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 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, 25th January 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.   We look forward to seeing you there!

TIME: 5:00pm – 7:00pm, 15th December 2018 VENUE: The Beach House Lawn, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi   ABOUT THE EVENT: An event ideal for families, Dr Michele Ziolkowski will give a short introduction and then read her children's book 'The Boy who knew the Mountains.' The book will simultaneously be projected onto the wall as she reads from it. Set in a small mountain village in Fujairah the book combines elements of UAE history, heritage and a message of the acceptance and understanding for people with special needs. After the book reading Michele will present a selection of archaeological artefacts, which tie in to the story and life in the UAE in the past. There will be a Q&A session and an opportunity to buy the book which is available in Arabic and English. ABOUT THE SPEAKER:  Dr Michele Ziolkowski has a background in art, design, photography and archaeology. She attained a Doctoral degree from the University of Sydney, Australia, in Near Eastern Archaeology in 2002. Michele first visited the U.A.E. in 1993 as an undergraduate student to work on an archaeological excavation. Many field seasons followed, working in the Emirates of Sharjah, Dubai, Fujairah and in the Sultanate of Oman. Michele has experience teaching at university level and presenting papers at international conferences. She has authored and edited numerous academic publications on the archaeology, history and heritage of the Emirates. Michele has also received grants and awards for her work including the Sheikh Mubarak bin Mohammed al-Nahyan award (Emirates Natural History Group) in 2006 and a Sharjah Book Award for the best children’s book (English) in 2017. Married to an Emirati, Michele and her husband have a son, Suhail. They currently live in Abu Dhabi. TICKETS: This is free event, but there is limited space, so please register for a ticket to avoid disappointment.

  Dhow and Camping Trip to Daymaniyat Islands in Oman from 13/14 to 15 December 2018   Following the great interest for the November trip to Damaniyat island, DNHG has obtained an additional date for this weekend trip to Oman: dhow trip to the natural reserve of Daymaniyat Islands with an overnight camping and two days of snorkeling and exploring this archipelago with rich marine and bird life.   We have managed to secure the dhow and all necessary permits for the weekend 14/15 December for an exclusive camping trip on Daymaniyat islands, a natural reserve with restricted access: the islands are closed to visitors in summer months to allow for undisturbed breeding of birds and marine life.   Trip details:   Thursday, 13 December: You will leave Dubai at your convenience (we will not drive in convoy) to reach the meeting location in Oman by Thursday evening, possibly before 5 pm (to set the camp before dark). Alternatively, you can stay in a hotel of your choice or join later in the evening/morning, as long as you are at the meeting point for the boat pick up latest at 8 am on Friday morning. Exact location will be communicated additionally. Please consider 4-5 hrs drive (+ border time) from Dubai to the meeting point.   You will need to get the Omani visa, either at the border or preferably on line (https://evisa.rop.gov.om/). You will obviously need your passport, valid Omani car insurance with orange card and all necessary documents in case you drive rented or leased car. Costs: exit UAE 35 AED, visa for Oman 5 OMR/50 AED. 4WD car will not be needed.   Friday, 14 December: Morning pick up for dhow trip to Daymaniyat Islands. Stops will depend on weather but we should make 2 stops: Kharaba Island and Police Post Island. Both are perfect for snorkeling. Light lunch (vegetarian and non-vegetarian pizzas) will be served on boat. After a BBQ dinner we will camp overnight on the beach of Kharaba Island.   Saturday 15 December: Breakfast will be provided on the boat. We will use the morning for further exploring and snorkeling. Light lunch will be served on the boat (vegetarian pasta, tuna salad, bread, water melon). Water and ice will be provided throughout the cruise. Please feel free to bring your own snacks and drinks. After lunch we will return to the port and drive back to Dubai.   Estimated cost of the dhow trip and permits:   Minimum 20 pax: 600 AED per pax Minimum 25 pax: 550 AED per pax Minimum 30 pax: 500 AED per pax   Above includes: 2 day dhow trip with crew All necessary permits/fees for Daymaniyat and camping Catering as per the above program (2 x lunch, evening BBQ, breakfast) Water and ice   What to bring: your own tent, sleeping gear, snorkeling and beach gear, toiletries, snacks, drinks… Detailed list will be sent to participants.   Maximum number of participants is 35. Dhow has open deck, shaded area and toilet facilities. Please see the photos below.   Important: The above itinerary can change depending on weather If the trip is cancelled due to bad weather/rough sea the payments will be refunded. If already in Oman we will organize an alternative trip (visit to nearby Al Sawadi islands and/or forts of Barka, Nakhal, Ar Rustaq). To secure the dhow and permits, 500 AED prepayment will be collected The space will be assigned on first paid basis. Only participants with fully prepaid Daymaniyat boat trip will be considered as signed up - no waiting list. Children count as adults. If less than 20 payments are collected by November 15, the boat trip will be cancelled Prepayments are not refundable in case of cancellations, no shows or late arrival to the port. This is an exclusively snorkeling trip; we will only stop at the beaches & depths suitable for snorkeling (no diving).   If interested, please contact Sonja at lavson@gmail.com   More about Daymaniyat Islands below:     Daymaniyat Islands   The nine, tiny, uninhabited islands lie about 11 miles off the Batinah Coast offer some of the best snorkeling in the Gulf of Oman. Coral reefs cover up to 70% of the sites with more than a hundred different species of soft and hard coral. Marine life is abundant with prolific numbers of colorful reef fish, stingrays, occasional turtles, leopard sharks and on rare occasions a whale shark. With the vast variety of sea life and coral close to the surface, snorkeling is a particularly rewarding experience.   The islands have been protected as a nature reserve since 1996 and provide an important nesting site for hawksbill and green turtles, as well as a wide range of migratory birds including the increasingly rare sooty falcon (which can also be found in the Sawadi Islands), one of the few migratory raptors which nests and breeds in the region.   Given their protected status, access to the Daymaniyats is restricted, and visitors are not allowed on the islands from the beginning of May until the end of October. In winter months the visits are allowed upon obtaining prior permit.        

