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Today is a family affair, which perfectly encapsulates the Fund’s philosophy. Meet 13-year-old Mahra Al Mazrouei, a close relative of Salima Raai, the first employee of the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund.

Mahra has a passion for animals, a curious mind, and a deep admiration for her favorite aunt and the vital work she has been doing to protect animals worldwide. In her eyes, Salima wears a superhero cape to work. Let’s find out more about her thoughts, inspirations and goals as she interviews Aunty Salima.

Mahra Al Mazrouei (MA):  I know you as Aunty Salima, but not everyone else is lucky enough to know you like I do. Could you share who you are and what amazing work you do?

Salima Raai (SR):  My name is Salima Mohamed Raai, a Moroccan who was born in a place called Dar Al Salam in an area filled with gardens, valleys and birds, I was very young, and my father was a photographer for Moroccan television at that time and he was taking me with him to shoots documenting about nature.  After that I spent my childhood between Morocco and the UAE, two places that shaped my love for nature and my sense of purpose. Each summer, I returned to Morocco and spend time on our family farm, surrounded by the natural beauty that first sparked my commitment to conservation. It’s a reminder of why this work is so close to my heart and why protecting our planet’s species is essential for future generations

I started my journey with MBZF in the same year that the Fund was established in 2009, now after 15 years in species conservation, I’m honoured to be the first employee at the Fund, I started as a Health and Safety Officer, Grant Processing Officer, and Project Coordinator.

In these roles, I manage grants for conservationists worldwide, people whose dedication and courage to protect vulnerable species inspire me daily. My work is about ensuring these passionate individuals and projects have the support they need to protect our planet’s biodiversity.

MA:  How did you become the first employee of the MBZF? Was it a dream job or a lucky opportunity?

SR:   It’s a story I still smile about. When the Fund was first established, they needed someone to help set up operations and bring their vision to life on the administrative side. At that time, I had just graduated and was exploring different career paths while helping my father with his businesses. I spent a year learning about production, directing, photography, and videography—skills that remain some of my favourite pastimes today. I also supported his other business, managing administrative work and gaining hands-on experience in organizational tasks.

As the year went on, I found myself wondering if perhaps my next steps lay in Morocco. But then, just when I felt ready for a new direction, an unexpected opportunity came along—a chance to be part of the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund. A wonderful leader saw my potential and gave me the opportunity, inviting me to join as the Fund’s very first employee. I was beyond excited, not only to take on this role but to be part of a mission so close to my heart from the very beginning. Watching the Fund grow and seeing the impact we’ve made over the years has been nothing short of inspiring. It truly feels like I was meant to be here, helping protect our planet’s incredible biodiversity.

MA:  What did you do before starting at MBZF?

SR:  Before joining the Fund, I spent much of my time alongside my father, who truly inspired my love for nature. Growing up, I watched him create documentaries on mangroves, turtles, and dugongs, with many projects at the Environmental Agency under his name. He always encouraged me to get involved in environmental initiatives, often taking me along on projects that are related to species conservation. Some of my earliest and most impactful experiences were volunteering in beach cleanups, where I felt the immediate, hands-on impact of restoring our natural spaces.

A particularly unforgettable moment was visiting the Falcon Hospital in Sweihan and the National Bird Research Centre, where my father filmed Abu Dhabi’s first documentary on migratory birds in 1996. He also created two remarkable films, Zayed, the First Environmentalist and Zayed, the First Falconer, which celebrated Sheikh Zayed’s commitment to conservation and beautifully connected the UAE’s environment which he was deeply passionate about. Witnessing his dedication to showcasing and preserving biodiversity gave me a profound understanding of the importance of conservation.

In addition to these field experiences, I was often involved in organizing events and helping others, discovering a passion for work that directly impacts both people and species. Conservation has always felt like a calling, and each of these experiences helped prepare me for the journey to start at the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund. Joining the Fund felt like a natural step, enabling me to channel my passion for protecting species on a much broader scale.

MA:  Was working with species always something you wanted to do?

SR:  Absolutely—animals have always held a special place in my heart. Growing up on a farm, I was surrounded by rabbits, cows, sheep, peacocks, and so many other animals. I learned from an early age that each creature has its own unique needs and beauty, and I loved seeing how each one was cared for in its own way.