The screening was followed by an introduction by local award winning film-maker, Jonathan Ali Khan, on The Shark Quest Arabia Initiative. This 2-part TV and awareness documentary project-in-progress aims to better understand the lack of information regarding Arabia's sharks and identify the problems affecting species populations. The audience were then treated to 2 promos for 'Arabia's Sharks – Life on the Edge' and 'Arabia's Whale Sharks – Gentle Nomads of the Arabian Sea', two wonderful films encouraging views to rethink their attitudes, and reconnect with their local marine life.

 

For further information about Shark Quest Arabia click here.

 

The evening's events were rounded off with a Q & A session with Jonathan Ali Khan and Reema (currently conducting her PhD on fisheries) with interesting topics raised such as the affect of controversy and sensitivity on the Arabian Sharks, increasing community understanding on the impact of fisheries on shark populations and the need for fishermen, trade organisations and consumers to work together to improve the current situation in the UAE.

 

The event was also a perfect chance to launch the Elasmobranch Protection Group UAE Facebook page.