Born by the sea in Alexandria, Abdulaziz Ali has a deep connection to the ocean. As a child, he spent his days playing in the waves and relaxing on the beach, often visiting the docks to see his father, a marine vessel engineer. This early exposure not only sparked his curiosity about the mysteries beneath the surface but also created a bond with nature that ignited his conservation journey.

We all have an Aziz in our office; someone you can count on for nearly anything. No task is too big or too small, and he’s willing to move mountains for his colleagues and family.  A hard worker, he prefers to stay humble and out of the limelight, so the only way to truly get to know Aziz, was to ask his 16-year old son, Yamen.  This is Aziz’s story told from Yamens perspective.

Yamen:  Where did your love for conservation come from?

Aziz:  Living so close to the beach, I was always out and about exploring as a child.  I was fascinated with fish and other creatures that called the sea home.  But conservation was not my first choice, and I went on to graduate with a degree in commerce.  I had an opportunity to come to the UAE and ended up working with Al Ain Zoo.  Once you get involved with conservation, it’s hard to think of another industry.

YA:  That’s true, I hear many people saying that.  When did you start at the Fund?

AA:  I started with the MBZ Fund back in 2009.  We were only a handful of people and worked from a small office. We had a big goal of becoming a conservation funder, but had no formal licenses etc. My first job was to arrange the founding license which meant I would be running between government offices and submitting and reviewing documents. It was a hectic time, but looking back it was a fun time, and I learnt a lot.

YA:  Can you take me through a typical day?

AA: As an Administrative Coordinator, my role is dynamic and multi-faceted. I oversee the smooth running of our daily operations, coordinating logistics, handling official documentation, and liaising with government offices to ensure everything is in order for our team. I hold a bachelor’s degree in commerce, and for the past two years, I’ve been increasingly involved in accounting, a field I deeply admire due to my love for numbers.

In addition to my work in administration and finance, I also manage procurement, reviewing quotes, sourcing equipment and services, negotiating with vendors, and ensuring we get the best value for money. I take pride in being detail-oriented and cost-conscious, always looking out for the team’s needs. I also support the office with IT-related tasks, from troubleshooting technical issues to coordinating basic setup and maintenance. It’s a demanding role that requires adaptability, focus, and trust, and I’m proud to be the person others rely on to keep everything running smoothly.

YA:  I was going to ask you; do you have any hobbies?

AA: Yes, absolutely. I’m a huge fan of fitness. I try to exercise every day, whether it’s hitting the gym or walking in the evening. It clears my mind and keeps me sharp. I also enjoy reading, especially biographies or inspirational stories. And believe it or not, I sometimes write down little thoughts and memories in a notebook. It’s not poetry or anything fancy, just reflections and things I never want to forget. I also love spending time with my friends, and the highlight of my day is that call home to my family.

YA:  I’m soo glad we are still your number 1 priority.  What is your proudest moment?

AA:  The birth of you and your brother without a doubt is the proudest moment of my life, but in a work context it was our involvement and my role at COP 28 that took place in Dubai during 2024.    I was part of the logistics team that assisted with United Nations High Level Champ for Nature, Her Excellency Razan Al Mubarak.  She is also the Fund’s Managing Director and at COP 28, most of the MBZ Fund team got roped in to assist.   My role was very much that of chaperone.  She had an incredibly busy schedule, and I was tasked to meet her every day and escort her to her daily obligations. I needed to do proper research with the team to review the shortest routes, emergency exits and memorizing times to ensure she never missed a meeting.  It was 7 really busy days, but I enjoyed the rush and responsibility.

YA:  Wow, that sounds exciting.  What about an experience on the opposite end?

AA:  One particular experience springs to mind.  In February 2019, during a work trip to Bali where the Fund conducted a workshop for the project we supported to project dugongs and their seagrass habitats. The workshop brought together participants from eight different countries.

On one of the days, a participant from a non-Asian country seemed unwell.  He didn’t seem to know anyone personally, and nobody had noticed him struggling. I approached him, spoke to him briefly, and realized his condition was getting worse and immediately took him to the hospital.  It was tough due to the language barrier, but in our own way, we communicated with the doctors and nurses at the hospital.  They admitted him immediately and I decided to stay and help as much as possible.  I decided to stay the night and made sure he ate.  The next day the doctors assured me he was better and could be discharged.  It was a really scare situation and the thanks and gratitude I received from the gentleman made it all worthwhile.  We still speak to each other very often.  This is one moment where strangers become friends and friends become family.

YA:  That’s a beautiful story.  Nothing in life replaces caring and compassion.  Well done dad.

YA:  What about a funny experience during your time at the Fund?

AA:  Oh, there’s one that still makes everyone laugh, and it happened during COP28. As you know, Expo City is huge, and during those long days supporting Her Excellency Razan Al Mubarak, I was constantly on my feet, walking, running, and crossing massive distances between pavilions and halls.

At some point, after hours of non-stop movement, my shoe literally gave out on me. The sole tore, and it became impossible to walk properly. I couldn’t walk with it, couldn’t walk without it, and of course, there was no nearby store in sight to grab a new one.

I remembered that my colleague Azhar was on her way and immediately messaged her and asked to bring an extra pair of formal shoes.  Thanks to her I was able to switch out the broken pair and finish the evening shift looking sharp and walking straight until 10 PM!

We still laugh about it today. At COP28, some were saving species… and some were saving shoes. Either way, teamwork at its best!

YA:  You have been in the UAE for a long time now.  What does the UAE mean to you?

AA:  I’ve lived half my life in Egypt, and the other half in the UAE.  Egypt is, without question, my homeland, the land where I was born and where my roots are.  But the UAE is the one that embraced me, nurtured me, and shaped the person I am today.  I feel at home here, not only because as a Muslim we share the same religion, but it also provides for my family, offers security and a sense of belonging

Not once did I feel like a stranger here. From the very first day, I felt at home. I never had to raise my voice to prove my worth. I was never treated as an outsider. Even my friends abroad often speak of discrimination, of feeling like outsiders, of being judged by the passport they hold. But here in the UAE, we stand as equals.

YA:  What’s next for you?

AA:  I dream of writing a book to document all my experiences throughout the years.  Nothing too formal, but short, real stories.  Stories with meaning, with laughter, with friendship and with some of the amazing species I’ve interacted with.  Almost like a detailed diary of my life.  Not to sell and make a profit, but just a safe keep for you and your generation to remember me by.

YA:  That’s a great idea. If you have to give it a name, what would it be?

AA:  I would call it “Stories from the Shadows.” Because that’s how I’ve lived my life, quietly, behind the scenes, but always with purpose.

YA:   What are you most proud of after all these years?

AA:  I’m proud that I was part of a long journey. I wasn’t the only hero of the story, but I was one of its pillars.  I’m proud that I never hesitated to help anyone, that I never caused conflict with anyone, and that I maintained my good reputation, even in difficult moments. I’m also proud that today, you sit in front of me asking these questions.  Because my greatest achievement isn’t at work, but the fact that I left a mark in your heart, one strong enough to make you want to write about me.

YA: Today I see you for who you really are, not just my father, but someone who means more than most people know. You’re my role model. My inspiration.