Welcome back ENHGers ! We hope everyone had a wonderful summer! Join us for next week's lecture, open to all and free.  DATE & TIME: Tuesday September 17th, 7pm (membership sign up), 7:30 pm lecture begins  VENUE: Emerald A Meeting Room . This talk is generously hosted and supported by  Saadiyat Rotana Resort ABOUT THE TALK: Athol Yates will talk on his new book - The Military and Police Forces of the Gulf States Volume 1: Trucial States and United Arab Emirates, 1951-1980. The United Arab Emirates today is one of the safest countries in the world, and it is acknowledged as a leading Arab military force with considerable recent combat experience. These are amazing achievements given that the Emirates’ first military and police forces were established only in 1951 and 1956 respectively. These forces were established when the Emirates were known as the Trucial States, during which time they were British protected states. In 1971, Britain withdrew its protection and the seven Trucial States’ Emirates federated to form the UAE. Before 1971, three Emirates had formed militaries while the British controlled another. After federation, two more Emirates formed militaries with the former British-controlled military becoming the first federally-controlled force. The six militaries were unified in 1976 to create the UAE Armed Forces. The country’s history of police force dates to the 1950s when Dubai and Abu Dhabi established them. All the other Emirates established them by the late 1960s. During the 1970s, the police forces of the individual Emirates were increasingly federalised under the newly-established Ministry of Interior, although to a lesser degree than the militaries. 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.

Explore the Balkans with a private guide/driver!  The tour covers 7 countries – 6 of them known as ex-Yugoslavia (Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Macedonia & Slovenia) a country existing between 1918 – 2003 and their neighbor, Albania.  The region that went through turbulent times is waiting for you to be discovered!  What have now been formed are beautiful, welcoming tourist destinations with an abundance of hospitable locals.  We’d like to shatter any preconceptions you have about this region and take you on a cultural journey visiting some fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Sites and historical cities.    You can learn more about the history and collapse of Yugoslavia, swim in the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic Sea and travel through some of the most dramatic scenery in Europe.  Each nation offers a different culture, cuisine and tradition and are now emerging as independent countries, packed with places that for years were off limits to most travelers.  Definitely a tour not to miss!   HIGHLIGHTS Fortified city of Dubrovnik (UNESCO) Breath-taking Plitvice Lakes (UNESCO) Mostar Bridge & Old Town (UNESCO) Stunning Lake Ohrid with 365 churches (UNESCO) Fortified city of Kotor (UNESCO) Baroque city centre of Ljubljana Dalmatian jewel of Split Ex-Yugoslavian capital, Belgrade Skopje old bazaar Explore Postojna cave system   ITINERARY: DAY 1 (Fri, 2 Aug)  Zagreb arrival Everyone arrives at various times on this day.  Meet and greet with the guide at Zagreb Airport and transfer to accommodation in Zagreb.     DAY 2 (Sat, 3 Aug)  Zagreb – Jajce – Sarajevo After breakfast we continue to Bosnia & Herzegovina. Our first stop is Jajce which used to be the capital of medieval Bosnian state. We go and see one of the world's most beautiful waterfalls, the famous Pliva Waterfalls. Next, we visit Jajce Citadel (Fortress), the Mithraic Temple, Medvjed Kula, the Tower of St. Luke, the famous Catacombs - underground church and Mosque of Esma Sultanija. In the evening we drive to Sarajevo for our overnight stay.   DAY 3, (Sun, 4 Aug)  Sarajevo – Belgrade In the morning we explore the old streets of Sarajevo. Due to its long and rich history of religious and cultural variety, Sarajevo was sometimes called the "Jerusalem of Europe". Visit to Bascarsija district where East meets West and drive in the suburbs to visit "Tunnel of life" that saved the city during the siege in 1990s. In the evening we continue to Belgrade for our overnight stay.   