Countries from the Middle East and North Africa set up a regional body in charge of all zoos and aquariums yesterday.
Delegates from the UAE, Qatar, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain established the Arabian Zoo and Aquarium Association at a meeting in Al Ain.
The body will protect wildlife and conserve species in danger of extinction.
"This is a great step forward for the zoo and aquarium community of the region," said Salma Sulaimani, director of public affairs at Rabat Zoo in Morocco.