The Arabian caracal has been rediscovered in Wadi Wurayah National Park, a protected mountainous area managed by the Fujairah Environment Authority.
The species, listed as critically endangered on the UAE National Red List, was seen on motion-sensor cameras by conservationists working in the emirate.
It is the third high-profile sighting since 2019, when the rare cat was spotted on Jebel Hafeet for the first time in 35 years. It was also seen near Wadi Shees in March 2023, with the latest sighting offering new hope for its long-term survival.
Each sighting provides critical data to assess the species’ status, protect its fragile habitats and guide strategies to ensure its survival, conservationists say.
What is the Arabian caracal?
The cat is recognisable by its striking black ear tufts and powerful build. It is an apex predator that keeps mountain ecosystems in balance by regulating populations of prey species. There are thought to be fewer than 250 mature Arabian caracals in the wild.
The cat is nocturnal, highly territorial and prefers solitude. Historically, caracals were trained in the Gulf and India for hunting birds.
How was this cat spotted?
Photos of the wildcat were captured on motion-sensor trail cameras installed in Wadi Wurayah. The cameras are triggered by movement, operating night and day using infrared light.
“The rediscovery of the Arabian caracal in Wadi Wurayah is a powerful reminder of the park’s role as a refuge for rare and threatened species,” said Dr Al Hassan Alhamoudi, director of the biodiversity and natural resources department at Fujairah Environment Authority.
Dr Andrew Gardner, director of biodiversity conservation at Emirates Nature-WWF, added: “Protecting this wildcat is a priority, not only because of its vital role in balancing ecosystems, but also because it carries cultural value and potential as a flagship for eco-tourism in the region.”
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The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
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Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Samaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
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Despite the extreme distance, flying to Fairbanks is relatively simple, requiring just one transfer in Seattle, which can be reached directly from Dubai with Emirates for Dh6,800 return.
Touring
Gondwana Ecotours’ seven-day Polar Bear Adventure starts in Fairbanks in central Alaska before visiting Kaktovik and Utqiarvik on the North Slope. Polar bear viewing is highly likely in Kaktovik, with up to five two-hour boat tours included. Prices start from Dh11,500 per person, with all local flights, meals and accommodation included; gondwanaecotours.com
Rocketman
Director: Dexter Fletcher
Starring: Taron Egerton, Richard Madden, Jamie Bell
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
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About Tenderd
Started: May 2018
Founder: Arjun Mohan
Based: Dubai
Size: 23 employees
Funding: Raised $5.8m in a seed fund round in December 2018. Backers include Y Combinator, Beco Capital, Venturesouq, Paul Graham, Peter Thiel, Paul Buchheit, Justin Mateen, Matt Mickiewicz, SOMA, Dynamo and Global Founders Capital
The biog
Name: Younis Al Balooshi
Nationality: Emirati
Education: Doctorate degree in forensic medicine at the University of Bonn
Hobbies: Drawing and reading books about graphic design
Cryopreservation: A timeline
- Keyhole surgery under general anaesthetic
- Ovarian tissue surgically removed
- Tissue processed in a high-tech facility
- Tissue re-implanted at a time of the patient’s choosing
- Full hormone production regained within 4-6 months
