The Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO) and Discovery Channel today held a media screening of Wild Dubai, a new one-off documentary that examines the diverse array of wildlife that Dubai is home to.

The documentary, the product of a collaboration between GDMO and Discovery Channel, reveals that the global metropolis is a natural home for a range of unique animal species. The unique 45-minute film will premiere in the Middle East exclusively on OSN on 9 October.

Director General of the Government of Dubai Media Office Her Excellency Mona Al Marri said: “We are very happy to have collaborated with Discovery Channel to make this project a reality. The Government of Dubai Media Office is seeking to tell global audiences ‘untold stories’ about Dubai – ranging from its culture and its economic dynamism to its biodiversity. ‘Wild Dubai’ explores a lesser known side of Dubai – its diverse array of wildlife. Preserving the nation’s biodiversity is a key part of the environmental vision of Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. I hope this documentary will inspire more people to explore this unique aspect of the emirate.”

Media Services Director at the Government of Dubai Media Office Salem Belyouha said that the documentary aims to highlight a key aspect of Dubai’s vision for the future – the environment. The environment is a key part of the government’s strategy for sustainable development. He also said that the media tends to focus on the business and economic development side of Dubai’s success story with the result that the environmental aspect may be lesser known.  Belyouha said that Discovery Channel was selected as a partner due to its substantial track-record in producing and broadcasting documentaries.

“I would like to thank Her Excellency Mona Al Marri and the Government of Dubai Media Office for collaborating with us to bring this documentary to life. This documentary reflects Discovery Channel’s commitment to telling stories of people and places from all over the world that make our planet extraordinary. ‘Wild Dubai’ is a unique documentary that unravels a new side of Dubai and compels us to look at the emirate from the perspective of its natural ecosystems,” said Amanda Turnbull, Vice President & General Manager, Discovery Middle East and Africa.  

Creative Production Manager, Production and Media Services, at the Government of Dubai Media Office Moath Yaqoub bin Hafez said that cutting-edge videography technologies were used in the production of the documentary including 4K cameras, adding that the production of the documentary was completed in a year. The production team was extremely proficient in managing all the challenges in covering the entire diversity of wildlife in Dubai.

Wild Dubai explores the vast – often hidden – wildlife of the largest city in the United Arab Emirates, as it journeys through the traditions of camel racing and falconry, reflecting the impact of heritage on the commitment to protect the wider environment and its wildlife. The documentary uncovers an array of unexpected – often hidden – species, such as the Arabian horned viper, flamingos, scorpions and mice, as the documentary takes viewers beyond the city limits and into the homes of these captivating creatures.

Apart from OSN, Wild Dubai will also air internationally in several markets across Europe, Africa and Asia on Discovery’s network of channels, following the Middle East premiere.

Wild Dubai will premiere on Discovery Channel, exclusively on OSN channel 500, and on OSN Play and On Demand for catch-up viewing. More details will be revealed soon.

Viewers can also follow the action on Discovery’s
Facebook @DiscoveryChannelArabia.
For more information please visit
www.discovery.com.