DAY 4 (Mon, 5 Aug)  Belgrade & Novi Sad We start the day with a tour of Belgrade. Visit old fortress - Kalemegdan, Knez Mihajlova street, the Cathedral and drive to one of the largest churches in the world, St. Sava. Continue to Dedinje to visit the tomb of Yugoslav president Tito. In the afternoon we visit another Serbian town, Novi Sad, renowned 'cultural capital' of Northern Serbia, melting pot of various ethnic groups and cultures. Enjoy the best views of the Danube from Petrovaradin Fortress. In the evening we return to Belgrade for our overnight stay.   DAY 5 (Tue, 6 Aug)  Belgrade – Skopje From Belgrade we continue to Skopje. Sightseeing of the old town with famous stone bridge, fort Kale and Railway clock. Overnight in Skopje.   DAY 6 (Wed, 7 Aug)  Skopje – Ohrid In the morning we continue to lake Ohrid which is half Albanian, half Macedonian. There used to be 365 churches around Ohrid in the past. Stop at St. Naum, just across the border to admire the beautiful monastery. Overnight in Ohrid.   DAY 7 (Thu, 8 Aug)  Ohrid – Tirana After breakfast we head towards Tirana, the capital city of Albania. Upon arrival, sightseeing of the town and some free time. Overnight in Tirana.   DAY 8 (Fri, 9 Aug)  Tirana – Kruje – Budva  We leave Tirana and continue to Kruje, a small town perched high on a mountain facing the Adriatic Sea and the western plain of Albania. Walk through the bazaar and visit the Skenderbegs fort, National museum of Albania. Later we continue to Budva, the most famous coastal site in Montenegro. Overnight in Budva.   Day 9 (Sat, 10 Aug)  Budva – Kotor – Dubrovnik  From Budva we drive to Kotor to visit the beautiful bay of Kotor and old town that goes by the same name. In the evening we continue to the Pearl of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik.   DAY 10 (Sun, 11 Aug)  Dubrovnik Full day to explore the most famous Croatian town of Dubrovnik with its mighty defensive walls along the coast. On the tour you will walk through the old town on Stradun street (Pjaca) along Onofrio`s fountain, Franciscan monastery and towards the old harbour, past St. Blaise church, Rectors palace and cathedral. Overnight in Dubrovnik.   DAY 11 (Mon, 12 Aug)  Dubrovnik – Mostar – Split After breakfast we continue to Mostar with its Turkish style old town and famous bridge. Walk on alleys that form a bazaar and are full of shops and market stalls and the Old Bridge Museum. A narrow staircase leads to the terrace of Koski Mehmed-Pasha Mosque's for panoramic city views and in a Turkish house you can see the typical architecture of medieval Bosnia & Herzegovina. In the evening we drive to Split for our overnight stay.   DAY 12 (Tue, 13 Aug)  Split – Zadar – Plitvice Lakes In the morning we experience the "Roman way of life" with impressive Diocletian's Palace in Split. Then we continue our tour and make a stop in Zadar. Drive towards the Plitvice Lakes for our overnight stay.   DAY 13 (Wed, 14 Aug)  Plitvice – Postojna – Ljubljana  After breakfast we visit a UNESCO site, Plitvice lakes, visited by more than a million tourists each year. We continue to Slovenia and drive to Postojna to visit the no. 1 attraction in Slovenia, the 21km long Postojna cave system. Overnight in Ljubljana.   DAY 14 (Thu, 15 Aug)  Ljubljana – Bled – Bohinj – Ljubljana In the morning drive towards Bled, the pearl of Julian Alps. Sightseeing of the castle and the island and free time to relax in its unique beauty. Continue to another Alpine lake, Bohinj. In the evening return to Ljubljana for our overnight stay.   DAY 15 (Fri, 16 Aug)  Ljubljana – Zagreb Ljubljana to Zagreb sightseeing and end of tour (the guide who was with you would leave after Zagreb sightseeing and your check-in to the hotel). Overnight in Zagreb.   DAY 16 (Sat, 17 Aug)  Zagreb departure Transfer to Zagreb airport and end of our services.   **************************************   TRIP COST: EUR 2,500 per person on twin share basis (sharing basis will depend on availability) if group of 8 pax. EUR 2,900 per person on twin share basis (sharing basis will depend on availability) if group of 6 pax.   