Principal Investigation (Marine) - Senior Researcher
Fujairah Research Center - Fujairah Environment Authority
Fujairah, UAE
2022 - Present
Established the first centralized marine research department in the Emirate of Fujairah. Including local post-graduate students in different universities locally and internationally. Instituted the first official guidelines for coral restoration and artificial reefs projects in Fujairah Waters. Develop conservation plans and recommend policymakers sustainable ways of dealing with the environment (e.g., cetaceans, turtles, coral reefs, MPAs, and the only endemic vertebrate in the UAE). For the first time, I created marine research alliances at the governmental level among four different emirates in UAE.
I highlight the support and advice offered by the director who continually supported my research. Along with many private companies, schools, research institutions, aquariums, dive centers, and many others. Managing a basic research budget of two million dirhams. Every single project created was supported by our research partners by at least half of the operational cost. Thanks to the established collaborations and my international and local professional network, I directed around 50 projects as principal investigator, including private projects directly with the Crown Prince Office. Some of the research projects are:
Study the distribution, behavior, and population structure (also using DNA) of whales, dolphins, and sharks using field sightings (aerial and vessel surveys) and different tagging techniques. Sea turtle rescue and awareness program. Large-scale coral restoration supported by artificial reefs. MPAs satellite and baseline mapping. Oil spills satellite detection and verification. Identifying fishing hotspots based on satellite trackers. Taxonomic academic programs with local schools. Mangroves afforestation. Drone Academy and many others. Continuous updates of the project achievements were shared on social media platforms, local and international magazines, and news channels.
Coral Restoration Senior Project Manager
Emirates Marine Environmental Group (EMEG)
Dubai & Abu Dhabi, UAE
2020 - 2022
Establishing a large-scale (biggest in the world based only in massive corals) field coral nursery (Favia sp., Cyphastrea sp., Platygyra sp. Siderastrea sp., Porites sp. and Acropora sp.), farming over 120,000 coral fragments in coastal waters of Abu Dhabi, based on coral reef translocation from natural communities. This first stage was accomplished in only 4 months. Working within a team of 10 people and responsible for day-to-day field operations. Data collection, scientific analyses, equipment maintenance, and site monitoring and maintenance with direct liaison with the CEO.
Underwater Works and Coral Institute Manager
The Heart of Europe (World Islands).
Dubai, UAE
2019-2020
Oversee all marine-related issues as marine biologist. Restructuring marine habitat. Maintain a coral nursery and coral fragmentation project on coral species translocated from natural communities. Design, construct and install artificial reefs to provide habitat structure for fish stock enhancement and to enhance marine life for underwater landscape display in man-made underwater/floating villas and resorts (7 stars). Oversaw the development of a hotel lobby of 500 aquariums. Supervise and manage commercial and maintenance divers, seascrapers, aquarists, foremen, welders, masons, and steel-fixers. Maintain the Floating Seahorse Villas including underwater artificial reefs display and direct liaison with the CEO.
