AL AIN // A new Dh280 million museum and research centre at Al Ain Zoo has won an award for its contribution to sustainability.
The Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre has been named the UAE’s Social Project of the Year by the Middle East Economic Digest (Meed), which rewards outstanding construction and infrastructure projects across the GCC region.
The centre, near Jebel Hafeet, showcases Abu Dhabi’s natural history through interactive displays and has a specialised library.
It complements the work of Al Ain Zoo in preserving the region’s wildlife and promoting sustainable use of the natural environment.
Ghanim Al Hajeri, the director general of the zoo, said it was an honour to receive the accolade.
“The Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre will not only showcase the history of the UAE, where people have coexisted naturally with wildlife for decades, but it will also pay tribute to the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed,” he said.
“Once complete, the centre will allow visitors to learn more about the conservation practices needed to protect desert wildlife and their habitats, helping to chart a sustainable future for desert living.
“Aligned with its commitment to sustainability, the centre is in the process of applying for Leed Platinum certification, an international rating that assesses the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.”
The building is designed to be as environmentally sustainable as possible, cutting unnecessary water and electricity usage. It was built partially from locally sourced and recycled materials.
It is also an architectural and artistic feat in its own right.
“Unlike the flat desert where one experiences only the horizontal flat planes, the building offers an array of experiences in the vertical axis,” said the centre’s architect, Chalabi Architekten and Partners.
“It spirals up around a central courtyard to a high point which offers a vista to the safari park and the mountain ridge.”
Other UAE projects recognised by Meed were: Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi (best building); the UAE Pavilion (small project); Concourse A at Dubai International Airport (transport project); Gulf Petrochem Project in Fujairah (oil and gas); Ducab HV and EHV Facility in Jebel Ali (best industry project); The Gate District Towers 3, 4, 5 and 7 in Abu Dhabi (leisure and tourism); Siemens Head Office (sustainability); Al Barari Development (water recycling).
Nine projects in the UAE were recognised by Meed – more than in any of the other five countries represented. These were Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait.
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Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
