Birds of the UAE in Yas Island murals – in pictures
Artist Fathima Mohiuddin was commissioned by developer Miral to create a large-scale mural showing birds of the UAE. All photos: Victor Besa / The National
Such as this African sacred ibis.
The collared kingfisher, which has blue wings and a white breast, is currently part of a preservation programme in Kalba, Sharjah.
Once threatened by dwindling numbers, the houbara bustard is now the focus of efforts by the International Fund for Houbara Conservation in Abu Dhabi.
The hoopoe is easily recognisable with its crown of feathers and striped wings.
'I used this project as an opportunity to learn more about eco-diversity and conservation efforts around the birds,' Mohiuddin said of the project.
This project is the largest yet by the artist, who goes by the pseudonym Fatspatrol, and measures a total of 8,630 square metres.
The artist depicted at least 10 bird species in her mural, including the laughing dove.
The greater flamingo, found in Al Wathba wetland reserve in Abu Dhabi, a regular breeding sites for the bird in the Gulf, also features in the mural.
The migratory saker falcon spends its winters in the Arabian Peninsula.
A small group of Egyptian vultures thrives in Jebel Hafeet, on the border between the UAE and Oman.