PRICE INCLUDES Accommodation in double room with breakfast in selected family-run B&Bs and 3* hotels Private guide/driver along the whole tour Rent of a private car/van for the time of the tour with all expenses (fuel, parking, insurance) English speaking local guides (Split, Dubrovnik, Zagreb, Mostar, Sarajevo, Skopje, Belgrade) Entrance fees (Postojna cave and Predjama castle, Plitvice lakes, Franciscan monastery in Dubrovnik, City walls Dubrovnik, tunnel of hope in Sarajevo, Tito mausoleum in Belgrade, Bled castle, Bled island, cathedral in Kotor, mosque in Mostar, St.Kanev and St. Naum in Ohrid) VAT   PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE International Flight Tickets Visa and passport fees Pre / post accommodation (not mentioned in the program) Single room supplement (additional cost) Meals and drinks not described in the program Personal expenses of any kind (phone calls, laundry, mini-bar, room service, souvenirs, etc) Travel insurance (compulsory on this tour) Tips   VISA & PASSPORT Please note that the only country in Schengen union is Slovenia but the other countries recognize the Schengen visa.  Therefore if you already have a multiple entry Schengen visa, you can enter all countries on this tour with only this visa. Otherwise some countries might need separate visa applications.  Please ensure you have at least 6 months validity on your passport on the day of travel.    SUGGESTED FLIGHTS Depart Friday 2nd August 2019 - Return Saturday 17th August 2019 Fly Dubai flight no. FZ1793 from DXB (depart 10:00) and arrive ZAG (13:15) Fly Dubai flight no. FZ1794 from ZAG (depart 14:30) and arrive DXB (23:00)   NOTES Age:  Minimum 12 years / No upper age limit Tour Pace & Style:  Moderate / Adventure This tour is suitable for people who are able to travel in a minibus for quite long periods on winding, mountainous roads; are able to walk continuously up to a distance of 3km, sometimes up steep hills; want the convenience of being privately driven but knowing that most of the main sights and attractions will be reached on foot from the hotel. Group Size:  6-8 people     BOOKING & DEPOSIT PAYMENT DEADLINE: AS SOON AS POSSIBLE  August is peak season in the Balkans and the tour company needs to secure the group’s accommodation.   PLEASE CONFIRM YOUR INTEREST ASAP by contacting Jennifer (mob. 050 246 9780) on guinevere33@hotmail.com with the following information:   Full name, age and nationality of each traveler Email address Mobile and/or whatsapp no. If a Schengen visa is required   We look forward to seeing you on the trip! 

Join us for the last lecture of the 2018-2019 season! Membership sign up for the new season and Tribulus copies will be available before the lecture. The 2019-2020 season will kickstart again in early September 2019. Venue: Saadiyat Rotana Resort - Emerald Meeting Room  Membership available from 7pm, lecture begins at 7:30pm Title: Abu Dhabi and the World 8000 years ago: How recent discoveries are changing our understanding of the Global Neolithic, by Dr Peter Magee About the talk: Recent archaeological evidence from Neolithic sites in Abu Dhabi has resulted in a fundamental change in the way we understand the period during which humans began to settle in one place and intensively exploit the environment. In this lecture we explore this new evidence in the context of 100 years of scholarship on the Neolithic period.    About the speaker: Dr. Peter Magee is Head of Archaeology and Palaeontology with the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi. He is the author of over 50 publications on Arabian prehistory, including The Archaeology of Prehistoric Arabia (Cambridge University Press, 2014). He has held academic positions in Australia, Belgium, and, most recently in the USA where he served as Chair and Professor of Near Eastern Archaeology at Bryn Mawr College (Philadelphia) from 2002 to 2019. Dr. Magee was the recipient of the 2017 ENHG Sheikh Mubarak bin Mohammed Award for Natural History for his work on UAE archaeology for over 25 years, excavating at Muweilah (where he welcomed some ENHG and DNHG groups), at Tell Abraq (where he also welcomed ENHG/DNHG visitors) and elsewhere. His work has been published widely in academic journals.   All lectures are open and free to all; however, we ask that you register so that we have an idea of the number of attendees.  This talk is generously sponsored and hosted by the Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas.    

