TIME: Refreshments from 7pm, lecture from 7.30pm VENUE: Salon 1, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi LECTURE TITLE:  Hidden Treasures of the UAE by Ajmal Hasan LECTURE SUMMARY: Contrary to popular belief, the deserts and mountains of the UAE are not as barren as one may envision them to be. There is a plethora of life (animals and plants) with unique adaptations to deal with the intense heat that thrive here. In this presentation, I hope to showcase some of these plant and animal species from my personal photo collection via this presentation. I do not claim to be an expert in Natural History, neither am I a photographer. I am just one of you, albeit with a very strong passion for nature. My goal is to spread nature/environment awareness and to promote being outdoors, which is really the need of the hour in this age of electronic media. ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Ajmal currently heads the Education Department at a recently opened, state-of-the-art archaeological and ecotourism facility in Sharjah. He also is the Chief Engineer and an active member of the Dubai Natural History Group since 2009. An avid trekker and naturalist, Ajmal can be found scouring the deserts, wadis and mountains of the UAE whenever he finds free time. He originally hails from Bangalore, South India. With over 350 solo treks in the deserts and wadis of the UAE since 2008, he has collected an impressive array of photographic documentation of species, both flora and fauna, from different regions of the UAE. Some of these include interesting and rare finds. Ajmal is very active on Social Media (Facebook & Instagram) promoting nature / species conservation through his images. In this presentation, he will showcase some of his interesting nature finds and his passion turned obsession of being out in nature.

Dear ENHG- AD members & fans,  In lieu of our usual lecture on April 4th, we would like to invite all of you to attend the wonderful 'Art of Nature' Exhibit at Umm Al Emarat (aka Mushrif) Park. The exhibit is part of the 2017 Abu Dhabi Festival , and is a collaboration between the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF) and the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi. The works presented at the exhibit were all inspired by Abu Dhabi's natural environment. The exhibit is free and open to the public ( 12 to 8 pm on weekdays, 10am to10 pm on weekends - until April 23rd). Entry to the park costs 5 Dhs.  The gallery is located near the main entrance of the park, after you pruchase your tickets just turn left and walk towards the Oryx sculpture!  More details can be found online at http://www.abudhabifestival.ae/programme/art-environment-the-abu-dhabi-festival-exhibition/Date 23rd March – 23rd April ENHG-AD will resume our usual lecture program on April 11th, stay tuned for more details on this through email and on Facebook.  Further info on the Art of Nature Exhibit: Venue Umm Al Emarat Park, Abu Dhabi With the support of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region. Hosted in the verdant setting of Umm Al Emarat Park, this exhibition marks the 20th anniversary of the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi and celebrates the Emirate’s natural abundance. Featuring new commissions and loaned artworks by UAE-based practitioners, encounter diverse environments and reflect on the exceptional species and habitats unique to the UAE. The exhibition will be accompanied by a broad educational programme, allowing aspiring artists of all ages to engage with the nation’s flora, fauna and landscapes.

