Faris Abdullah Ismail Al-Juhani, a 30-year-old ranger team leader, grew up in Duba, a coastal town within Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve. From an early age, Faris spent time on his family’s farm, helping his father care for sheep and camels. What began as quiet moments spent learning about animals turned into a lifelong connection to nature. Today, Faris uses that experience to protect Saudi Arabia’s wild heritage as part of the Reserve’s rewilding program.
Faris earned a degree in Special Education from Tabuk University and began his career at Duba Port, where he supervised marine operations. But his passion for animals and the land eventually led him to the Reserve, where he joined the ranger program in 2022.
“Since I was a child, I loved helping my father with the animals. It wasn’t work to me; it was a way to connect with nature and learn from my family,” Faris recalls.
Faris is now a key figure in the Reserve’s efforts to restore ecosystems and reintroduce endangered species. His experience caring for livestock gave him the practical skills needed to monitor and care for wild animals like oryx, ibex, and gazelles. He leads a growing team of rangers, providing hands-on care and overseeing the breeding and release programs essential to rewilding.