Welcome back ENHGers ! We hope everyone had a wonderful Eid ! Join us for next week's lecture, open to all and free. Details below.   Tuesday June 18th, 7pm (membership sign up), 7:30 pm lecture begins    Venue: This talk is generously hosted and supported by  Saadiyat Rotana Resort , Emerald C Meeting Room    About the talk: Dr. Alamira Reem’s research builds on the literature on Abu Dhabi’s urban planning by synthesizing how the city’s development unfolded in relation to the UAE’s intricate political and institutional frameworks and through the processes of modernization and globalization. Following the structure of her recent book, “Abu Dhabi, an Urban History,” Dr. Alamira will outline three distinct periods coinciding with three rulers since the discovery of oil in 1960: Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan Al Nahyan (1960–1966), Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (1966–2004), and Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan (since 2004). She will analyse the different approaches of each ruler to development, including their interaction with planning consultants, architects, developers, construction companies and government agencies. While much still needs to be done, Dr. Alamira demonstrates how Abu Dhabi’s progress towards becoming a global, sustainable city provides lessons for cities elsewhere.   About the speaker: Dr. Alamira Reem is project manager and lead researcher behind the UAE Architecture Initiative - a collaboration between the UAE Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development (MCKD), the Abu Dhabi Department of Planning and Municipalities (DPM), Zayed University (ZU), the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, Khalifa University (KU), and New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), that aims to advance architectural and planning knowledge in the UAE.  an Emirati Architect; Urban Planning, Design & Development Specialist; and Author of Planning Abu Dhabi: An Urban History; the first urban history book that explores and documents the course of Abu Dhabi’s urban planning. She is the first Emirati woman to be awarded a PhD in urban planning, which she received from the University of California Berkeley. She is widely published in academic books and journals, and regularly shares her expertise on UAE urbanism, place branding and urban design at industry forums, conferences and universities around the world.

Time: Talk begins 7:30, Membership sign up available from 7:00pm  Venue: Saadiyat Rotana Hotel, Emerald C Meeting Room   About the talk: British expatriate Nick Cochrane-Dyet first came to Abu Dhabi over half a century ago, at the age of eight, to spend summer holidays in Al Ain, where his father was serving with the Trucial Oman Scouts. Nick will be talking to us about his latest book ‘Early Days in the Emirates’, which is about his early life and experiences in the UAE. In a foreword, H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, writes that Cochrane-Dyet "recalls the beneficence, hard work, wisdom and guidance that Sheikh Zayed gave to all those around him and that are being continued today with the legacies laid down then." Now working for British oil firm BP, which he joined in 1989, the focus of the book, naturally, is on the four years he spent as a teenager in the 1970s managing the stables for the horses of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, at Mezyad, just outside Al Ain. There, he was able to observe and to learn first-hand of Sheikh Zayed’s love for and passion for Arabian horses. He goes on to offer insights into the style of leadership of Sheikh Zayed, who he describes as "one of the greatest men I have ever known." Recalling his experiences of having Sheikh Zayed as a mentor – "my first actual boss" – he writes that "Sheikh Zayed always taught by example, led by example, and showed, rather than told, how he believed things should be done. He understood that it is not words that teach, but experience." In writing his book, Cochrane-Dyet says, he hopes to pass on some of the messages and lessons he learned from Sheikh Zayed – "lessons I believe are timeless in nature and can serve all those who choose to call this wonderful country home, whether expatriates or locals, young or old." "Early Days in the Emirates", produced by Dubai publisher Qindeel, is illustrated by numerous previously unpublished historic photographs from the 1960s, many from the Cochrane-Dyet family and the BP archive. An Arabic edition is currently in preparation. This talk is generously hosted by Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas.  Tribulus copies will be available for members (free) or for sale for non members (AED 50) All ENHG talks are free and open to the public, please register your interest. 

ENHG LECTURE MAY 7: Dispersal, habitat preference and morphometry of an Arabian Longhorn beetle (Anthracocentrus arabicus (Thompson, 1877)) by Dr.Brigitte Howarth and Dr. Janine Tan  Time: Talk begins 7:30, Membership sign up available from 7:00pm  Venue: Saadiyat Rotana Hotel, Olive Garden ( outdoor area near Pool Bar)    About the talk: The talk will discuss a study that Brigitte and team have now completed, taking us 5 successive seasons, and one more to establish certain observed patterns in the Arabian Longhorn beetle. Essentially as with many arthropod species in the UAE, its conservation status is yet unclassified, but some of the findings are worrying , showing that this species may be at significant risk of population decline. One of the reasons is the restricted movement pattern this species has. Dispersal patterns over the adult season, September – January, was studied from 2013-2017 within two locations in the UAE, by marking, release and recapture of individuals. Dead beetles were also collected for morphometric data.  https://www.thenational.ae/uae/a-spotlight-on-uae-s-longhorn-beetles-1.598710 About the speakers:  Dr. Brigitte Howarth, Associate Professor, Zayed University is an ecologist with extensive experience in desert ecology. Her first degree was in Applied Ecology (BSc (Hons)), and her PhD in ecological entomology. Over the past few years at Zayed University she has shared her time between the Center for Educational Innovation (CEI) and her home unit which is within the College of Natural and Health Sciences, Department of Life and Environmental Science. In that department, she is an Associate Professor, delivering courses that give students an understanding of biology and ecology. She has a passion for bringing the classroom alive with interactive teaching methods, and as such is a keen advocate of facilitated learning and skills sets that build habits of mind, developing life-long learning. At the CEI, her role is to support the Center's activities, and specifically to interface with Colleges. She was a member of the team which developed a faculty development certificate, now accredited by the Higher Education Academy of the UK, now re-named to Advance HE.  