DNHG Field Trip to Uttarakhand, India, 24th to 30th March 2017   Puneet Verma is organizing a field trip (mainly a birdwatching and trekking in Himalayas to experience the rich flora and fauna) to Uttarakhand, India, during the last week of March 2017. The trip will be led by an expert biologist, Sunal Kumar Roamin, an ex-researcher from the Wildlife Institute of India.   Below is a brief itinerary for this 7 days /6 nights trip -  tentative dates between (24th March - 30th March 2017).   Friday, 24th March 2017 - Day 1: Fly to Dehradun and get together at Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. Flight options: ideally land at Dehradun Airport latest by 13:10 hours on 24th March 2017. Assemble at airport arrival section for an onwards journey by road to Riverside Resorts, Village Maletha, Kirtinagar, Uttarakhand. Saturday, 25th March 2017 - Day 2: Early morning 6:00 hours start of a road trip to Village Saari (94 kms distance) around 3 hours and 30 mins. Reaching latest by 9:30 AM. A 3KM uphill trek from village Saari to an altitude of 2,438 meters. See flora and fauna en route of this beautiful trek. Reach Deoria Taal latest by afternoon. Lunch at Deoria Taal. Pitch your tents, explore the surroundings at the lake and enjoy the scenic beauty of 300° panorama, heavily wooded, lush green surroundings, heavenly view of Chaukhamba, Nilkantha, Bandarpunch, Kedar Range, Kalanag. Sunday, 26th March 2017 - Day 3: Deoria Taal to Chopta - Begin the day with breakfast and a walk on a ridge as well as a series of ascending trails. You will even come across mixed forests of oaks, pines and Rhododendrons. Arrive at the campsite/Forest Rest House in Chopta by afternoon and spend the rest of the day bird watching, unearthing the natural treasures of the place which are enhanced by snow-capped mountainous landscapes. By nightfall, put up your camps here and retire for the night after a hearty dinner. Monday, 27th March 2017 - Day 4: Trek from Chopta – Tungnath (3680m) – Chandrashila Peak 4000m. Start off the day by ascending to the slopes to reach Tungnath temple. The several hued pastures here along with the beautiful mountains and valleys serving as the backdrop make for a remarkable sight. Post stacking up on refreshments, resume your trek uphill towards the Chandrashila Peak at 4000m. From the peak, get enchanted by the peaks of Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba. Trek down to the base camp at Chopta /FRH and the drive up to the lodge where a hot dinner awaits you. Retire here for the night.  Tuesday, 28th March 2017 - Day 5: Start early morning at 6AM for drive from Chopta to Dehradun (a distance of 180 kms, 7-8 hours drive) reach Walterre Resort by afternoon 2 PM. Evening birding at Lachhapani/Robber’s cave Wednesday, 29th March 2017 - Day 6: Birding in and around Dehradun area. Forest Research Institute, Dehradun and Asan Barrage. Thursday, 30th March 2017 – Day 7: Return flights to Dubai (flights available from morning 7:40 onwards) Limit 12 people. Accommodation will be in unpretentious resorts/Forest Rest Houses/Campsite. Estimated basic cost: AED 2,200 which includes: · Road transportation, all driver charges, fuel, parking fees and tolls and taxes, · Accommodation and meals, · Camping equipment, first aid kit and medicine kit · Forest entry permit fee and camping fee, entrance fees, camera fees, etc This cost excludes airfare and Indian Visa. Estimated Return trip airfare from Dubai via (DEL/BOM): starting from AED 1,600 per person economy. There are various airline options available to fly to Dehradun. (Jet Airways, Indigo Airlines, Spicejet, Eithad Airways). For further details on obtaining Indian Visa, please visit the website: http://www.blsindiavisa-uae.com/visa/cgi-tourist-visa.php   Please also see link of pictures which Puneet took during his trip in 2015:  https://goo.gl/photos/RLoJEATDfWUiXgzt5   Those interested in going on the trip should contact Puneet Verma at puneetcps@gmail.com

Global dugong and seagrass conservation efforts: from grassroots to governments Event given by:  A panel of international and UAE dugong and seagrass experts and conservation practitioners. Date: Tuesday 14th March 2017 TIME: 07:00 PM – 08:30 PM VENUE:  Onyx Ballroom 3, Dusit Thani Hotel, Abu Dhabi About the Event: Join us for a panel discussion to get an intriguing glimpse on the conservation measures being undertaken on a global level to protect dugongs and seagrass. Dugongs are fascinating marine mammals and play a significant ecological role by converting marine plants into nutrients. Seagrasses are important to the marine ecosystem as they provide a number of important ecosystem services including securing the dietary needs of coastal communities. Recognizing their importance, the Convention on Migratory Species’ (CMS) Dugong MOU promotes coordinated conservation efforts for dugongs and their seagrass habitats as dugongs are the world’s only vegetarian marine mammal dependent on seagrasses for food.  The Arabian Gulf and the Red sea host the world's second largest population of dugongs outside Australia. In the UAE, dugongs are primarily found in Abu Dhabi, making Abu Dhabi a significant location for dugong conservation. The UAE is a host to CMS Office- Abu Dhabi and the Secretariat of the Dugong MOU that runs series of programmes to safeguard dugongs from extinction. ENHG along with the Dugong MOU Secretariat will host panelists and experts discussing the global importance of seagrass and why they should be on the conservation agenda.

