Working Wonders: Willem Du Plooy, Bab Al Shams' leisure and recreational manager - in pictures
Conservationist Willem Du Plooy works as leisure and recreation manager at Bab Al Shams resort. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
The resort is situated in Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve in Dubai
The South African expat spends his days leading desert walks and drives through the largest unfenced nature reserve in the UAE
His role involves taking guests out into the white dunes and educating them about the landscape and animals
Contributing to desert conservation and creating memorable experiences for guests are favourite parts of Mr Du Plooy's role
Mr Du Plooy's tours offer guests the chance to see wild camels, gazelles, oryx, snakes, spiders, flamingos and hundreds of other native and migratory birds
An important part of Mr Du Plooy's role is bringing the UAE's heritage to life through archery, falconry and horse riding
Getting a puncture out in the desert is part and parcel of the job, Mr Du Plooy says
Mr Du Plooy can spend his days doing admin or working on budgets, or be out in the desert dune bashing in his Defender
Mr Du Plooy knows what to look out for in the desert and he educates his guests about unexpected animals that may pop up
Mr Du Plooy has the privilege of having no parking restrictions, no air-con woes and no annoying colleagues – poisonous snakes aside