Photography Studio invites you to an Open Talk at Manarat Al Saadiyat.  This talk will be presented by Al Sa’ad Al Minhaly, during which she will discuss “The Image in NatGeo World”.   Al Minhaly is an Emirati media personality with 17 years of experience in journalism.  She is the current Editor-in-Chief of National Geographic Al Arabiya magazine.   She previously worked as Deputy Editor of Al Ittihad newspaper, and has released several books including The World as a Woman, An Eye on Events and Stories in 2004.  Al Minhaly was awarded the Tarim Omran Tarim Award for best column in 2004 and is a founding member of the Journalists Association.  She is also a member of the Emirates Writers Union, and a member of the Geographers Association.   The talk is free to attend but please RSVP to:- https://natgeo.app.rsvpify.com/

TIME:  Membership signup from 7:00pm, lecture from 7:30pm   VENUE:  NYU Abu Dhabi, building A3, lecture room 001. Click here for a google maps and here for a campus map https://nyuad.nyu.edu/content/dam/nyuad/news/documents/campus-map-with-directions.pdf    LECTURE SUMMARY: This talk will focus on the importance of researching and monitoring one of Abu Dhabi’s unique marine habitats; the grey mangroves (Avicennia marina), which are the only dominant species found in Abu Dhabi Emirate. When compared to tropical and subtropical countries, mangroves are understudied in this region. Therefore, this talk first present what mangroves are, what are their values, and the threats they are facing from human impacts and climate change. Further, present programs established to monitor mangroves from field surveys and satellite images using GIS and remote sensing techniques. Then, present the different ways to developing adaptation measures, restoration and conservation efforts for mangroves. Finally, present the gaps in mangroves ecology, marine science, and the importance of involving ‘citizen scientist’ as a conservation tool.   ABOUT THE SPEAKER:  Amna Al Mansoori is an Emirati, from Abu Dhabi. She has a background in Environmental studies and graduated first in her Masters program (Ms degree on Environment Dynamics of Territories and Societies, Dissertation research on monitoring mangroves in the UAE) from the Department of Geography and Environment, at the Paris-Sorbonne University. Amna is currently working as an Assistant Scientist for Marine Habitats at the Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi, assessing and monitoring the marine environment to develop conservation management plans and policies for Abu Dhabi Emirate, mainly focusing on critical habitats such as coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds.  She is currently looking to pursue her PhD in marine habitats ecology and biodiversity conservation.  

Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day with the Sooty Falcon Movie Come celebrate World Migratory Bird Day and attend a special screening of the film documentary “The Migrant - Sooty Falcons in Oman”  on Tuesday 9 October 2018, at 7.00pm, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Auditorium, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. The film documents the efforts in Oman to study and protect this long-range migratory bird. Sooty Falcons are filmed during the breeding season in their habitat on breathtaking islands in the Sea of Oman. The juvenile falcons are followed along their migration route, crossing the Al Hajar mountains and the Rub Al Khali desert in Oman, resting in the Horn of Africa, and finally reaching Madagascar, the Sooty Falcons’ non-breeding season destination. A member of the Omani research team, Mr Waheed Abdullah Al Fazari, Head of Wildlife Division, Office for Conservation of the Environment, Diwan of Royal Court, Sultanate of Oman, will introduce the film. A special audience discussion will follow the screening with Waheed and Shahid Bashir Khan, Scientist-Avifauna, Environment Agency Abu Dhabi.  The Sooty Falcon Movie won the best documentary movie category at the Muscat International Film Festival (2018). The Emirates Natural History Group, the Convention on Migratory Species Office – Abu Dhabi and CinemaSpace present the film, in partnership with the Office for Conservation of the Environment, Diwan of Royal Court, Sultanate of Oman, and in cooperation with Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi and Manarat Al Saadiyat.   Image : Copyright by INTEWO - World Habitat Society GmbH

TIME: Refreshments, Membership sign-up and Bookstall from 7:00pm, talk begins at 7:30pm LOCATION: Salon 1, Alyazya Ballroom, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island ABOUT THE TALK: Of the four species of weaverbirds found in India, the Finn’s Weaver Ploceus megarhynchus is the least known. The species was rediscovered in Kumaon terai in 1959. It is a globally threatened species, listed as Vulnerable by BirdLife International. Distributed very locally, it is an endemic bird of India and Nepal.  Dr Rajat Bhargava, an ornithologist, author, photographer and Senior Scientist for the Bombay Natural History Society will be talking about a recent report which documents how the Finn’s Weaver has a small, rapidly declining and severely fragmented population. His report highlights the stresses the species faces and the need for a state-specific Finn’s Weaver Recovery plan.   We will print plenty of forms for you to sign up or renew your membership for the 2018-2019 season. Please remember to bring cash as there isn’t and ATM at the venue (AED 100 for individuals and AED 150 for families). You’re welcome to fill in the form ahead of time, it can be downloaded here.   Our next event will be  a special screening of the film documentary “The Migrant - Sooty Falcons in Oman”  on Tuesday 9 October 2018, at 7.00pm, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Auditorium, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. Click here to find out more.  

TIME: Refreshments, Membership sign-up and Bookstall from 7:00pm, talk begins at 7:30pm LOCATION: Salon 1, Alyazya Ballroom, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island ABOUT THE TALK: People of Ras Al Khaimah is an important book. This photography book documents the stories of the people who shaped Ras Al Khaimah's great economic, political and social transformation in the second half of the twentieth century. The accounts here show what this transformation meant in human terms. In their own words and accompanied by over 100 stunning photographs, it features more than 50 portraits and oral histories of the Emiratis and immigrants who call the Emirate home. They came together to create a warm and welcoming society in the open spaces in the north of the United Arab Emirates. Anna Zacharias and Jeff Topping spent three years talking to residents, teasing out their personal stories and photographing them at work and play in all their diverse backgrounds. ABOUT THE SPEAKERS: Anna Zacharias moved to Ras Al Khaimah from Canada’s west coast as a child. She worked as a journalist at The Nationalnewspaper for more than six years, including three years as a Ras Al Khaimah correspondent. Based in Abu Dhabi from 2011 to 2014, she worked as a senior features writer specialising in pop Heritage and wrote The National’s camel blog, 'A Year at the Camel Races.' Jeff Topping is an American photojournalist and travel photographer with over 25 years experience in more than 20 countries for Reuters, The New York Times and Getty Images.  He came to the United Arab Emirates in 2008 to join The National as a staff photographer and is now a freelancer represented by Polaris Images.   We will print plenty of forms for you to sign up or renew your membership for the 2018-2019 season. Please remember to bring cash as there isn’t and ATM at the venue (AED 100 for individuals and AED 150 for families). You’re welcome to fill in the form ahead of time, it can be downloaded here.   ​​​​​​​