TIME: Refreshments from 7pm, lecture from 7.30pm VENUE: Salon 1, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi LECTURE TITLE:  Catastrophes, crashes and crimes in the UAE by Dr Athol Yates LECTURE SUMMARY: Like any country, the United Arab Emirates has had its share of criminals, accidents, natural disasters and downright weird incidents. Most of these events merit a few pages in the newspapers before disappearing from history. This new book brings tragic, strange and illuminating stories from the 1970s back to life in a compilation of 168 of the best, drawn from past UAE newspapers – UAE News, Emirates News, Abu Dhabi News and the Gulf Weekly Mirror. The common theme of these articles is their impact on the safety, security and stability of the UAE, and they cover a vast range of topics from smuggling deaths to murders, from assassinations to plane hijackings, and from mermaid hoaxes to UFO sightings. Together, they not only provide a fascinating glimpse into the past, but many of them also still resonate today. The editor, Dr Athol Yates, will talk about why the book was written, and some of the strange, sad and downright weird stories in it. Information at: https://medinapublishing.com/product/catastrophes-crashes-and-crimes-in-the-uae/   The book was developed with the assistance of staff and students from Khalifa University and is available from Magrudy bookstores and University Bookshop in Abu Dhabi. ABOUT THE SPEAKER:  Dr Athol Yates teaches at the Institute for International and Civil Security, Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi, which offers a Masters Degree for Emirati security professionals. He teaches civil security, covering professional security practice, internal security and disaster management. His current research is on the security services of the UAE and former Trucial States.

Inter-Emirates Weekend February 23-25, 2017 Venue:  Ayla Hotel, Al Ain please use the code “ENHG IEW” when booking at this hotel Below you will find a link with current information about the IEW weekend. Please note that whilst this is 'almost' in its final form, there may be a few updates from time to time between now and the IEW weekend. Therefore, please visit the link frequently to remain up to date.  IEW 2017 Program All information needed is in the pages of the link provided. However, here a few specific points we would like to draw to your attention to: Hotel: There are still rooms available. The IEW discount may not longer apply, but you could try. The code was 'IEW2017' Trips: Most trips include a hyperlink where you can register for trips, and restricted trips are by SMS sign-up only. Good news, we have confirmed Jimi Oasis as a trip on Saturday afternoon. As it is the last trip of the event, please scroll to the end of the 'guided trip descriptions' document and sign up if you wish to join. Trips: Final online sign-up is this Tuesday (21st) by 6 pm. Any further trip sign-ups can be done at the ENHG registration desk at the Ayla Hotel on Thursday, Friday and Saturday morning (information about the ENHG registration desk will follow later in the week). Dinner: As we need to communicate dinner participant numbers to the hotel so they can prep for us, we will take final dinner reservations up until this Tuesday (21st) at 6 pm. This is an online RSVP only; please follow instructions in the 'Program Link' below. We will not be able to add anyone after the deadline. Please kindly note that payment will be in cash only at the ENHG registration desk on arrival (AED120 per person). Please help us by bringing the exact change. Lunch Boxes: as it states in our program document, remember to reserve 48 hours in advance. Update: If you have paid for a room with breakfast, and you order a lunch box you will be charged, however  if you have paid for a room with breakfast and order a BREAKFAST box you will not be charged extra. Abu Dhabi Tour February 25th - this is a cycling race that 'may' impact meeting places/trips on the Saturday (25th) due to road closures. We will announce changes/updates during the IEW dinner Car pool: If you need a ride or have space in your car, check out the carpool page http://www.groupcarpool.com/t/p0oaq3 Looking forward to your visit to Al Ain!   TEAM IEW 2017  

TIME: Refreshments from 7:00pm, lecture from 7.30pm VENUE:  Alyazya 1, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi ABOUT THE LECTURE: The talk will provide an introduction to the natural history of this amazing natural laboratory, highlighting a few of  the many sensational wildlife spectacles on offer and take a closer a look at topics such as adaptive radiation and speciation for which, of course, the islands are particularly celebrated.  ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Oscar Campbell, originally a chemistry teacher at the British School Al Khubairat, is the chairman of the Emirates Bird Records Committee. He has carried out original research and published extensively in local, as well as international scientific publications, recording and counting populations of important resident and migratory birds around the UAE. He plans to continue researching and recording rare and endangered bird species such as the Socotra cormorant, of which Abu Dhabi hosts 35 percent of the world’s population. His diligent work in the research of birds has awarded him Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak prize for Natural History in June 2013. 

