History of the Al Ain chapter Emirates Natural History Group

Inter Emirates Weekend 2007

22 March - 24 March

History of the Al Ain chapter Emirates Natural History Group

The Al Ain chapter of the Emirates Natural History Group (ENHG) was organized in 1980 and has been in operation from that date. Another chapter of ENHG exists in Abu Dhabi (established 1977) while the Dubai Natural History Group is in Dubai.

"Like many other such organizations in the Arabian Gulf the Emirates Natural History Group grew, somewhat indirectly, out of the country's oil industry," Peter Hellyer, former Chairman of the Abu Dhabi chapter once wrote. "Its founder, J.N.B.'Bish' Brown, originally worked for the Kuwait Oil Company where he was an active member of the Ahmadi Natural History Group, before moving to work for the main offshore oil company in Abu Dhabi, ADMA-OPCO, in the mid-nineteen seventies.

"Brown and the similarly minded friends and colleagues who quickly gathered around him were characterized by a typically deep and abiding interest in the natural history and archaeology of the country in which they were living. All recognized that knowledge was not that essential for a beginner, and recognized too that the Emirates, both desert and mountains, were largely virgin territory from the viewpoint of studying natural history. While some early ENHG members simply took part in activities in order to get a little more from their weekend forays into the mountains and sands, others recognized that they had the opportunity to make a very real contribution to beginning a study of the UAE's natural history."

The 'birth announcement' of the Al Ain chapter appeared in the Editorial of the March 1981 (Bulletin 13) issue of the Abu Dhabi group's Bulletin:

"The Al Ain group formally became the Al Ain Branch of the ENHG in 1980 but a regular liaison capacity is still required between the two groups. The Al Ain Branch has published its first Report and Proceedings (September 1980), a copy of which is in the library." (Bulletin 13, page 2)

Perhaps there were some initial challenges; in any event, the status of the Al Ain chapter was noted in the Chairman's Report of Bulletin 16 (March 1982):

"Toward the end of 1981, the Group in Al Ain which has been inactive for some time, began to organise a fresh programme of talks and outings. We welcome this fresh upsurge of interest and look forward to continued close contact with our colleagues in Al Ain during the coming year." (Bulletin 16, page 3)

Members in Al Ain have the distinct advantage of having the desert on one side and the mountains of Oman on the other though admittedly they do not enjoy the proximity to the marine world at the doorstep of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Over the years, the activities of the members have gravitated from one aspect of natural history to another, reflecting the combined interests of the members. Each season the group offers, on average, more than one field trip per week and two general meetings; the meetings feature speakers with some firsthand knowledge of some facet of natural history, or an indefatigable enthusiasm for some topic.

At present, the Al Ain chapter has more than 200 members (more than 120 paid memberships) who are employed at various institutions and businesses in the city. The membership continues to be overwhelmingly composed of expatriates though membership is open to anyone with an interest in natural history. The chapter has tried, over the years, to establish "partnerships" with organizations which share the chapter's interests. Such a relationship between the chapter and the Al Ain English Speaking School led to the school's offer of a room at the school to be used to store the chapter's assets. Likewise, the chapter has joined the school, Professional Investment Consultants and the Emirates Environmental Group to set up recycling bins at the school. The chapter also maintains a close relationship with the Zayed Center for Heritage and History as well as the Al Ain National Museum.

As a volunteer organization, the Group relies a great deal on the generosity of individuals to contribute time and expertise. Over the years, the Al Ain chapter has been most fortunate to have men and women come forward to share their knowledge and experience. For almost 20 years, Ibrahim Zakhour led members on field trips each month, sometimes hiking up a mountain or down a wadi. Mike Gillett, Phil Iddison, Peter Cunningham, Geoff Sanderson, Brigitte Howarth and Laurence Garey are all individuals who have, in recent years, unselfishly shared their considerable experience and expertise with members.

The Al Ain chapter is the only NHG that offers lifetime memberships. These are presented to individual who, in the opinion of the Committee, have contributed in an outstanding manner. Recipients include Marijcke Jongbloed, Phil Iddison, Ibrahim Zakhour, and Debbie Handley.

Keeping all members informed of activities is a challenge. The group prepares a Newsletter, the official information bulletin for the organization, and maintains an email discussion group to circulate news and information.

Over the years, the group has collected considerable information about the natural history of the UAE and Oman. In an effort to make this available to as many individuals as possible, the group has established a website (http://www.enhg.org) where archive material is available. The site features articles from 42 issues of The Bulletin of the Abu Dhabi chapter of the ENHG (1977 to 1990) as well as the work of Michael Gillett, Phil Iddison and countless others. Recently, all of the material which originally appeared in Tribulus is now available via the website in a searchable format.

One of the annual experiences of the Al Ain chapter is the Triple Crescent Award challenge. Each year, members are encouraged to climb three of the highest peaks in the district. When Ibrahim Zakhour left the UAE, the Al Ain chapter recognized his years of volunteer work by renaming the award the Ibrahim Zakhour Triple Crescent Award. The Group also organizes weekend trips to Nizwa and Jebel Shams, wadi walks, visits to a local farm and the Al Ain camel market. During Ramadan, members are guests of the Zayed Center for Heritage and History where they enjoy a traditional Iftar meal. Each season, a photography competition is held.

The Group's general meetings are held at the Al Ain Intercontinental Hotel on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month (September through June) and once each month during the summer (July and August) and December.