Engineer and architect Suaad Al Suwaidi didn't earn the title of the first Emirati woman wildlife photographer without challenges. Her journey involved relinquishing a deep passion and opting instead for her exceptional talent in capturing wildlife across tough landscapes, from Africa's regal lions to India's elusive snow leopards.

It's a common assumption that a wildlife photographer might hail from a family of animal enthusiasts or fellow photographers, or be inspired by a relative or friend immersed in the wild. Suaad's story, however, defies these expectations. Raised in Louisiana, USA from age two, her childhood was filled with laughter, play, and diverse friendships. This exposure to various cultures has made her feel at home wherever she travels.

Suaad's initial fear of animals transformed into a profound love. Despite a sheltered childhood, she pursued Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania, fulfilling her mother's wish rather than her own. It was during this period that she discovered her passion for photography, initially capturing birds along the Schuylkill river in Philadelphia. These early photos, taken with a Kodak disposable and a Sony camera, inadvertently marked her as the first Emirati woman to photograph wildlife, a feat now documented in the UAE Encyclopedia.

Post-graduation, Suaad followed her heart into architecture at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, where she excelled and received numerous accolades. Returning to Abu Dhabi, she worked on various projects but found her qualifications often exceeded job requirements. Motivated by her mother, who had experienced a divorce, Suaad decided in 2019 to abandon architecture for full-time photography, coinciding with her recognition as the first Emirati Woman Wildlife Photographer.

Her transition to wildlife photography was marked by a significant event in 2019 while photographing in an African forest, where her presence as an Emirati woman caught attention. This led to media coverage, TedX talks, and awards. Suaad's work aims to highlight the emotional lives of animals, advocating against captivity. She believes her mission is to document the lion, emphasizing the importance of wildlife awareness for the planet's health.

Suaad's experiences have taught her empathy, reminding us that hardships are not exclusive to humans.