Emirates Park Zoo & Resort
Monthly IT, Digital Transformation & Operations Report
Building a Resilient Foundation for a Digital-First Guest Experience
Executive Summary
During this reporting period, the IT & Digital Transformation team executed a dual-track strategy: stabilizing and securing core operational IT while laying the strategic groundwork for a unified digital ecosystem. Our focus has been on moving from reactive support to proactive, data-driven management and planning transformative guest experiences.
Key Strategic Outcomes Achieved
- Operational Stability: Implemented foundational systems (Asset Management, Ticketing)
- Risk Mitigation: Centralized critical data, credentials, and backup processes
- Strategic Alignment: Successfully aligned digital roadmap with Operations Director
- Cross-Functional Enablement: Engaged with HR, Marketing, Sales, and Operations as strategic partner
IT Department - Foundational Systems Implementation
IT Inventory & Asset Management
✅ Implemented & OperationalTransitioned from ad-hoc tracking to a systematic, centralized IT Asset Management System.
| Category | Status Tracking | Key Action | Impact Metric |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardware (PCs, Printers) |
In Use / Spare / Scrap | Tagged, assigned to user/department, disposal process defined | Goal: Reduce loss by 30% in Q1 |
| Network Equipment | In Use / Under Repair | Mapped to network diagrams for fault isolation | Improved Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) |
| Software Licenses | In Stock / In Use | Centralized repository with renewal dates | Eliminate compliance risk; optimize spend |
| Critical Spares | Spare Parts | Dedicated, logged inventory for switches, APs, etc. | Reduced downtime for critical failures |
Ticketing System Implementation
🔄 Implementation & Training PhaseProfessionalizing IT support with measurable SLAs and proper issue tracking.
Training Progress
4 sessions conducted for 12 key staff
Initial feedback indicates significant reduction in informal requests
System Benefits
- Establish measurable SLAs
- Identify recurring problems
- Data to justify IT investments
- Automated maintenance history
Cross-Departmental Strategic Support
HR Digitization
Digital Exit Portal in development to automate clearance workflows
Partnering with HR Manager Mohamed Kassam on technical recruitment
Formalizing IT asset lifecycle management
Marketing Technology
Azure Migration planning for website and CMS
Implementing Google Tag Manager for data-driven marketing
Collaboration with Melvin Velásquez & Ravand
Sales System Transformation
School Portal business analysis complete
Will allow schools to self-serve with automatic package logic
Integration with Galaxy POS for booking creation
Client Engagement: EasyVet System Optimization
We have initiated collaboration with Dr. Ahmed to optimize the EasyVet system, focusing on:
- Integration with the unified digital ecosystem
- Streamlining appointment and patient management workflows
- Data synchronization with central reporting systems
- Mobile accessibility for veterinary staff
Next Steps: Requirements gathering session scheduled for first week of February 2026.
Digital Transformation Progress
| Project | Status | Progress | Key Milestone | Department |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Screen Ecosystem | Awaiting Budget | 30% | CMS Design Complete | Marketing |
| VIP Experience Enhancement | Blueprint Phase | 40% | Requirements Gathering | Guest Services |
| Visitor Gate Automation | Integration Phase | 70% | Galaxy POS Integration | Operations |
| School Portal Development | Planning | 25% | BA Complete | Sales |
| Unified System (Unifin) | BRD Development | 50% | Stakeholder Interviews | All Departments |
Infrastructure & Location Planning
Emirates Park Zoo Site Map & Digital Hub Locations
Digital screen locations, network infrastructure points, and proposed unified system integration hubs
Network Revamp
"Label First" Initiative: All core network switches being labeled
Cabling & Fiber Audit: 40% complete
Hotel Network: Revamp plan scheduled for next month
Server Relocation & DR
Current server room lacks proper cooling and access control
Plan: Relocate to new climate-controlled room
DR Site: Existing room to become live DR site
Recommendations & Required Decisions
Strategic Imperative: The following decisions are required to maintain project momentum and achieve 2026 digital transformation goals.
| Priority | Item | Description | Decision Required By | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P1 | Unified System (Unifin) BRD | Approve budget and form dedicated project team | Group CEO / CFO | Transformational |
| P1 | Network & Server Revamp | Approve CapEx for cabling, new server room build, and DR hardware | CFO / Operations Director | Foundation |
| P2 | Digital Screen Ecosystem | Release first-phase budget for CMS and 10 pilot screens | Marketing / Operations Director | Guest Experience |
| P2 | School Portal Development | Approve development quote and 3-month timeline | Head of Sales / CFO | Revenue & Efficiency |
Next Month's Focus (February 2026)
Key Objectives
- Finalize and present the comprehensive Unified System BRD
- Commence physical network cabling replacement
- Complete School Portal functional specification
- Conclude Wi-Fi optimization vendor selection
- Run "lessons learned" review on ticketing system
Client Engagement
Dr. Ahmed (EasyVet): Requirements gathering session for system optimization
Operations Team: Deep dive on gate automation analytics
Marketing: Finalize digital screen content strategy