TIME: Refreshments from 7pm, lecture from 7.30pm VENUE: Salon 1, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi LECTURE TITLE:  Wildlife in Oman by Dr Jens Eriksen LECTURE SUMMARY: Oman is blessed with a wealth of wildlife species. At the latest count, 83 species of mammals, 527 species of birds, 105 species of reptiles, 79 species of butterflies and 44 species of dragonflies have been recorded in addition to an unknown number of other insects. The lecture will highlight a number of spectacular species from all parts of Oman such as a day of 600 eagles of eight different species at Raysut and unique Humpback Whales seen from the shore along the southeast coast. ABOUT THE SPEAKER:  Having lived for 25 years in Oman (plus five years in Abu Dhabi) Jens and his wife Hanne have travelled the length and breadth of Oman in search of wildlife. In this talk they will share their experience from their many trips. Their latest book, Wildlife in Oman, a guide for young people, was published three months ago and aims to highlight the great biodiversity of Oman. Though it is intended for children, everybody from age 3 to 103 will learn from this book, which will be available at the talk.  

EVENT UPDATE! Good Evening Everyone! We have the below listed going to Al Qudra (Saih Al Salam Desert Reserve) on the planned date. Desmond (Resource Person)(Car 1) Sarah Allen + 1 Amogh Chitrao + 1 Mohammed Angawi Liz Sowinska (Car 2) Meg Clarke + Tim Richards Lesley Ashcroft (Car 1) Tania Horniakova + 1 TOTAL 12 participants We will drive in 4 cars/ SUV's to accommodate 12 pax. I have a SUV and can accommodate 3-4 pax. but I am not returning to Abu Dhabi after the event. Against the names I have mentioned the Car numbers where the  participants can hitch a ride. We will ride not more than 4 cars for this event. On return will be 3 cars coming back to Abu Dhabi. Please advice who can accommodate other participants in their cars. We will all meetup @ 0445 in front of Al Wahda and then hit the road. Our first designated Stop will be @ the Cycling Track at (24.8507857,55.3429607). Once we all have arrived we will then take off to the actual lake where we commence our trek. THE BEST WAY TO GET TO THE 1ST WAY POINT IS FROM SHK ZAYED RD YOU HEAD RIGHT AT THE MALL OF EMIRATES. THE ROAD THEN TAKES YOU STRAIGHT TO OUR 1ST WAY POINT. GPS/NAVIGATION WILL GIVE YOU DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS BASED ON THE EARLIEST ROUTE. Please get your bird guides, reference books, scopes, binoculars and most importantly water as we will be walking this 2 ~ kms trek. This event is only for valid members of ENHG, People who have not renewed their membership fees may do so at site. I will be carrying the subscription forms along with me. Individual Member ship is AED 100.00 for the year and AED 150.00 for the family. Most importantly let us go and enjoy our feathered friends without borders, them who travel miles from distant lands.   Desmond Lobo - 0566501620   Calling all Birders ! Our field trip coordinator Mr. Desmond Lobo is organising a trip to Al Qudra Lakes on the 03-Feb-2017 to conducts a seabirds (waders) survey which can be submitted to the global non profit organisation Wetlands International (wetlands.org). Wetlands International conduct this census every year in the month of January.  Participants need to be at the meeting point location (24°51'00.7"N 55°20'38.9"E)  by 0630 hrs. Please specify if you have your own car or if you would like to carpool with someone. The trip will take around 3-4 hours. People are encouraged to carry reference/bird guides (which are available for sale at our bookstall before and after our lectures, or at bookstores in UAE).  Some suggestions for bird guides include:  Birds of the United Arab Emirates. by Simon Aspinall, Richard Porter (Helm Field Guides) Birds of the Middle East: Second Edition (Princeton Field Guides) Individual preparation for the trip: Full sleeves and long trousers to keep the bugs away, though there are not many there. Dull color clothes so we do not become the center of attraction for the feathered friends and spook them away. Binoculars with 8x42 advisable and/or cameras. Sufficient water and few bars to much on. Strictly no plastics. Wrappers should be brought back or discarded in bins. There is a restaurant at the above mentioned co-ordinates should you wish to have lunch on site.  This trip is limited to 14-16 people and is for paid-up ENHG-AD Members. You can renew or sign up for your 2016-2017 membership at any of our lectures or at the beginning of the field trip. To sign up for the trip, please send an email to Desmond directly : lobodesmond@yahoo.co.uk  or DesmondL@etihad.ae. Once you sign up, Desmond will send you a datasheet to printout and bring with you.               

