Leading with passion: The CEO’s journey and strategic goals for Emirates Park Zoo

Emirates Park Zoo and Resort has emerged as a beacon for environmental stewardship and sustainability as it spearheads a revolution in animal conservation and entertainment by seamlessly blending education with fun.

The facility has implemented numerous initiatives to promote conservation, community engagement, and sustainable practices.

Here, Dr. Walid Shaaban, Group CEO of Emirates Park Zoo, highlights how the innovative “edutainment” model is redefining the zoo experience, fostering a deeper understanding of animal welfare and inspiring future generations to become environmental champions.

Dr. Shaaban also shares how he has overcome challenges that come with leading an institution such as Emirates Park Zoo. His forward-thinking approach not only secures the facility’s future but also empowers it to make a lasting impact on wildlife conservation and environmental education.

Q. Emirates Park Zoo and Resort has experienced significant growth over the years. What is your long-term vision for the zoo and resort, and how do you see it contributing to the community and global conservation efforts?

We’re excited about our 5-year master plan to keep Emirates Park Zoo dynamic and innovative. Key highlights include the World Butterfly Park, where we’ll showcase the important role of butterflies in ecosystems and a mini safari, the first of its kind in the Middle East.

Similarly, we’ll be the first zoo to offer 360-degree animal exhibits, allowing visitors to experience wildlife from multiple angles in their natural habitats.

Our vision extends beyond attractions; we’re committed to global conservation efforts and education, partnering with wildlife organisations to protect endangered species and raise awareness about biodiversity.

Q. How would you describe your leadership style, and how does it influence the operations and culture at the zoo and resort?

My leadership style is collaborative and transparent. I believe in empowering my team, fostering open communication, and leading by example. This approach helps create a positive, innovative culture where everyone is aligned toward common goals.

At Emirates Park Zoo and Resort, it enables us to deliver exceptional guest experiences, maintain high standards of animal welfare, and stay adaptable in a fast-changing environment. I also prioritise continuous learning and development, ensuring our team is always growing and improving.

Ultimately, my leadership is focused on building a sustainable, world-class destination that benefits both our community and global conservation efforts.

Q. What legacy would you like to leave as the CEO of Emirates Park Zoo and Resort?

As the CEO, my goal is to leave a legacy of sustainable growth, innovation, and meaningful conservation. I want to ensure that the zoo not only remains a world-class destination but also becomes a leader in animal welfare and environmental stewardship.

By fostering a culture of education, collaboration, and respect for nature, I aim to inspire future generations to care about wildlife and contribute to global conservation efforts. Ultimately, I want Emirates Park Zoo to be known for making a real, positive impact on both our local community and the planet.

Q. Tell us the challenges that you have encountered in leading a unique establishment like Emirates Park Zoo and how you have overcome them.

Leading a unique establishment like Emirates Park Zoo comes with its own set of challenges. One key challenge has been balancing animal welfare needs with the growing expectations of our visitors. Ensuring the highest standards of care while providing engaging, educational experiences requires constant innovation and a deep understanding of animal behaviour and guest engagement.

Another challenge has been managing growth and expansion in a way that maintains the authenticity of our mission. As we’ve expanded, from new exhibits to greater conservation efforts, it’s been essential to ensure that each step aligns with our core values of excellence, caring, innovation, learning, sustainability and conservation.

To overcome these challenges, I’ve focused on building a robust and adaptable team and fostering a culture of continuous learning. We collaborate closely with experts in conservation and animal care, and we remain committed to constant improvement. Communication and clear goals have been vital to navigating these challenges, ensuring that we stay aligned with our long-term vision while adapting to changing needs.

Q. How do you strive to create a unique and memorable visitor experience at Emirates Park Zoo and Resort?

Creating a unique and memorable visitor experience at Emirates Park Zoo is at the heart of everything we do. We focus on delivering immersive, minds-on experiences to educate while entertaining.

We’re constantly introducing new concepts that allow visitors to connect with nature in meaningful ways. As a brand, we always place a strong emphasis on personalised guest services, ensuring that each visitor feels valued and engaged throughout their visit. Our team is dedicated to providing an exceptional experience from start to finish, whether through interactive tours, conservation-focused programs, or simply creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Q. How did your passion for wildlife and conservation begin, and what led you to Emirates Park Zoo and Resort?

My passion for wildlife and conservation began at a young age. Growing up next to a zoo, I had the opportunity to visit it often, fuelling my curiosity and helping me develop a deep appreciation for nature and the incredible biodiversity that exists in the world.

My understanding of ecosystems deepened further when I studied veterinary medicine and worked as a zoo veterinarian early in my career. During this time, I realised I wanted to contribute to the protection and preservation of nature.

This passion led me to pursue a career that combines my love for wildlife with my professional skills in leadership and management. Joining Emirates Park Zoo was a natural step for me, given its strong commitment to conservation, education, and sustainability.

It was an exciting challenge to lead an organisation that cares for animals, educates the public, and contributes to global wildlife protection. Here, I can align my values with my expertise in business management and animal care to create a lasting impact, both locally and globally.

Q. What role do you see Emirates Park Zoo playing in promoting environmental awareness and education in the community?

Emirates Park Zoo plays a key role in promoting environmental awareness by offering comprehensive interactive exhibits and educational programs that fit everyone, and everyone can find a program or activity to enrol in regardless of age, language, background or even interest.

We highlight the importance of conservation and make it a practical approach. We work closely with schools and community groups to foster sustainability and inspire action. Our goal is to empower visitors to become stewards of the environment, helping protect wildlife and ecosystems for future generations.

Q. How does Emirates Park Zoo integrate sustainability and conservation into its growth strategy?

We embarrass sustainability as a strategy with an action plan of short-term and long-term plans in which we prioritise eco-friendly infrastructure, energy efficiency, and sustainable practices in all areas.

Our conservation efforts include endangered species breeding programs and educational initiatives that raise awareness about biodiversity. As we expand, we’re committed to minimising environmental impact while supporting global conservation efforts and providing an educational experience for our visitors.

Q. How do you see technology playing a role in the future development of Emirates Park Zoo?

We are at the age of tech only and that will change everything we do today drastically to something much better and even faster. Technology will play a pivotal role in the future development of Emirates Park Zoo. We’re exploring innovative ways to enhance visitor experiences, such as we are planning for interactive exhibits that bring wildlife education to life.

Furthermore, implementing AI in animal care and management is crucial. Smart technology will help us improve animal care through data-driven insights on health and behaviour while enhancing our conservation efforts with more efficient monitoring of species. As we grow, technology will be key in creating more immersive educational experiences and improving sustainability across the facility.

Read: From vision to reality: The transformational journey of Emirates Park Zoo and Resort