.
It plans to honour one lucky arrival this year, with visitors contributing to the zoo's initiatives and programmes for the protection of wildlife and environmental sustainability, Wam reported.
The 10 millionth person to enter the zoo will be awarded an annual membership free of charge that allows them access to the zoo, its facilities and wild inhabitants for a year.
“We are pleased to receive the 10 millionth visitor who will crown our years of effort and relentless work in providing exceptional experiences and services, through which we aim to support eco-tourism based on the highest cultural and recreational standards,” said Ghanim Al Hajeri, director general of Al Ain Zoo and Aquarium Public Institution.
“We are working closely with our partners to add more in the near future to make our park the region's top family tourist destination.”
Al Hajeri praised all of the zoo's visitors over the years for helping to support projects that aimed to boost sustainability and efforts to protect endangered species.
The 400-hectare zoo is home to more than 4,000 animals, including oryx, giraffes, Barbary sheep, rhinos, tigers and lions.
There are also plenty of activities on site for visitors to enjoy, such as a petting zoo for children and Al Ain Safari, where visitors can encounter the “big five” – lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalo – from an SUV or safari truck.
Teachers' pay - what you need to know
Pay varies significantly depending on the school, its rating and the curriculum. Here's a rough guide as of January 2021:
- top end schools tend to pay Dh16,000-17,000 a month - plus a monthly housing allowance of up to Dh6,000. These tend to be British curriculum schools rated 'outstanding' or 'very good', followed by American schools
- average salary across curriculums and skill levels is about Dh10,000, recruiters say
- it is becoming more common for schools to provide accommodation, sometimes in an apartment block with other teachers, rather than hand teachers a cash housing allowance
- some strong performing schools have cut back on salaries since the pandemic began, sometimes offering Dh16,000 including the housing allowance, which reflects the slump in rental costs, and sheer demand for jobs
- maths and science teachers are most in demand and some schools will pay up to Dh3,000 more than other teachers in recognition of their technical skills
- at the other end of the market, teachers in some Indian schools, where fees are lower and competition among applicants is intense, can be paid as low as Dh3,000 per month
- in Indian schools, it has also become common for teachers to share residential accommodation, living in a block with colleagues
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Hunger and Fury: The Crisis of Democracy in the Balkans
Jasmin Mujanović, Hurst Publishers
Squid Game season two
Director: Hwang Dong-hyuk
Stars: Lee Jung-jae, Wi Ha-joon and Lee Byung-hun
Rating: 4.5/5
Tips for newlyweds to better manage finances
All couples are unique and have to create a financial blueprint that is most suitable for their relationship, says Vijay Valecha, chief investment officer at Century Financial. He offers his top five tips for couples to better manage their finances.
Discuss your assets and debts: When married, it’s important to understand each other’s personal financial situation. It’s necessary to know upfront what each party brings to the table, as debts and assets affect spending habits and joint loan qualifications. Discussing all aspects of their finances as a couple prevents anyone from being blindsided later.
Decide on the financial/saving goals: Spouses should independently list their top goals and share their lists with one another to shape a joint plan. Writing down clear goals will help them determine how much to save each month, how much to put aside for short-term goals, and how they will reach their long-term financial goals.
Set a budget: A budget can keep the couple be mindful of their income and expenses. With a monthly budget, couples will know exactly how much they can spend in a category each month, how much they have to work with and what spending areas need to be evaluated.
Decide who manages what: When it comes to handling finances, it’s a good idea to decide who manages what. For example, one person might take on the day-to-day bills, while the other tackles long-term investments and retirement plans.
Money date nights: Talking about money should be a healthy, ongoing conversation and couples should not wait for something to go wrong. They should set time aside every month to talk about future financial decisions and see the progress they’ve made together towards accomplishing their goals.