TIME: Refreshments from 7pm, lecture from 7.30pm VENUE: Salon 1, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi  LECTURE TITLE:  A guide to Lebanon's natural history and its conservation. LECTURE SUMMARY: Lebanon, well known as a cross roads of cultures is also host to a fascinating diversity of plants and animals; forest mammals from Europe, desert birds from Arabia and plants from the Irano- Turanian Steppe can all be found in close proximity. Spectacular flocks of migrating eagles, storks and other soaring birds fly over snow capped peaks  and turtles nest on the southern sandy beaches. As well as exploring this rich biodiversity the talk will look at conservation efforts working against rampant development, illegal hunting and pollution seeking to preserve  refuges for wildlife by the creation of nature reserves and public awareness campaigns.   ABOUT THE SPEAKER:  Chris has been Executive Director of A Rocha since April 2010. He joined A Rocha in 1997 working, until 2009, as Lebanon Director where he cofounded the work. He oversaw the habitat restoration programme at the Aammiq marsh, the development of the environmental education project and the field research programme; identifying 11 new Important Bird Areas nationally. Prior to joining A Rocha, Chris had a wide experience of science teaching and schools’ management in the UK and the Middle East, attending Bible College and learning Arabic (in Jordan) along the way. He holds a Master’s degree from Cambridge University and a PGCE from Nottingham. He was born in 1961 and is married with three children. Chris’s book, Postcards from the Middle East: How our family fell in love with the Arab world was published by Lion Hudson in March 2015.

Dear All,   The Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi has kindly offered to host the ENHG at the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, which has recently been opened to the public. This visit will be on the 21st Jan from 3pm until sunset (outside the normal opening times) and will offer an excellent opportunity to learn more about the reserve in addition to seeing the flamingos plus other migrating birds that are wintering or en-route through Abu Dhabi. Further details about the reserve can be found below. The visit will be led by Oscar Campbell This trip is open to a maximum of only 15 participants, so if you are interested in attending, please email me (Yves Queromain ) immediately to get your name on the list (Please make sure to include the names of all people in your group, a contact telephone number and contact email address if different from the one used).   Meeting time is 1500 at the reserve car park. (see attached Instructions) Bring a hat / sleeves, as there is no shade on the walk and a (small) chance of bugs at dusk. Also bring water in a bottle suitable to carry; we will walk about 2-3km in all. Also, please, please bring binoculars - you will get far more out of the visit if you have your own. We will be back at the car at about dusk, or just afterwards (c1830 approx).   This trip is open only to paid-up members of the ENHG, and all participants go at their own risk.   Please also note that the reserve is open every Thursday and Saturday from 8am to 2pm – further details can be obtained from the EAD website:- http://www.ead.ae/al-wathba-wetland-2/ The website also has links to Species fact sheets, Trail Map and Field Guide. The attached map to this email provides more detailed directions of how to get there.  

This talk will discuss small and large mammals assessment and monitoring using trail camera traps in terrestrial protected areas of Abu Dhabi Emirate. Camera trapping technology is helping to carry out assessment of nocturnal and crepuscular species of animals in different habitats in the wild. These monitoring efforts have led to the 'rediscovery' of the Arabian Sand cat after a gap of 10 years in Abu Dhabi's Western region. Population monitoring of the critically endangered Arabian Tahr on Jabel Hafeet will also be highlighted in the presentation.  About the Speaker: Shakeel Ahmed has worked for the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi in Terrestrial & Marine Biodiversity Sector over the last 10 years. He is a trained biologist who holds an MPhil in Zoology and has worked on a range of research projects for government and non-government organizations.As Assistant Scientist in the Environment Agency, his role is designing and conducting projects on the assessment and monitoring of specific high priority species (endemic and threatened species, flagship species) and their habitats. Shakeel is key member of the EAD terrestrial species monitoring team and oversees camera-trapping studies in the field.

Time: 7:00pm – 8:00pm Location: The Beach House Lawn, Park Hyatt, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. (Enter through the hotel lobby)  This is an outdoor venue, so please wrap up warm. About the Film: This fascinating Sheikh Zayed documentary called ‘Farewell Arabia’ (1967) follows the beloved Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates, in Abu Dhabi in the late 60s. The 52-minute long documentary is gripping from the very first frames – when Zayed appears out of nowhere cruising over a sand dune in his limo singing to himself. Abu Dhabi is almost unrecognisable and referred to as “A little kingdom in Arabia, called Abu Dhabi” by the English voiceover. This NET Journal film contains historic footage of life in Abu Dhabi in the 1960s and covers societal issues and changes surrounding petroleum discovery in Abu Dhabi in the modern day United Arab Emirates, the new found wealth the oil industry has brought to those countries, and how Abu Dhabi's ruler Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan dealt with the situation.

