The one-million-square-foot RAK Wildlife Park opened in 2014 as RAK Zoo is undergoing a upgrade of the attraction owing to large influx of animals due to a law making it illegal to keep exotic animals as pets. The new law expected by 2018 is regulating the animals ownership where even keeping dogs requires a licence. The two-year renovation project, which will cost Dh5 million, is being funded by Mr Ali, with support from Sheikha Fatima bint Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

"People are realising now that keeping a lion or tiger in an apartment or even a villa is impossible," said Zara Hovelsas, wild animal welfare director for the Middle East Animal Foundation, who is assisting with the renovations.

Ninety per cent of the animals at the centre are liberated from people's homes or even visiting circuses, which sometimes keep the animals in bad shape. "We rescue the animals to ensure they can continue their lives in an environment that is safe for them," Mr.Ali says.

It may be 2018 before the new law on animal ownership is -fully enacted, in the meantime there will be much to do. "It?s important for the region to raise this awareness about animals and protecting them," said Mr Ali. The law, which was discussed by the Federal national Council of UAE recently bans the private ownership of wild and exotic animals.