At Zayed University she has had many roles, e.g. serving as Chair of the Department of Natural Science and Public Health, working with colleagues as Co-Chair of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) re-accreditation process. She currently lectures in ecology at Zayed University, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and is involved as the chair of the Emirates Natural History Group, Al Ain, as well as serving in many other capacities (curator and custodian of the entomological collection, speaker coordinator, recording officer, outreach coordinator). Having spent 20 years in the Middle East, Brigitte has a good understanding of the local species biodiversity, and researches the insect biodiversity of the various terrestrial habitats found in the UAE. Her interests have expanded to researching how and why ecosystems have changed through land use change and development, and is currently assessing how these changes are impacting species biodiversity in the United Arab Emirates. Dr. Janine Tan, Assistant Professor, Zayed University, faculty member of the College of Natural and Health Sciences and the Department of Life and Environmental Science at Zayed University since 2012.  She has taught across a number of courses within the Environmental and sustainability sciences major. She completed her graduate studies in the UK, an MSc in Applied Entomology and a PhD in Ecology in forestry.  Since joining Zayed University the main research focus has been on Anthracocentrus arabicus, with Dr. Brigitte Howarth.  This talk is generously hosted by Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas.  Tribulus copies will be available for members (free) or for sale for non members (AED 50) All ENHG talks are free and open to the public, please register your interest. 

Venue : New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island,  Room A3-002 Membership sign up available starting at 7pm, lecture begins at 7:30pm  About the speaker: At 24, Aline Gubri is an independent environmental consultant. After obtaining her Master's degree in Sustainable Development from La Sorbonne, she worked for the Environment Department of the municipality of San Francisco, a pioneering city in the world of Zero Waste. Back in France, she now delivers conferences to the general public, companies and local authorities on Zero Waste and the Circular Economy. She is also a consultant in Responsible Consumption for Utopies, the leading sustainable development consulting firm in France. Lecture Details: Aline will talk to us about reducing waste and especially plastic in our day to day life to protect both our planet and our health.  Her book  "Zero plastic Zero toxic" published  in November 2017 , selling over 14,000 copies to date, serves as a practical guide to help readers to reduce waste and plastic use, thereby reducing environmental impact and protecting our own health. The lecture will present simple and cost saving advice on how to contribute to a healthier, better world through reducing how much waste we produce.  All ENHG Lectures are free and open to the public, all ages welcome.  Please register your interest through the event link.      

Al Wathba Wetland field trip: Geology, Flora and Fauna, Saturday 23 March 2019 Field trip Lead : Claudia Steuber  dresima@emirates.net.ae Field trip open to all ages above 5 years, however it is a trip that will require a bit of walking (around 6km) from 2pm to around 6pm. Maximum number of people : 25 We invite you to join us for an afternoon filled with exciting nature! Please try to reach the Al Wathba wetland reserve around 1.30 pm as the gates will be closed for the public at 2 pm. We will start with a presentation by Dr. Thomas Steuber about the Geology of the reserve giving us insights back to the Ice Ages followed by a presentation about Flora and Fauna that will give an idea of the complex nature history of the reserve. Salem Al Menhali and Mustafa Hamid Eltoum from the EAD-Al Wathba team will demonstrate and explain some tradional plant uses. We will walk around 6km through the reserve to explore the local nature. The experienced ornithologist Oscar Campbell and keen birdwatcher Desmond Lobo will help to find and identify resident and migratory bird species. On our way back we will try to observe from a non-disturbing distance around 20 Harrier arriving for communal nighttime roosting. We will be back at the visitor center around 7 pm. Special Instructions: Keep your mobiles on silent! We recommend wearing brown, beige or green clothes with long sleeves and trousers, sports shoes and a hat. Try to avoid bright colours. Bring binoculars, insect repellent, sun protection, snacks and water. Please register your participation by selecting the number of tickets and entering your details. ENHG field trips are open to paid up members. You can renew or sign up for membership at the beginning of the field trip. Individual membership is 100Dhs while Family membership is 150Dhs and this is valid for the entire season.  For any questions, please email Claudia: dresima@emirates.net.ae We thank the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi www.ead.ae for hosting and permission to conduct this field trip and for the ongoing support of their ranger team.  See you soon!

