
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Founder
Before assuming the UAE presidency in May 2022, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a diverse portfolio of policy, legislative, and economic responsibilities in Abu Dhabi and the UAE. As the Crown Prince of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, he served as the Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, playing a pivotal role in guiding government policy and legislation.
The environment is one of Sheikh Mohamed’s highest priorities, from a policy and a personal perspective. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, and has led significant conservation efforts to protect the falcon, houbara bustard and Arabian oryx within the UAE and internationally. In January 2008, His Highness announced the Abu Dhabi Government would contribute US$15 billion to Masdar, the global standard-setting alternative and renewable energy initiative based in Abu Dhabi, and developer of the world’s first carbon-neutral, zero waste city.
“As stewards of the Earth, it is our duty to protect these majestic rulers of the skies. Let us heed their call, for in their wings lies the resilience of our planet’s biodiversity.”
HH Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Dr. Munir Virani
Chief Operating Officer
Dr. Munir Virani is a globally recognized leader in raptor research and conservation with over 25 years of experience. Born in Nairobi, Kenya, he now serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the Mohamed Bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund. Under his leadership, the Fund has launched impactful projects like mitigating 27,000 power poles in Mongolia to protect raptors. A former Executive Vice President at The Peregrine Fund, Dr. Virani has significantly contributed to bird of prey conservation across four continents. An award-winning filmmaker and speaker, his work has inspired conservation efforts worldwide.
Dr. Andrew Dixon
Director of Science & Conservation
Dr. Andrew Dixon is a distinguished wildlife conservationist focused on birds. After earning a PhD in Zoology from the University of Leicester, he studied bird behavior through DNA fingerprinting. He has taught Environmental Science and conducted research on Peregrines. Andrew has 91 publications in conservation, ecology, and biodiversity. He currently leads projects at MBZRCF, including the successful Mongolia initiative, and is passionate about raptor conservation.
Haroon Mohammad
Accountant
Haroon Mohammad Abbas has over 14 years of extensive experience in the United Arab Emirates. He plays a crucial role in financial reporting, managing payments, and liaising with bank and auditors. His previous roles include positions as a Treasury Analyst at Abu Dhabi Capital Group and Al Dahra, and as a Management Accountant at Schlumberger (Oil and Gas company). Throughout his career, Haroon has consistently demonstrated a strong capacity for automating financial processes, enhancing reporting accuracy, and ensuring compliance with organizational policies. He has a strong passion about raptors.