DNHG trip to Greece from Friday September 7 to Friday 13, 2018   This trip is offered by two former DNHG members who moved back to their homeland: Konstantina Sakellariou and Nancy Papathanassopoulou. Combining deep knowledge of their country with natural history expertise, Konstantina and Nancy designed a custom-made experience of Greek history, culture and nature, creating a unique, live-like-a-local itinerary. We will start with two intense days in Athens, soaking into the ancient history and learning about the origins of modern democracy, and then we will be taken to Peloponnese where we will stay in a private house on the mountain and we will explore villages, traditions, nature, underground lakes, natural gorges and emerald beaches. This will be an adventure-filled week, a full immersion into Greece’s past and present. Please find here attached a detailed day-by-day program.   The number of participants is limited to 6 people.   Cost of the trip is 1180 EUR.   The above cost includes: all the transfers and transport cost, tour guiding, local guides and nature experts, entrance fees as per the programme, all meals (as stated in the analytical itinerary) including traditional lunches, dinners and snacks.   The cost excludes all extras, beverages and coffee breaks, air ticket as well as Schengen visa, if needed.    Single room supplement applies only while in Athens; in the village we will share the house (4 rooms and 2 bathrooms).   There are plenty of direct flights from Dubai to Athens. We will advise on the most convenient one in due course. At the time of the search the tickets started at less than 1600 aed (Egypt Air or MEA).    September is still high-season in Greece, so we need to make bookings well in advance. Booking deadline is August 1. Prepayment of 500 EUR will be collected to secure the bookings. There are only 6 spots available and will be assigned on first paid basis. Only prepayment guarantees you the spot on the trip. Prepayment is not refundable.   At the moment we are assessing if there’s enough interest to proceed with this trip.     If interested, please contact Sonja at lavson@gmail.com

LOCATION: Alyazya Ballroom, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island  DATE: Monday 2nd July 2018  TIME: 7:00pm - 8:00pm  ABOUT THE EVENT: The ENHG has teamed up with Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi and local marine conservation organisation, Azraq (Arabic for “Blue”) for a screening of the multi award-winning documentary STRAWS. A thought provoking, entertaining and educational documentary sparked by research that plastic straws are now among the top-five beach litter items collected in coastal clean-ups.  The film will be followed by a Q& A with the Managing Director of Azraq, Natalie Banks and Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi’s Resident Marine Biologist and Head of Conservation, Arabella Willing. TICKETS: This is free event, but there are limited spaces, so please register for a ticket to avoid disapointment. 

TIME: Refreshments, Membership sign-up and Bookstall from 7:15pm, talk begins at 7:30pm LOCATION: Salon 1, Alyazya Ballroom, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island ABOUT THE TALK: This talk will highlight some of the important palaeontological and archaeological discoveries which I have been involved with since I first came to Abu Dhabi in 1994. These include discovering important fossil specimens and animal trackways from the Baynunah Formation geological outcrop, at Shuwaihat, Ruwais, Umm Al-Ishtan and Mleisa, which date to between 6-8 million years ago. The earliest archaeological evidence for the first populations inhabiting Abu Dhabi dating to the Middle Palaeolithic between 35,000 - 200,000 years ago from Jebel Barakah. Details of life during the Neolithic period between 6-8,000 years ago on Marawah Island, Dalma Island, Baynunah and Umm az-Zamul. Finally, the discovery of the 7th-8th century Church and Monastery on Sir Bani Yas Island. ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Dr Mark J. Beech is currently "Head of Archaeology and Palaeontology - Al Dhafra & Abu Dhabi Section"  in the Historic Environment Department at the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Dr Beech was formerly the Senior Resident Archaeologist for the Abu Dhabi Islands Archaeological Survey (ADIAS) from 1994-2006, after which he was appointed Head of Cultural Landscapes in the Historic Environment Department at the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) from 2006-12, and then Head of Coastal Heritage and Palaeontology for the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) from 2012-2017. He has a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Archaeology from UCL Institute of Archaeology (1982-85), a Masters Degree (with Distinction) in Environmental Archaeology from the University of Sheffield (1986-87), and a Phd in Archaeology from the University of York, UK (1997-2001). In 2009 Dr Beech received the Sheikh Mubarak Bin Mohammed Natural History Prize for 2008 from the Emirates Natural History Group, in recognition of his services to the Archaeology of the UAE.

LOCATION:  Alyazya Ballroom, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island DATE: Saturday 23rd June 2018. TIME: 4:30pm – 6:30pm ABOUT THE EVENT: Are you aged 6-12yr and interested in the ocean?  Ever wondered what it’s like to be in the fins of a marine biologist and what they get up to?  Join this fun-filled, interactive afternoon out for little ones curious about the treasures of the ocean. Learn about the amazing animals that live under the sea and how plastics are affecting our ocean. ABOUT THE EVENT LEADER: Prasanna Wijesinghe is a Marine Biologist and Environmental Scientist working for GHD. He is dedicated to raising awareness about our oceans having worked in a number of countries teaching and engaging with local communities. He wants to continue raising awareness here in the United Arab Emirates Click here to download the event flyer SIGN UPS:  Please help us to confirm numbers by registering for a "ticket" below.

