Engineer Suaad Al-Suwaidi: Emirati pioneer fearlessly capturing wildlife across the globe

Dubai, UAE: In a field not often explored by women, Engineer Suaad Al-Suwaidi stands out as a trailblazer. She is the first Emirati and Arab woman in the world to dedicate herself to wildlife photography.

From the freezing heights of the Himalayas to the scorching plains of India, Al-Suwaidi has fearlessly captured the essence of predators and wild animals through her lens. Her journey, which began as a casual interest during her university years, blossomed into a profound passion for the wilderness and its untamed inhabitants.

We spoke to this extraordinary photographer, explorer, and advocate for nature, to find out more about her journey.

Q1. When did your continuous passion and adventurous spirit for wildlife begin, and which country did you first explore?

A. My passion for wildlife began unexpectedly when I started capturing wildlife in the U.S. without any particular plan. I never imagined that what started so randomly would grow into such a deep love and true passion that now holds a special place in my heart and plays a significant role in my life.

Q2. One of your boldest journeys was filming a snow leopard in the freezing cold of nearly -28°C at an altitude of almost 5,000 meters in the Himalayas. Another was documenting a Royal Bengal tiger in the scorching heat of 50°C in Jaipur, India. Where did such courage and determination originate, and what was the most challenging moment you experienced during your explorations?

A. My courage and determination stem from a deep curiosity and a relentless desire to discover the hidden beauty of the natural world. It’s also driven by the true passion I carry in my heart for these creatures. In addition, there’s a verse in our holy book that says, ‘There is no living or moving creature, nor a creature that flies with its two wings, but communities like you.’ This profound message inspires me deeply, and the curiosity to witness and understand these creatures and their worlds is a powerful reason behind my journey.

I believe that life, in general, presents challenges for all of us from the moment we start our day. No matter how thoroughly I prepare for any expedition, life always finds a way to surprise me. I’ve faced several life-threatening situations—not because of wild animals, but due to the power of nature itself. The most challenging moment was when I began losing oxygen at the top of the Himalayan mountains.

Q3. You have received the 'Mother Teresa Award for Peace' and have delivered speeches on various global stages, including TEDx, embassies, and government institutions around the world. What meaning does the exploration and photographic documentation of wildlife hold in your life?

A. Exploring and documenting wildlife through photography holds profound meaning in my life. It’s not just about capturing beautiful images—it’s about giving a voice to creatures and ecosystems that cannot speak for themselves. My work allows me to bridge the gap between the wild and human society, raising awareness and inspiring others to respect and protect our natural world.

Receiving honours like the Mother Teresa Award for Peace and speaking on global stages has reinforced my belief that art and storytelling can drive change. For me, wildlife photography is a calling—a way to serve both nature and humanity by fostering understanding, compassion, and a sense of shared responsibility for the planet we all call home.

Q4. If there are future art exhibitions by Korean artists in Dubai, we would like to invite you as a guest speaker. Would you be willing to share your journey in photography and your artistic works?

A. Yes, I would be honoured to participate as a guest speaker at future art exhibitions by Korean artists in Dubai. As a proud Emirati woman, I am committed to sharing my journey in photography and artistic works with a broader audience, and I look forward to contributing meaningfully to such events.

Q5. You are also an active member of Lions International, a global volunteer organisation. Could you tell us more about your specific activities within the club?

A. As an active member of Lions International, I participate in social service projects supporting communities in need and promoting well-being. In the near future, I hope to connect with fellow Lions members from other countries to collaborate and make a greater impact on a global level.

Q6. As an artist, is there a message you would like to share with students and young people who are pursuing their passion and striving for success?

A. As an artist, my message to students and young people is to stay true to your passion and never underestimate the value of your unique voice. The path may be challenging, but dedication, patience, and resilience will lead you forward. Believe in your vision, keep learning, and remember that success is not just about recognition, but about the positive impact you create through your work.