Emirates to sponsor 'The Last Wilderness of the UAE' documentary series

It will also provide insight into the natural adaptations that have enabled many species to survive in the Arabian Peninsula’s harsh and ever-changing habitats as well as showcase some of the most important conservation accomplishments over recent years. 

The three part documentary will be divided to focus on the ecosystems of the mountains and wadis, the deserts, and the seas of the UAE. 

Patrick Brannelly, divisional vice president customer experience for in-flight entertainment and connectivity, said: “As a global airline with our base in Dubai, Emirates is committed to providing support for innovative projects that highlight the unknown incredible stories within the vibrant UAE ecosystem. Through supporting the creation of this documentary and then letting our passengers view it onboard our flights, we hope to engage millions of our customers around the world and raise awareness about the abundant natural beauty found in the UAE’s terrestrial and marine ecosystems." 

Jonathan Ali Khan, the producer and director of ‘The Last Wilderness of the UAE’ said: “As a natural history filmmaker, I have dived, filmed and explored all of the seas, deserts and mountains across the Arabian Peninsula over the last 27 years. After seeing so many changes to our natural world and the wildlife in this region, I wanted to turn our focus more specifically towards our own home here in the United Arab Emirates. Thanks to the support of Emirates, these films will feature the wildlife and ecology that is found in our mountains and wadis, the plains and deserts, as well as coastal wetlands and offshore islands, exploring the reefs and all the other underwater habitats, too.” 

Ali Khan added: “We will document and showcase the true and often surprising biodiversity of a region that most people just think of as being dry without much wildlife at all. We intend to show just how far from the truth that really is. Each film will feature the natural history of many wildlife species, right up through the food chain on land and under the seas; as well as reveal both delicate and resilient cycles of life that keep the natural order of this amazing land in balance, albeit – a delicate balance. Having the series air on board ice is really exciting as it has the potential to reach millions of passengers beyond the TV reach, providing a long term home for the content for years to come.” 

‘The Last Wilderness of the UAE’ will feature three 60 minute long films that capture the natural behavior of a wide selection of terrestrial and marine wildlife including invertebrates, mammals, fish, reptiles and birds – studying their behavior and survival mechanisms in the unforgiving surroundings of the UAE. It will also tell the formidable, powerful stories of these species, underscored by new knowledge of their fragile existence and their life-or -death quest for survival in a harsh environment.