  Hiking Trip to Slovenia: Mountains and Lakes for Eid Al Fitr holidays from June 15 to June 22, 2018   Slovenia is a small independent country in the heart of Europe with only 2 million inhabitants, who have managed to preserve their culture and language despite millennia of foreign domination. Previously one of the six republics of Federal Yugoslavia, Slovenia has been independent since 1991, been part of the European Union since 2004 and has adopted the Euro as a national currency in 2007. Despite its small size, Slovenia is a country of significant biological, geographical, climatic and cultural diversity: Alps, Mediterranean, Pannonian Plain, Karst, rivers, forests, lakes and caves.  It is a place where Slavic, Romanic, Germanic and Hungarian cultures and languages meet.   With DNHG we have previously organized two successful trips to Slovenia, but this is the first time that we will venture high into Slovenian mountains for some genuine alpine landscapes and unspoiled hikes from peaks to hidden mountain lakes.   This is a 8 day hiking adventure, an exclusive program that you cannot book through a travel agency – we will walk through some previously off the limits border trails guided by our private certified mountain guide. The hike requires certain fitness levels, we will hike from 5 to 8 hrs per day (with breaks), but it is also designed the way that you can easily take a day off and just chill in a local guesthouse or a mountain lodge, should you prefer so. Time permitting (depending on flights) we will organize a visit to the capital Ljubljana on the last day.   Click HERE for a detailed day by day program and some photos. For those interested we can extend the trip for few days and add some of the most beautiful sights of Slovenia (coast, castles, caves...).   The number of participants is limited: 10 pax only  Cost of the trip is 1300 eur per person sharing a twin/double room. Single rooms are subject to availability, with single room supplement additional to the above cost.    The cost includes all transports, food (3 meals per day, B-L-D) and lodging, as well as an expert English-speaking mountain guide throughout the hike.  The cost excludes air ticket, all extras, tips and Schengen visa costs (if needed).   There are no direct flights from Dubai to Slovenia (Ljubljana). We will look for an appropriate flight closer to the date, either to Zagreb, Vienna or to Ljubljana via Istanbul.    June – August is considered high season in Slovenia and the area where we are going has limited lodging capacities so we will have to book promptly. 500 euro prepayment will be collected to secure the booking.   If interested please contact Sonja at lavson@gmail.com       https://www.instagram.com/lavson.adventures/    

  Sarawak, on the island of Borneo offers an unforgettable mix of culture- and nature-based travel experiences. With its history of White Rajahs, diverse cultures, mighty rivers, rainforests and iconic wildlife, Borneo is a unique destination that appeals to a wide range of visitors. On this trip, we will enjoy the charms of historic Kuching; visit Semenggoh Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, explore the massive cave systems of Mulu National Park; go jungle trekking and wildlife watching at Bako National Park and more!  Our experienced local guides will connect you with Sarawak, its people and the natural features of the “Land of the Hornbills”.      Click HERE for a more detailed itinerary and some photos.   The number of participants is limited: 10 pax only (Due to the rugged nature of the trip, it may not be suitable for children.)   The land package costs AED 3,000/- per person in a twin/double room. Single rooms are subject to availability and cost AED 3,725/- per person land package.                   PRICE INCLUDES:  Accommodation, land & boat transfers, meals as stated, entrance fees, GST and English speaking guide.    PRICE EXCLUDES:  International airfare, domestic return flights to Mulu (approx. AED 550) visa fees, vaccinations, travel insurance, beverages, tourism tax, tipping, camera/video camera fees (if any) and items not stated.   There are no direct flights from Dubai to Kuching (capital of Sarawak, Malaysian State of Borneo).  Depending on the number of people interested, we can change the departure date depending on everyone's convenience.    For more information about the field trip and to confirm your interest ASAP, please contact Jennifer at guinevere33@hotmail.com  

Please join us in celebrating the close of our 40th wonderful ENHG season. We will begin with a dinner of Tapas at The Beach House Restaurant. At around 8:00pm there will be a few words from our Committee Chair, Arabella Willing about her day job as Head of Conservation at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi. We will then set off for a night patrol along the beach. Keep an eye out for phosphorescent plankton and nesting turtles. All welcome, however please make sure everyone is registered before 10th June. Unfortunately indoor seating is limited, so if we have a large number of sign-ups, some members may only be able to attend the talk & patrol. Location: The Beach House, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi Date: Tuesday, 12th June 2018. Time: Sunset Price:  Set of 5 tapas AED 150 (suitable for two people) Payment will be made on the night, please help us to confirm numbers by registering for a "ticket" below.  To see the menu click here.