DNHG Trip to Northern Vietnam   Trip Leader –  Binish Roobas   Dates – December 16- 23, 2016 (8 days, 7 nights)   Price* (13-15 pax):  AED 2600 per person twin sharing   Vietnam is located on the east of the Indochina Peninsula. It covers a total area of approximately 331,210 km2 (127,881 sq mi), making it almost the size of Germany. The country is mostly hilly and densely forested, with level land covering no more than 20%. Mountains account for 40% of the country's land area, and tropical forests cover around 42%. The northern part of the country consists mostly of highlands and the Red River Delta. Phan Xi Pãng, located in Lào Cai Province, is the highest mountain in Vietnam, standing 3,143 m (10,312 ft) high.   The rich diversity of Vietnam’s wildlife includes at least 11,400 species of vascular plants, 1030 species of moss, 310 species of mammals, 296 reptile species, 162 amphibian species, 700 species of freshwater fish and 2000 species of marine fish. There are about 889 species of birds and 310 species of land mollusks. However, a study by the WWF has reported that nearly 10% of the wildlife in the country is threatened with extinction. Vietnam is placed 16th highest among 152 countries studied in terms of the proportion of its wildlife species found to be in danger.   Day 1 (Dec 16, Friday): Arrival at Hanoi: Arrive in Hanoi. Meet our guide & driver, then transfer to our hotel. Overnight in Hanoi.   Day 2 (Dec 17, Saturday): Hanoi City Tour and Shopping: The day is dedicated to an in depth discovery of Hanoi beginning with a visit to Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum (shorts and tank tops are not allowed). Next, visit the Temple of Literature, a structure dedicated to Confucius. Constructed in 1070, the compound soon became the first Vietnamese university. Then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.   The afternoon’s touring will provide the opportunity to see Hanoi’s famed Old Quarter from the seats of cyclos, and the Temple of Jade at the centre of atmospheric Hoan Kiem lake. We will have about 2 hours on your own for shopping in Hoan Kiem Area. Our last activity will be a performance of a traditional show at Hanoi’s Water Puppet theatre. Overnight in Hanoi.   Day 3 (Dec 18, Sunday): Hanoi – Van Long – Cuc Phuong National Park- Depart Hanoi for Ninh Binh province, enjoying the drive through the luxurious vegetation of the Red River Delta. On the way, spend one hour visiting the Dinh and Le temples of the Ancient Capital Hoa Lu, dedicated to King Dinh and King Le. Lunch at local restaurant in Tam Coc.   Continue to the beautiful wetland of Van Long, rich in diverse flora and fauna. Upon arrival, we will board a bamboo rowboat for a 2 hours rowing tour. Then transfer to Cuc Phuong National Park. Dinner and overnight in Cuc Phuong National Park.   Day 4 (Dec 19, Monday): Cuc Phuong National Park: After breakfast, we first visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, then start a long trek through the forest to learn about the diverse flora and fauna of the park. We will make stops at Cho Chi, the oldest tree in the forest, a number of picturesque streams and waterfalls, and Nguoi Xua, the ancient cave of man.   In the afternoon, continue exploring Vietnam’s oldest national park and an area of lowland forest and lakes easily accessed by a paved road. It is rich in birdlife and we have our last chances here for both Pittas, Red-collared Woodpecker and White-winged Magpie as well as a supporting cast which includes Malayan Night Heron, Pied Falconet, Eared Pitta, Silver-breasted Broadbill, White-tailed Flycatcher, Fujian Niltava and the annamensis form of Limestone Wren-Babbler.   Day 5  (Dec 20, Tuesday): Cuc Phuong–Halong Bay Cruise: Early breakfast and depart for world famous Halong Bay, ‘the descending dragon’, a journey of approximately 4 hours. Listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO, Ha Long Bay is a stunning limestone archipelago stretching over some 1500 square kilometers and comprising nearly 2000 islets.   Arrive at Tuan Chau harbor (Halong Bay) at noon and embark on our boat for an overnight cruise among wonderful limestone islands. Afternoon visit to Sung Sot Cave, the most beautiful & largest cave in Halong Bay. Also kayaking activity at Luon Cave. On board, relax and/or enjoy a sunset party and experience cooking class (learning how to make Vietnamese spring rolls or fruit carving). Dinner on board.  Overnight on boat.   Day 6 (Dec 21, Wednesday): Halong Bay Cruise – Cat Ba Island: Have breakfast and enjoy beautiful sunrise on the sundeck of the boat while cruising to Gia Luan habour. Pass through Cat Ba national park by bus, featuring beautiful tropical flowers, green trees and limestone mountains. Arrive at Beo harbor, take small boat to visit one of the oldest floating villages in Vietnam, named Cai Beo  (on Lan Ha Bay).    Arrive at Monkey Island Resort, check in and enjoy your lunch beside the lovely beach. Free time for swimming , kayaking, playing football, volleyball on the beach or  play chess, billiards, ping pong, or table football in the entertainment area.   In the afternoon, go up the mountain for panoramic pictures of Monkey Island and Lan Ha bay, then arrive another beach to see some monkeys and discover their lives. Free time to relax in eco-garden, conquer Cat Dua tower with a great view to Lan Ha bay or hike up to explore the small jungle on the right side of the island. Dinner (normally BBQ) in the restaurant beside the beach.   Day 7 (Dec 22, Thursday): Morning on Cat Ba Island: Have breakfast and enjoy the sunrise at Monkey Island beach. A small boat takes us from Monkey Island Resort to Beo harbor. The tour guide will rent motorbikes to go to Cat Ba national park. A bus takes us back to the entrance gate of Cat Ba National Park and hike for 1 hour up to Ngu Lam peak. The panorama view from the top is worth the challenging way up.   Drive to Hospital Cave (Hang Quan Y) which was built during the American war. The tour guide will lead you to explore the cave. Ride motorbike back to Beo harbor and take a small boat to back to Monkey Island Resort. Lunch in the restaurant on Monkey Island beach.   The rest of the afternoon is free to swim in the pure water of Monkey Island Resort or lying on the beach. Dinner in the restaurant beside the beach in melodious songs and softly sound of ocean waves. Overnight at Monkey Island Resort.   Day 8 (Dec 23, Friday): Cat Ba Island to Hanoi’s Airport: Have breakfast and check out. Bus to Gia Luan harbor  and boat trip back to Halong. Lunch on board the boat en route to Tuan Chau harbor by another way, passing through many other beautiful rock formations.   Return to Tuan Chau harbor and take a bus back to Hanoi, with a short break on the way. Drop off at Hanoi’s airport for flight departing for your home country.   *Price includes all except: flights, visas, bottled beverages, personal expenses, insurance, lunch on free day, and tips.  Estimated R/T airfare from Dubai to Hanoi (connecting): starting from 2100 AED by Cathay Pacific. For more information and sign-up, contact Binish Roobas at johanruphus@hotmail.com. A deposit of AED 1500 will be required for sign-up.  

