Prince Charles was in his element today as he got close to nature in a speeding dune buggy to check out rare species of wildlife.
It was not exactly the normal royal limo service, but the heir to the throne didn't seem to mind.
In sweltering heat, Prince Charles - wearing a lightweight cream suit and tie - saw first hand the positive impact of conservation work in the region
The prince, who arrived by helicopter on the tiny island of Bu Tinah, off the coast of Abu Dhabi, then hopped into the open buggy for a race along the white coastline.
On the way he was treated to amazing sights of rare bird species such as ospreys and Socotra cormorants.
Afterwards, he went on a boat tour of the surrounding waters of the island to see turtles and dolphins.
He was clearly gripped as turtles and stingrays swam within feet of his boat.
The Marawah Marine Protected area is the largest of its kind in the Arabian Gulf.
Bu Tinah Island is home to important marine and coastal ecosystems including sea grass breeds, coral reefs and shallow waters.
The island hosts rare and globally endangered marine life including hawksbill turtles and the second largest population of dugongs, a large marine mammal that is globally threatened.
