About us
Meet the Team
At Discover Socotra we believe that sound and well-thought-out approaches to eco-tourism can be important drivers in the creation of livelihoods and contribute significantly to the preservation of natural and cultural heritage. This is especially true for places as economically under- privileged but rich in heritage as the Socotra Archipelago. Discover Socotra was founded, and is run, by an all but one team of Socotris with decades of experience in the travel, conservation of biodiversity and preservation of cultural heritage sectors, and with a whole-hearted love for Socotra and the the factors that make it so special.
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Come meet the team!
Co-founder and Director
Ali
AKA "The Environmentalist"
Ali began working in the Socotri travel industry when he was just a kid. As time went by, Ali developed a profound love for his island’s nature and culture, leading him to work with various large international organisations including the UN Environmental Programme, Birdlife International, OSME, UNESCO and the RSCN on a number of conservation, environmenta education and sustainable development projects. He is beloved by Socotris on every corner of the archipelago and has come to be seen as an essential asset in Socotri youth empowerment. Come meet Ali and let him regale you with interesting stories and fascinating facts of his beloved Socotra.
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Co-founder and Head of Operations
Ahmed
AKA "The Godfather"
Ahmed’s nickname derives from the combination of his wise, humble and caring demeanor and the turbo-charged logistical and problem-solving engine hidden within. When you’re with Ahmed, all is under control. Indeed, Ahmed is Discover Socotra’s logistical mastermind and, alongside his team, makes sure that the safety, comfort and fun levels of each trip are maintained to the highest degree possible.
Guide and Local Expert
A. Daerhi
AKA "The Researcher"
Ahmed grew up in a remote hamlet in the rugged Socotri mountains named D’arhu. From his pastoralist childhood, Ahmed always had a knack for academia and against all odds went on to complete a master’s degree in linguistics in Russia, with his thesis focusing on the extensive endemic oral tradition of his home island of Socotra. He is still an active researcher in the field of linguistics, and has co-authored a number of books on the Socotri oral tradition. During the off-season, Ahmed is also a lecturer in the English language at the Socotra Community College. And as if that’s not enough, he has worked in eco-tourism on Socotra for over 15 years.
Guide and Local Expert
Nizar
AKA "The Life Saver"
Nizar’s calm and endearing way of being is the outer layer of a person known by his peers as being of exceptional honesty, initiative and leadership. Nizar come’s from a background in social and human rights activism and has a beautiful way of incorporating aculture of helping and care into his guiding. In addition, Nizar has a deep-seated passion for history and culture, and especially that of his home island. He’s the guy that pulls out the most amazing stories around the campfire, or that can recount the minute details of Socotri historical events. All in all, an exceptional presence to have in any trip situation.
Logistics, Musician, Storyteller
Salim
AKA "The Bedouin"
Salem is a true Socotri Bedouin from the island’s remote interior and is the guy that puts all the pieces together. From organizing campsites, to catering to guest needs, and adding to the positive energy of the trip, Salim has got it covered. But that’s just the beginning. Where Salim’s true colours come out is when the music starts playing. A local musician, avid local poetry expert and pro storyteller, Salim is a one-stop shop for the Socotri oral tradition, in turn making him a must-have around any Socotri campfire.
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Head Field-chef and pillar of the DS family
Abo Hanan
AKA "Master Chef"
Where to get started with Abo Hanan? Maybe it’s his incessant smile and positive energy? Maybe it’s his superhuman ability of cooking a delicious meal on a fire, under a tree, on the top of a jagged mountain peak in the rain, or on a skiff bouncing on the waves? Or maybe it’s the fact that despite being in his 60s (maybe more, no one knows for sure) he will run up a near vertical mountain... in flip flops. With over 30 years in the culinary arts, many of those spent in the field, Abo Hanan has become a true master of his craft, specializing in the rich and diverse Yemeni cuisine. The list of Abo Hanan’s accolades could go on forever, yet one thing is for certain: Abo Hanan is an immovable pillar of the Discover Socotra family and the protector of it’s hearth.
Driver, part-time guide, music-lover
Mohammed
AKA "The Joker"
Socotra’s road infrastructure can be daunting. With only two paved roads on the island, one needs to have a very good knowledge of the road systems and the vehicles they are driving to be able to reach a destination. That’s where Mohammed shines. Slowly but surely Mohammed can get a heavy SUV over any terrain. But that’s only half of his charm. In addition, Mohammed’s beautiful smile, welcoming sense of humor and passion for music and culture of the world makes him an absolute pleasure to be around and talk to. A trip with Mohammed is a venture into the music of the world. As he becomes one with his car’s sound system, the hours seems to turn into minutes.
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Photographer and content creator
BaJaber
AKA "The Visualizer"
BaJaber is a great representation of Socotra’s amazing newer generations. Though still young, BaJaber has garnered media attention both in Socotra and abroad because of his self-taught passion and talent for photography and video-making. By way of multiple courses and endless hours of practice, BaJaber has taken it as his mission to help document the more seldom seen parts of his island’s heritage. Indeed, BaJaber’s hopes are to continue t become one of the Middle East’s most prominent educational content creators. BaJaber’s curious, quick to learn and affable personality make him a valued part of the Discover Socotra family.
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Field-chef
Sulaiman
AKA "The Smiler
It is generally accepted that being a chef is stressful work. Now picture cooking for dozens of people that are tired after a long walk, and consequently very hungry and thirsty. Now picture, having to fetch dozes of liters of water from a mountain creek, boil it on portable cookware on so as to make it potable, make sure it’s cool before the trekkers arrive, while consecutively cooking them a meal. Now picture doing that whilst never once complaining and always maintaining positive outlook and team-player attitude. That’s our beloved Sulaiman for you. The humble smile behind the most sumptuous of meals and the nutrition to keep trek going.
Driver, logistics and all-around problem solver
Fareed
AKA "The Unique"
Fareed is another essential part of the Discover Socotra vehicle team. From driving SUV’s over ungodly terrain, improvising bush car fixes at a moments notice, or helping set up a campsite so that it complements the natural beauty perfectly. Fareed is a key asset in ensuring that the travel experience is filled with adventure, comfort and safety. And to do so, Fareed leverages his disciplined, strong and problem-solving personality to go the necessary distance.
