About Us
Our Vision
Connect with Nature was developed through a founding partnership between Emirates Nature-WWF and the Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi (EAD). The programme aims to reconnect individuals and youth with nature through experiences and activities, equip them with knowledge and skills to make informed decisions, and to become leaders of the community in creating a sustainable future.
Connect with Nature offers a transformational journey that shapes how people value and prioritise nature – one that captivates minds, touches hearts, and inspires meaningful action. Built around four strategic pillars of engagement – Reach, Explore, Impact, and Lead – the programme introduces participants to the importance of conservation, invites them to re-wild and experience the UAE’s unique natural heritage, and encourages them to take action for nature through volunteering and citizen science. Along the way, they gain knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills to drive positive impact as changemakers in their communities.
Our co-founding partners
About Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) was established in 1996 to preserve Abu Dhabi’s natural heritage, protect our future, and raise awareness about environmental issues. EAD is Abu Dhabi’s environmental regulator and advises the government on environmental policy. It works to create sustainable communities and protect and conserve wildlife and natural resources. EAD also works to ensure integrated and sustainable water resources management, to ensure clean air and minimise climate change and its impacts.
To strengthen public engagement, EAD developed naha – a digital platform that brings together the UAE’s environmental initiatives in one interactive space. Designed to inform, engage, and connect, naha enables users to discover clean-up events, citizen science programmes, awareness sessions, and environmental events.
Through naha, users can track their participation, learn more about key environmental topics, and stay up to date with initiatives like Connect with Nature, the Sustainable Schools Initiative, and more. Whether you're a student, educator, or community member, naha serves as a gateway to becoming an active part of the UAE’s environmental movement.
About Emirates Nature-WWF
Emirates Nature-WWF is an environmental NGO established to conserve the United Arab Emirates’ natural heritage and build a future where people and nature thrive. The organization was founded in 2001 by our Honorary Founder and President, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Governing Board of the Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi – inspired by the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed.
For over two decades, Emirates Nature-WWF has been a prominent and active partner in designing, implementing and scaling up science-driven conservation across the MENA region. We work in association with WWF, one of the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organizations.
As a charity with a federal mandate, Emirates Nature-WWF places local communities at the heart of every initiative. Through the Leaders of Change programme, we engage civil society, government entities, and businesses in hands-on conservation, supporting the UAE's sustainability agenda. With roots firmly planted in the UAE, Emirates Nature-WWF also operates as a global platform that catalyzes action for climate resilience and environmental protection, delivering lasting impact for both people and planet.
Meet the Connect with Nature team
Arabella Willing
Head of Community Outreach and Citizen Science, Emirates Nature-WWF
Arabella brings the vision – guiding Connect with Nature with purpose and heart. From shaping the big picture to unlocking new possibilities, she ensures that every initiative inspires meaningful, lasting impact. With a deep-rooted passion for people and planet, Arabella champions inclusive engagement that empowers communities to take ownership of conservation and climate action.
Nourhan Mokahal
Project Manager, Conservation Outreach, Emirates Nature-WWF
Nourhan oversees the implementation of the program’s strategy, bridging vision and delivery to empower youth and communities to take meaningful action. With purpose and passion, she ensures that every experience, partnership, and initiative contributes to a growing movement for environmental stewardship in the UAE.
Fayaz Anwar
Project Officer, Conservation Outreach, Emirates Nature-WWF
A former Connect with Nature Ambassador turned team lead, Fayaz now drives the program from within. He leads on Work Experience, the Educational Toolkit, Community Leader development, and Reporting & Impact – transforming ideas into meaningful action and measurable impact.
Rama Kaysoon
Senior Project Coordinator, Conservation Outreach, Emirates Nature-WWF
Rama supports marine conservation through Connect with Nature, focusing on turtles, mangroves, and citizen science. She develops educational field guides and hands-on content that make conservation accessible and engaging – turning learning into meaningful action for nature.
Lama El Samad
Project Administrator, Conservation Outreach, Emirates Nature-WWF
Lama is the operational backbone of Connect with Nature. She leads the Litter Research initiative and plays a key role supporting youth events and the Work Experience program. Lama ensures seamless coordination across teams and keeps everything moving forward with a rare blend of precision and creativity.
Fatima Alhemeiri
Analyst – Communications and Events Management, Environmental Information, Science, and Outreach Management, EAD
Through Connect with Nature, Fatima supports the next generation of sustainability champions – engaging youth and communities to take action for the environment. At EAD, she plays a key role in developing naha, a platform that inspires environmental action through rewards and behaviour change.