TIME: Refreshments from 7pm, AGM from 7.30pm, Lecture from 7.50pm  VENUE: Salon 1, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi AGM: The Annual General Meeting of the ENHG-AD will also be held before this lecture at 7:30 PM, before the lecture.  This approximately 20-minute AGM will consist of the Treasurer’s and Chairman’s presentations reviewing the finances and activities of the Abu Dhabi chapter of the ENHG from Sept 2015 through Aug 2016. As always, the AGM is open to all to the general public, but only paid-up members will be invited to vote on the ratification of ENHG-AD Committee officers/members.  LECTURE TITLE:  An introduction to distinctive UAE spiders by Binish Roobas LECTURE SUMMARY: Spiders are among the least studied groups of insects in UAE. During his talk Binis will lead us though the basic identification, behaviour and habitats of some of the most interesting spiders to be found in the Emirates. ABOUT THE SPEAKER:  Binish Roobas has a bachelor's degree in Zoology from Kerala University and has worked in Kerala as a naturalist guide. In the UAE, he has been responsible for the recognition and study of several rare species, including Walton's mudskipper and Bosk's fringe-toed lizard.He has shared his efforts through regular short reports and photographs in the DNHG's monthly newsletter, Gazelle, longer papers in the ENHG's journal, Tribulus. He has a special interest in butterflies, dragonflies and spiders. Binish's talk will introduce us to some of the more distinctive spiders that can be found here