Inside UAE Desert Wildlife: How One Artist Explores the Lives of Rare Gazelles, Scorpions, and More

“The greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it,” Roald Dahl once wrote and that quote perfectly captures the spirit of Miles Critchley-Hope, a postgraduate student at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, whose passion for the UAE’s desert wildlife has evolved into an inspiring artistic and scientific journey.

Speaking with Miles, his enthusiasm for nature is contagious. As he recounts his fieldwork under the scorching desert sun observing elusive gazelles, scorpions, and other creatures that thrive in the UAE’s arid landscapes you can sense that he has found something truly magical in his pursuit of understanding and portraying desert life.

From Somerset to the Sands of the UAE

Originally from the peaceful countryside of Somerset, United Kingdom, Miles was always surrounded by nature. “It was just so green, overlooked by hills. I spent a lot of time outdoors, and there was so much beauty,” he shares. That early exposure to nature shaped his curiosity and appreciation for ecosystems a fascination that eventually brought him to the Middle East.

Now based in Abu Dhabi, Miles combines his background in art and environmental studies to create work that highlights the fragility and wonder of the UAE’s desert ecosystems. Through sketches, photography, and mixed-media installations, he captures both the scientific precision and emotional depth of desert wildlife from the swift grace of Arabian gazelles to the intricate movements of scorpions and beetles.

His research and creative projects underscore a vital message: that beauty can thrive in even the harshest environments, and that understanding these resilient creatures is essential to preserving the UAE’s natural heritage.

As the country continues to balance urban growth with conservation, artists and researchers like Miles serve as a reminder that the desert still holds secrets worth exploring and that magic, indeed, exists for those who take the time to look.