Where I Least Expected It: Wildlife Photography in the UAE
As a wildlife photographer, I was genuinely nervous when I decided to move from Lebanon to the United Arab Emirates. Lebanon is known for its stunning forests, lush mountains, and rich green landscapes. During my years there, I accomplished what many thought was impossible — photographing rare and elusive species across birds, mammals, and reptiles. I had a strong network of experts who supported me every step of the way.
Ra's Dibba - Fujairah - United Arab Emirates
So when I told my friends I was moving to the UAE — a country often associated with desert, extreme heat, and dry landscapes — their immediate reaction was, “What are you going to photograph there?”
Al Rams Mangrove - United Arab Emirates
At the time, I was only familiar with a few locations like Al Qudra Lakes and Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. But I couldn’t have been more wrong.
National Dairy Farm - Fujairah - United Arab Emirates
After just a few months, I began to uncover the real natural diversity of the UAE. What many overlook is that the UAE is a Gulf country, blessed with massive shorelines on both the east and west coasts, and two distinct mountain ranges — Jebel Jais and Jebel Hafeet. Each holds its own unique species and habitats.
Jebel Hafeet - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
From photographing flocks along the coast to discovering rare migrants on boat trips, I’ve been amazed by what I’ve found. With numerous hotspots and hidden treasures, every trip adds thousands of new frames to my archive. Every month brings something new.
Jebel Jais - RAK - United Arab Emirates
Moving to the UAE has been the best decision I’ve made for my photography career. It’s a country of surprises — a place where nature thrives, if you take the time to look closely.
