Corniche photo exhibit captures Arabian wildlife

A new photographic exhibition on the Corniche aims to draw attention to conservation efforts in the Arab world.

People take in the Wild Arabia National Geographic photographic exhibit at the east plaza along the Corniche.

ABU DHABI // A photographic exhibition on the Corniche not only features 100 stunning poster-sized images of Arabian wildlife, but also aims to raise awareness about the region's hidden natural treasures.

Wild Arabia, sponsored by National Geographic Al Arabiya, opened at the East Plaza on the Corniche yesterday and is a touring exhibition as well as a multi-platform conservation campaign and year-long photographic competition.

Caterina Lo Mascolo, the founder and curator of Wild Arabia, collaborated with local universities, conservation groups and regional authorities to "find solutions for the conservation of Arabia's natural heritage".

"By bringing you face-to-face with spectacular images from National Geographic Al Arabiya, we are hoping to surprise you and show you that Arabia has far more to offer than you have ever imagined," Ms Lo Mascolo said in the exhibition's promotional video.

"From sprawling deserts to water-rich mountains forming epicentres of life, we will show you how Arabia's wildlife has adapted to survive in some of the harshest conditions on our planet."

An interactive website and education materials will soon be available to complement the physical exhibition.

After a day of bike riding and relaxing on the Corniche, Sara Akoud posed with a giant portrait of two Hamadryas baboons at the exhibition.

Ms Akoud's sister, Rana, had taken the Lebanese tourist to see the Wild Arabia campaign.

"These are some really nice photos," Rana Akoud said. "I can't believe they are all from the Arab world."

The exhibition, which is free of charge and open to the public, will remain on the Corniche until April 21 before moving on to Dubai, Al Ain, Sharjah, Doha, Muscat, Riyadh and selected European countries.