ENHG Lecture Tuesday March 19th - Status and Conservation of Terrestrial Herpetofauna of the UAE by Johannes Els Date: Tuesday March 19th, 7:00pm to 9:00pm- Lecture begins at 7:30pm Location: Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, Uutdoor lawn (Near Pool area)   About the talk: The United Arab Emirates contains a diversity of desert habitats with 62 species of terrestrial herpetofauna currently recorded, with three of these  considered to be present in the UAE as a result of introduction. Among the 62 confirmed species and subspecies present within the UAE, one terrestrial species is now considered to be endemic to the UAE (Asaccus caudivolvulus), 13 species are endemic to the Hajar Mountain range (shared with Oman) and there are 20 species that are endemic to the Arabian Peninsula. Of the 59 species of terrestrial herpetofauna considered native to the UAE, three species are Critically Endangered, six species Vulnerable, one species Near Threatened, 45 species Least Concern, and four species Data Deficient. Habitat loss remains the overriding threat to terrestrial herpetofauna, particularly the conversion of land to urban areas. About the Speaker: Johannes Els is the Head of the Herpetology and Freshwater Fish department at the Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife/ Environment and Protected Area’s Authority of Sharjah over the last 10 years where he is involved in various conservation projects both in situ and ex situ throughout the Arabian Peninsula. He authored and co-authored several peer reviewed scientific papers including the IUCN Red List on the conservation status and distribution of reptiles of the Arabian Peninsula. Johannes is a member of the Middle East and North African IUCN/SSC viper specialist group, IUCN West Asia amphibian specialist group and the IUCN SSC/WI freshwater fish specialist group. He assisted with various nature documentaries such as Wild Arabia (BBC 2013), Arabian Inferno (Blink Films 2017), Wild Dubai (Plimsoll Productions 2018) and Dead by Dawn (National Geographic 2019).   All ENHG talks are free and open to the public, please do register in order to book your spot. This talk is generously hosted by ENHG Corporate Sponsor Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas

March 2 - 7 is Blue Week in Abu Dhabi, a week-long celebration of our marine environment and the UAE's seafaring heritage, organised by the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi and associated with Abu Dhabi hosting the World Ocean Summit on Saadiyat Island from March 5-7, 2019.  Keeping with the theme of Blue Week, join us for this informative talk about the traditional Hadrah fishery in Abu Dhabi Emirate, delivered by Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi Fisheries Scientist Shamsa Al Hameli.  This talk is generously sponsored and hosted by Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, Abu Dhabi.  Date: Tuesday March 5th, 2019. Membership sign up available from 7pm, lecture begins at 7:30pm Venue: Emerald C Meeting Room, Saadiyat Rotana Hotel About the talk: In the Arabian Gulf, fisheries is often defined as artisanal, mainly because of the traditional practices that are still in use today by fishers. The most common artisanal fishing gears used in the region can be divided into four main groups: traps, line and hook, fishing nets, and spear. Each of these gears can be set up in a number of ways, resulting in different fishing techniques. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Hadrah traps are utilized exclusively in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, where the optimum shallow intertidal areas for the Hadrah trap to be effective is mostly found. Although Hadrah traps are one of the oldest fishing method used in the region, there is little information available about this traditional fishery. The objectives of this study were to investigate spatial and temporal patterns in species composition, distribution and biomass across the four Hadrah sites.  About the speaker:  Shamsa Al Hameli is Assistant Scientist, Fisheries at the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi and a Masters student at UAE university.  Her research interests are shark and rays conservation ecology, fisheries science, and sustainable marine resource use. She is passionate about the protection of the marine environment, launching with her sister Maitha, the voluntary Abu Dhabi Marine Conservation Group.  Please register for your free ticket through the link.  All ENHG lectures are free and open to the public, membership sign up and in-kind sponsorship helps the group maintain its activities. The support of committee volunteers, corporate members and individual members is greatly appreciated and vital to sustaining the ENHG.

