When a gazelle stands still in the open desert as the temperature hits 48°C, something is wrong. Mohammed Salem Al Muhairbi, 47, has spent decades in the wild and knew right away that this animal wasn't just wary-it couldn't run. He spotted the gazelle in Saih Al Salam near Al Qudra Lakes around July 17. The animal's behavior, confirmed by regional media and Madhyamam, pointed to the harsh reality for wildlife during Dubai's extreme summer.
Al Muhairbi watched the gazelle for a while. Its breathing was fast and strained, and it struggled to move. He didn't want to push it into exhaustion, so he backed off and waited half an hour before trying again. When he approached, he did so carefully, knowing the risks of handling wild animals in the heat. He called a veterinarian for advice, then restrained and sedated the gazelle to avoid further harm before taking it for treatment. The vet found a leg injury and severe dehydration. Over two weeks, the animal received fluids and medication, slowly regained its strength, and was released at the same spot where it was found. This follows the advice of the Dubai Municipality Animal Care and Welfare Centre and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, who urge people to keep their distance, note the location, and call official hotlines (800900 for Dubai Municipality, 8003050 for the Ministry) if they find injured wildlife, as reported by Khaleej Times.
Returning a male gazelle to its original territory is important. Moving it elsewhere, especially where other males live, can lead to fights-something a recovering animal can't handle. This careful approach matches the UAE's broader efforts to protect wildlife, with rescue programs like Abu Dhabi's Wildlife Rescue (800 500 054) and city-level hotlines across the Emirates.
Al Muhairbi warns that trying to help wild gazelles or Arabian oryx without experience can be dangerous for both people and animals. Male gazelles have horns and can react unpredictably when scared. Mishandling can cause serious injury or even kill the animal from stress. He urges anyone who finds an injured wild animal to call professionals instead of intervening. The Abu Dhabi Media Office has also highlighted the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center, which has rescued over 800 animals since 2023 and operates around the clock to support the UAE's wildlife protection work.
This wasn't Al Muhairbi's first encounter with wildlife in trouble. Once, he found an Arabian oryx caught in a wire fence, but it had died just before he arrived. He's been visiting Saih Al Salam for 25 years, a habit he started with his father half a century ago. Even after his father's death, he still goes every week, tending to the same tree his father used to rest under.
His weekly visits aren't just about memories. He regularly picks up rubbish left by visitors in remote areas, hauling it out in his specially equipped vehicle. He also speaks to drivers whose noisy vehicles disturb wildlife, asking them to keep their distance from gazelles and oryx. His actions reflect a wider effort in Dubai, where technology and public involvement are increasingly used to protect the environment, as reported earlier in the city's use of AI for environmental monitoring.
Al Muhairbi's story shows that Dubai's rapid growth exists alongside fragile desert ecosystems. His practical, patient approach offers a model for others who come across animals in distress. In a city where the desert is always close, protecting its wildlife takes more than good intentions-it requires knowledge, restraint, and responsible action. The UAE's ongoing investment in environmental protection, regularly highlighted by Emirates News Agency (WAM) and the Dubai Media Office, shows the country's commitment to balancing development with care for its unique natural heritage.
