In the UAE, retired police officer Youssef Abdul Karim Mohammed has become a dedicated desert rescuer after a friend's tragic death in the unforgiving terrain of Al Ain’s desert. Starting as a one-man operation in 2018, Mohammed formed the Al Ain Desert Rescue Team, now a specialized 20-member unit trained to handle desert rescues and rapid responses.
Equipped with advanced emergency tools and vehicles, the team not only assists stranded individuals but also responds to national emergencies like flash floods and storms, as seen in Ras Al Khaimah and Al Ghadeer. Beyond rescue operations, the group undertakes regular desert clean-up drives as part of their "Al Ain Desert is Safe" initiative. The efforts have earned Mohammed and his team accolades, including the Sheikh Sultan Shield, underscoring their dedication to community safety and environmental stewardship. “Our mission goes beyond rescue; it’s about making the desert a safer place for all,” Mohammed emphasizes. Their work continues to inspire similar initiatives across the UAE, transforming the desert into a safer space while preserving its natural beauty.
