Nature, in its quiet resilience, offers us endless beauty, shelter, and sustenance, asking nothing in return. Its serene wonders continue to serve humanity selflessly, reminding us of a grace that exists beyond expectation or reward." — Dr. Mohammad Ali Reza Khan
Awards and Milestones
As a nature lover, witnessing successful conservation is the greatest gift to me—it’s the ultimate reward for years of dedication. Along the way, my efforts have also been recognized, and while these acknowledgments are truly humbling, it’s the positive impact on wildlife and habitats that brings the deepest fulfillment.
Sheikh Mubarak bin Mohammed Al Nahyan Award - 2000
In 2000, I was honored to receive the Sheikh Mubarak bin Mohammed Al Nahyan Award in Natural History, a prestigious recognition for my work in conservation and natural history in the UAE. This award acknowledged my dedication to studying and protecting the region’s unique ecosystems, a true privilege that continues to inspire my commitment to wildlife conservation and education.
Historic Burning of Elephant Tusks
I was deeply involved in a significant initiative led by Dubai’s municipal government, aimed at reinforcing international trading bans by destroying over $2 million worth of confiscated elephant ivory and rhinoceros horn. At Dubai's desert toxic waste site, I joined executives as wutness to see a team of labourers bulldozed a 12-ton pile of ivory and rhino horn into a pit and set it ablaze under the watchful eyes of a U.N. official and Western diplomats. My colleague, Saleh Al Najjar, and I stayed on-site until the very end, after executives left, ensuring that everything was completely incinerated and the ashes were properly buried. This impactful operation underscored Dubai’s firm commitment to ending the illegal wildlife trade and protecting endangered species.
Photo credit - Dubai Municipality Public Relations
Lifetime Achievement Award 2016
Receiving the lifetime achievement award from Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid was an incredibly humbling experience. Surrounded by my family, I was honored during the 25th anniversary of The Daily Star, where I was recognized for my dedication to wildlife conservation. Born in Manikganj in 1947, my journey in conservation began during my studies, inspired by mentors like Dwijen Sarma and Dr. Salim Ali, the 'Birdman' of India, under whom I completed my Ph.D. in ornithology.
Over my career, I’ve written over 24 books and 50 publications, including significant works like Indigenous Trees of the UAE and Wildlife of Bangladesh, the first field guide to cover nearly 1,082 species. My role as head of Dubai Zoo and later as a Wildlife Specialist with Dubai Municipality has allowed me to contribute meaningfully to both UAE and Bangladesh conservation efforts. Previous honors, such as the Sheikh Mubarak Award in 2001 and the Bangabandhu Award in 2010, are testaments to my commitment, but this lifetime achievement award is a true highlight, inspiring me to continue raising awareness for global biodiversity.
Shutter Bugs CF Award 2016
I am truly honored and pleasantly surprised to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Shutter Bugs Creative Forum (SBCF), an active group of passionate photographers in Dubai. This recognition, which I’ll receive at a ceremony on May 27, celebrates not only my work in conservation and wildlife expertise but also my love for photography—a vital part of my research and publications.
As the principal wildlife specialist at Dubai Safari and Dubai Municipality, I’ve documented countless species through my camera, capturing images for books like Birds of Dubai and Indigenous Trees of the UAE. My photography often stirs excitement on social media, as happened when I photographed a rare Franklin’s gull off Fujairah’s coast or a striking Mangrove Trumpet flower in Bangladesh. Sharing these images is my way of bringing people closer to nature and sparking interest in conservation.
This award from SBCF, alongside previous recognitions like the lifetime achievement award from Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid, fuels my commitment to preserving and celebrating the natural world.
Blue Visa Awardee 2025
I was deeply honoured to be among the inaugural recipients of the UAE's Blue Visa, a 10-year residency permit recognizing significant contributions to environmental protection and sustainability. Nominated by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (UAE), this prestigious recognition was officially announced during the World Government Summit 2025, held in Dubai from February 11 to 13, 2025. Having spent decades working to protect endangered species, preserve ecosystems, and contribute to conservation policies, this recognition is truly humbling. My journey has been driven by a passion for nature and a commitment to educating future generations about sustainability. Receiving this prestigious honor reaffirms the importance of conservation efforts in the UAE and beyond. I am grateful for this acknowledgment and remain committed to my mission.