In lieu of our Feb 26th Lecture and due to venue availability, our 2nd lecture in February will take place on Wednesday, February 27th at 7pm at Manarat Al Saadiyat  About the Talk : Manart Al Saadiyat Art Studio artist in residence, Jeanne Blissett-Robertson, explains her process in producing a piece of work inspired by the unique nature of Abu Dhabi’s corals and their relation to manmade development. Art installation The Border is Porous is a response to the emirate’s growing skyscraper environment and how it impacts nature’s own super-builders, the reef corals off Abu Dhabi’s Gulf coast. The installation explores the microscopic detail of the coral’s substructure in reaction to the fast-changing developments of our manmade environment on land. The title reflects on the multi-faceted ways in which science, nature and human understanding merge together. About the Speaker: Blissett-Robertson, 25, a sculptor and multimedia artist from the UK, was inspired by research being carried out at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) into the Gulf’s reefs and the environmental pressures the corals face due to climate change, global warming and human activity.  Timing : Membership and Sign up available from 7pm, lecture begins at 7:30pm. Participants can visit the free exhibition before or after the lecture. Venue: Art Studio, Manarat Al Saadiyat This ENHG talk is generously hosted by Manarat Al Saadiyat   

The Inter-Emirates Weekend 2019, which will be hosted by the Dubai Natural History Group, will be from Thursday 21st to Saturday 23rd February 2019. Please contact Valerie Chalmers for any questions : Valerie.Chalmers@gmail.com   List of Field trips for IEW 2019 Friday 22nd February Full day trip - Introduction to Hajar Mountain Geology   Friday morning 1. Wasit Wetland Centre  walk around wetland reserve/birdwatching and visit to the Centre 2. Scuba Dive on the MV Dara 3. Visit to Tel Abraq Archaeological Site   Friday afternoon 4.Mleiha Archaeological Centre  plus visits to archaeological sites and tombs 5.Visit to Sharjah Desert Park Lecture on Reptiles of UAE 6.Visit to Islamic Garden 7.Visit to Arabia's Wildlife Centre 8. Ajman Museum 9.Ajman Fish Market and Abra Trip   Saturday 23rd  Full day Trip - Hajar Mountain Nature Walk   Saturday Morning 1.Early Morning Desert Walk 2. Al Hefaiya Conservation Centre 2. Kalba Birds of Prey Centre. 3. Muweilah Archaeological Site visit + Sharjah Archaeological Museum 4. Sharjah Wanderers Dive Club - introduction to scuba diving 5.Sharjah Souq Visit 6.Sharjah Hisn + Heritage Village + Al Naboodah House   Saturday Afternoon 7. Ajman Fish Market + Abra trip + Lunch 8. Ajman Museum Visit   Please note that you can still make your hotel reservations and can do so now by sending emails to:   For Rooms bookings  - res.centrosharjah@rotana.com and halima.hamdare@rotana.com  until 31st January and Food & Beverage/Gala dinner bookings - events.centroshj@rotana.com The gala dinner booking date has now been extended until 7th February.

Dear Friends   In collaboration with the Emirates Natural History Group (ENHG), we have arranged COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY for you and your families to visit Louvre Abu Dhabi’s main galleries and the ‘Roads of Arabia: Archeological Treasures of Saudi Arabia’ exhibition, which is currently on show at the museum.   *********************************   As a brief introduction, the ENHG is the oldest non-governmental organisation dealing with environmental topics in the UAE, providing an active and progressive forum for experts and enthusiasts alike. The main aim of the ENHG is to encourage and assist members and other interested individuals in the study and appreciation of the natural history and archaeology of Abu Dhabi, the UAE, the Middle East and the world at large.   The group organises twice-monthly free lectures from experts in a wide range of fields. These are held on the first and third Tuesdays of the month and are open to both members and non-members of the ENHG. Members also have access to a regular programme of day and overnight field trips, usually led by experts, to areas of interest throughout the UAE. These excursions are not only a great way to meet like-minded people, but occasionally you’ll visit places not accessible to the public. Past trips have included a mountain climb, mangrove tour, a family weekend at an archaeological centre and bird watching.    To find out more, please visit https://enhgauh.tidyhq.com/   To find out more about our exciting Inter-Emirates Weekend and field trips (21-23 Feb), please visit https://enhgauh.tidyhq.com/public/schedule/events/22347-inter-emirates-weekend-save-the-date   *********************************   To access the Louvre Abu Dhabi exhibition and explore the fascinating story of the Arabian Peninsula, you will have to book your tickets on the ENHG website to confirm your attendance and be at the Museum’s Groups Reception on the Lower Ground Floor between 2pm-2.30pm on Saturday, 9th February 2019 because we will enter as a group.  Afterwards you are free to walk around the museum at your leisure.  Please look for the person holding a sign “ENHG group”.   Kindly arrive between the specified time because latecomers may have to pay for their own museum entry ticket once the group has already entered the museum.   NOTE: Children under 13 years normally have free entry anyway but please include them when you register because we need to confirm the total group number with the museum.   AS COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS ARE LIMITED AND ARE ONLY FOR SELECT GROUPS, PLEASE DO NOT SHARE THIS MESSAGE OR THE EVENT LINK TO THE ENHG WEBSITE WITH OTHERS.   We look forward to seeing you at Louvre Abu Dhabi!

