Nature Reborn- From Desert to Oasis in Kuwait’s First Private Wildlife Sanctuary

Shabeeb Mubarak Al-Ajmi 

About 50 kilometers southwest of Kuwait City, in the heart of a stark desert, lies a remarkable sanctuary often regarded as the country’s first private nature reserve. Here, gazelles and the iconic Arabian oryx roam freely across a landscape slowly transformed into a lush haven. This oasis of life is the vision of environmental activist Shabeeb Mubarak Al-Ajmi, who over the past four years has devoted himself to collecting, cultivating, and preserving a diverse array of plant species. What was once barren sand is now a thriving, sustainable ecosystem, with over 27 plant species—including 14 native to Kuwait—creating a vibrant backdrop that comes alive in the spring.

Arabian oryx in the reserve.

Al-Ajmi described the antelopes’ lives with warmth and care: they are fed clover and fodder, reproduce naturally every eight months, and thrive without human interference—a testament to the reserve’s balanced habitat. He likens his bond with the animals to that of a father with his children, yet he is ready to release them into official reserves under the Environment Public Authority to support ecotourism. Speaking of the Arabian oryx, he takes pride in maintaining purebred animals and emphasizes Kuwait’s pivotal role in protecting the species, honoring the legacy of the late Sheikh Jaber Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah, a pioneer in international oryx conservation.

Al-Ajmi and a staff worker tending to gazelles.

Looking ahead, Al-Ajmi hopes the project will gain official backing to further Kuwait’s environmental objectives and raise public awareness. He stresses that the sanctuary’s success is a collective effort, supported by the volunteer group “Our Environment,” which aims to turn the reserve into a scientific and educational hub. Through research programs, workshops, and awareness courses, the site welcomes students, researchers, and environmental enthusiasts, nurturing a generation attuned to sustainability. Beyond being a refuge for wildlife, the reserve demonstrates how dedication, patience, and love for nature can transform even the harshest desert into a thriving ecosystem—sending a powerful message that life can flourish wherever care and vision are applied.