[2] It has been hailed as a major step forward in the conservation of endangered mountain species in the UAE,[1] and in 2016, it won the Middle East Architect educational project of the year award.

[5] The centre comprises a number of landscape enclosures in which mountain fauna are housed in their natural environment.

[6] Smaller species are housed indoors at the centre, and include snakes, lizards (such as uromastyx) and nocturnal hedgehogs.

[1] Visitors to the centre travel around the outdoor areas in golf buggies, with guides, and observe a number of animals in their natural habitat.

[7] The centre houses several permanent artworks commissioned by the EPPA (Environment and Protected Areas Authority), including six sound installations by Bradley-Weaver, local designer Khalid Mezaina and artist Joris De Raedt.