Blogs
That’s a wrap…for now!
We concluded yet another successful filming phase capturing some truly inspirational stories across the Sultanate of Oman. We filmed stories for both The Incredible Empty Quarter and The Amazing Arabian Coastlands films.
Now it back to planning the next section of filming!
PRODUCER TEAM
Maisa Al Hooti
Oman Infocus
Executive Producer
Maisa is a leading Omani film producer, focusing on underwater photography and wildlife films. She has produced a series of projects and documentaries illustrating the beauty and diversity of Oman. Having established herself as a leading professional in the region with a world wide recognition, she also participated in many professional events, receiving awards and recognitions.
Mike Slee
Picture Projects/UNTAMED Ltd
Producer/ Writer/ Director
Mike loves memorable stories that bring humans and animals together in amazing places. His films have been BAFTA & OSCAR shortlisted, won Emmys and 3 Wildscreen Pandas. His feature ‘Flight of the Butterflies’ won a 7-category clean slate in the Giant Screen Cinema Awards and became a global phenomenon in 3D cinemas.
Anel Rademeyer
Producer
Anel is a international film and TV producer who is also recognized for her camera and drone work, in addition to her extensive production experience.
Her creative flair and strategic mindset makes her a valuable asset in all aspects of production. Anel has established herself as a specialized producer in the GCC region, actively participating in various documentary, feature film, and TV projects from all over the world.
The Generosity of
the Desert
Ash Sharqiya sands holds a treasure trove of history, culture and adventure.
Many Bedouin tribes conserve their traditional roots passing on their knowledge to the new generations. Our production team had an incredible time exploring the area and hearing stories of the past from local elders.
The months leading up to our visit had seen unprecedentedly high rainfall, which lead to incredible amounts of greenery growing in the desert.
A spectacular sight indeed!
Turtle Commandos
All around us, passionate and brilliant individuals are dedicated to fostering positive environmental change. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) reports that the rate at which the world’s wildlife is disappearing is up to 10,000 times faster than the natural extinction rate. Thus, it is crucial for us to embody the change we wish to see in the world and actively contribute to the protection of our precious wildlife.
DID YOU KNOW..
The sex of a turtle is determined by the temperature of the eggs during incubation, a process known as temperature-dependent sex determination.
Studies indicate that if turtle eggs are incubated at temperatures below 27.7° Celsius, the resulting hatchlings will be male. Conversely, if the incubation temperature exceeds 31° Celsius, the hatchlings will be female. Fluctuating temperatures between these two extremes will yield a combination of both male and female baby turtles.
Climate change has the potential to raise sand temperatures, leading to a higher production of females than males, which disrupts the natural sex ratios or can even lethal incubation conditions, which would impact turtle species
SPONSOR FOCUS
One of Environment Authority’s great community involvement initiatives is Turtle Commandos.
The aim of this initiative is to educate the public about the impact of human activity on hatching turtles. Factors such as litter on beaches and light pollution pose a very real threat to hatchling turtles as they try to make their way to the sea.
Light pollution from nearby towns interferes with their sense of direction while littered beaches prove hazardous for the young hatchlings as they must navigate through these unnecessary and dangerous obstacles.
Turtle Commandos is spearheaded by Manar Al Riyami, who started the initiative during the Covid Pandemic. As local tourism saw an increase in visits to popular turtle nesting sites, it became apparent that action needs to be taken to preserve the future of these already endangered species.
TALE OF A LOST CITY
UBAR
Exploring the mysteries of the Empty Quarter! One of the most fascinating sites we filmed is The Lost City of Ubar in Shisr, Dhofar. This ancient trade hub for frankincense and spices is surrounded by incredible history, just like Khor Rori and Al Baleed Village. Filming here was an adventure—think bats, a sandstorm, and the modern ways of the Bedouin!
UBAR
Sooty Falcon Survey
The first systematic survey of the Sooty Falcon’s breeding population occurred in Oman in 1978.
This species breeds in the hot summer months, utilizing the influx of migratory birds. After breeding, Sooty Falcons migrate thousands of kilometers to Madagascar and East Africa, showcasing their resilience and adaptability in various ecological landscapes.
SPONSOR fOCUS
We are delighted to welcome Oman Air as our official Oman carrier. We are even more excited that the partnership is aligning with our sustainability goals to reduce, reuse and recycle.
Oman Air is enhancing its eco-friendly efforts by using sustainable materials and reducing waste, saving approximately 21.6 tonnes of plastic in 2023 by switching to paper-based alternatives and managing water consumption more efficiently. Initiatives include redesigning Economy Class earphone packaging to eliminate 6.48 tonnes of
non-recyclable waste annually, conserving resources. Oman Air emphasises their commitment to reducing air travel’s environmental impact while ensuring passenger comfort. Additionally, Oman Air Catering partnered with the Oman Food Bank to tackle food waste and provide aid to those in need.
Oman Air recently launched an on-board recycling collection drive where they encourage guests to throw their loose plastic into a special marked bag. This initiative raises awareness while ensuring plastic waste doesn’t end up in a landfill!
Surveying the Sooty Falcons.
The Daymaniyat Islands serve as vital nesting grounds for the Sooty Falcon. Each year, these migratory raptors stop in Oman to breed and care for their young.
The Environment Authority has been diligently tracking the population numbers and migration patterns of the Sooty Falcon. By assessing the number of breeding pairs, tagging the birds, and equipping them with tracking devices, both local and international experts work together to monitor the falcon population, aiming to safeguard this species and its surrounding ecosystems.
As part of our film project, the Arabia Untamed team collaborated with the Environment Authority and international researchers during their annual survey on Daymaniyat Island. We captured some incredible moments showcasing the dedication of the rangers and the adorable young Sooty Falcons.
Filming these young Sooty Falcons is an extraordinary experience, offering a unique glimpse into the early life stages of these magnificent birds.
DID YOU
KNOW?
The first systematic survey of the Sooty Falcon’s breeding population occurred in Oman in 1978.
This species breeds in the hot summer months, utilizing the influx of migratory birds. After breeding, Sooty Falcons migrate thousands of kilometers to Madagascar and East Africa, showcasing their resilience and adaptability in various ecological landscapes.