ENHG Lecture:  Hawksbill turtles in UAE, when Genetics meets conservation Hosted by Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas Room : Emerald B Meeting Room  Tuesday, Feb 5th, 7:30pm (Membership sign up, Tea & Coffee available from 7:00pm) We welcome all ENHG members and friends back with our first lecture of 2019 !  About the speaker: Dr. Ada Natoli  is a molecular ecologist with primary interest in utilizing genetics markers to investigate population structure and the evolutionary mechanisms that shape populations in order to support conservation of species. She has a broad background covering plant genetics, chemistry, microbiology and general ecology and graduated in Biology from the University of Milan, Italy, after completing a two years research project on gene mapping on maize, and afterwards worked as researcher at the University of Piacenza on Sorgum genetics. Ada's particular interest in the marine environment brought her to spent a number of years conducting field research on several projects monitoring the cetacean population in the Mediterranean Sea and Canary Islands for Tethys Research Institute. Dr. Natoli obtained her PhD from the University of Durham, UK, which focused on the molecular ecology of bottlenose and common dolphins, comparing on a worldwide scale their population structure to clarifying their taxonomy and evolution, and analysing in Mediterranean, Black Sea and South Africa their fine scale population structure to help the formulation of conservation measures for their protection. She is a member of the IUCN/SSC Cetacean Specialist Group and involved in the conservation of cetaceans in the ACCOBAMS area. Dr. Natoli  is also involved in the International Whaling Commission, Small Cetacean Sub-committee, where she is currently coordinating the reassessment of the taxonomy of bottlenose dolphin worldwide.  Her scientific work is published in peer review journals. When Dr, Natoli  moved to the UAE, she joined UAE University where she directed a research project on the population structure of UAE hawksbill turtles in collaboration with EMEG and University of East Anglia, UK. She founded the UAE Dolphin Project initiative (www.uaedolphinproject.org) that is currently focused on gathering scientific information on dolphins in UAE through dedicated research surveys and citizen science, to support the formulation of conservation measures. In 2016 she joined Zayed University as Adjunct Assistant Professor where she currently teaches Biology. ​ About the talk : All marine turtles are globally threatened. We will talk about turtles in general, their status world wide and current conservation concerns at global level. We then focus on the hawksbill turtle in the Gulf and in UAE waters, review current knowledge and explore what latest genetic studies can tell us about this species in our waters and how these findings help supporting conservation measures All ENHG lectures are free and open to the public. Please do register online so that we can get an idea of attendance.  Hosting and catering of this talk is being generously sponsored by Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas, Saadiyat Island   

Dear Friends   ENHG has arranged COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY for our members and their families to visit Louvre Abu Dhabi’s main galleries and the ‘Roads of Arabia: Archeological Treasures of Saudi Arabia’ exhibition, which is currently on show at the museum.   To access the Louvre Abu Dhabi exhibition and explore the fascinating story of the Arabian Peninsula, you will have to book your tickets on the ENHG website to confirm your attendance and be at the Museum's Group Reception on the Lower Ground Floor between 2pm-2.30pm on Friday, 1st February 2019 because we will enter as a group.  Afterwards you may walk around the museum at your leisure.  Please look for the person holding a sign “ENHG group”.   Kindly arrive between the specified time because latecomers may have to pay for their own museum entry ticket once the group has already entered the museum.   NOTE: Children under 13 years normally have free entry anyway but please include them when you register because we need to confirm the total group number with the museum.