Nabil Ahmad Hijazi on an outdoor expedition. SUPPLIED

When Nabil Ahmad Hijazi greets you with a warm smile and energetic handshake, you’d never guess he’s turning 70 this year. With a youthful face, sharp intellect, and a travel log that includes mountains, seas, and deserts, Nabil looks more like an outdoor adventurer than a semi-retired medical lab director. But behind this ageless explorer is a pioneering career that helped shape laboratory science in the UAE—and a philosophy that life is best lived with curiosity, integrity, and movement. “I don’t like to sit still,” he tells Expat Media from his home base in Amman, Jordan, where he now works as a consultant and trainer for laboratories. “Retirement doesn’t mean stopping. It means shifting gears.” Born and raised in a vibrant engineering compound near Zarqa, Jordan, Nabil’s early years were defined by exploration. “My father helped build Jordan’s first oil refinery,” he recalls. “We lived in a place surrounded by man-planted forests, swimming pools, tennis courts—we built treehouses, planted saplings, and played co-ed sports.” It was a unique upbringing that fostered both discipline and a deep love for nature. “That curiosity and connection to the world around me—that’s what guided me into medical laboratory science,” he says.

An Arab pioneer

Nabil earned his graduate degree at University of Connecticut in the US, specializing in nuclear isotope usage in biological analysis—a rarity in the Arab world at the time. When he arrived in the UAE in 1979, the country was still young but brimming with potential. “My father was already working at ADNOC in Abu Dhabi,” he says. “When I came to visit, the UAE just felt like a place where things were happening. It was pure, warm, and full of opportunity.” His credentials quickly caught attention. “The Director of Medical Services at Sheikh Zayed Military Hospital recognized my expertise and said, ‘We want to hire him in the best possible position.’ That support gave me immense confidence. It shaped my entire career.” Nabil was soon tasked with building the hospital’s medical laboratory from the ground up. “It was massive,” he says. “I had to manage instrumentation procurement, hire and train staff, implement quality assurance, establish service and maintenance, and expand the lab’s test capabilities.” Under his leadership, the hospital lab became one of the most advanced in the region, earning British accreditation and implementing the first fully automated clinical chemistry analyzer in the UAE. “I’m especially proud of our hormonal assay menu—it was one of the most comprehensive in the Middle East,” he says. “We set new standards in accuracy and diagnostics.” One moment that stuck with him was when he handed in his resignation to join DuPont, a global leader in diagnostics. “The director didn’t want to accept it. That level of respect and trust—especially for an expat—was deeply moving.”

A life lived beyond the lab

While Nabil was helping modernize the UAE’s healthcare infrastructure, he was also exploring the country’s wild side. “I brought scuba gear from the US and went snorkeling almost daily near ADNOC. We did boat fishing using traditional Emirati gargoor cages, explored coastlines, and camped under the stars.” His favourite dive sites? “Dibba was magical. The marine life there was vibrant and untouched. We also had amazing treks in Dab'iyyah, where we snorkeled for four hours and caught a bounty of fish. Desert safaris and playing tennis kept me energized.” These experiences weren’t just hobbies—they were his therapy. “Nature keeps me grounded. Whether it’s the ocean or a desert dune, I feel most alive when I’m moving through the world.” Now back in Jordan, Nabil hasn't slowed down. He works as a consultant and trainer with Infinity Lab, helping guide laboratories toward best practices while mentoring the next generation of scientists. “I’ve been in this field for 47 years,” he says. “But I’m still learning, especially with AI and automation reshaping the industry. I’m proud that some of the people I trained went on to become directors, CEOs, or lead experts.” The joy of watching others succeed, he says, is one of the best rewards. “Behind every project I led was a passion to teach.” People often mistake him for being at least a decade younger. “They usually guess I’m in my 50s,” he chuckles. “I think it’s because I stay active—mentally and physically.” He hikes regularly and still keeps up with colleagues half his age. “Some of them struggle to match my pace,” he jokes. “It’s all about staying sharp and never stopping.” But for Nabil, youth isn’t just about activity—it’s about attitude. “Adaptability anchored by strong values—that’s been my life philosophy,” he says. “Be resilient, be curious, and keep learning. Life will always change, but your integrity should stay constant.” While Nabil’s technical achievements in lab science are well known, he wishes more people knew about his passion for mentoring. “People see the systems I built or the tests I helped develop. But it’s the people I helped grow—that’s what I’m most proud of.” Whether it’s the junior tech he trained in Abu Dhabi or the lab team he consults with in Amman, Nabil’s legacy isn’t just in innovation—it’s in inspiration. When asked if he ever plans to fully retire, he smiles. “As long as I have energy, I’ll keep contributing. Life has so much to offer at every stage. Just stay curious, stay kind, and stay moving.” In a world obsessed with youth, Nabil is redefining what it means to grow older—with grace, purpose, and a hiking stick in hand.

Quick fire questions

First thing you pack for a diving trip? Dive suit, mask, boots, and flippers. Best dive site in the UAE? Dibba, without question. The most “expat” thing you ever did in the UAE? We spent a full day snorkeling, spearfishing, and diving in Fujairah, and after catching plenty of fish—plus a huge lobster—we brought the lobster to the Fujairah Hilton, where the chef prepared it for us. We ended that adventurous day dressed smartly, enjoying a luxurious seafood dinner at the hotel. Hiking or scuba diving—if you had to pick just one? Scuba diving—it’s a complete escape into another world, where time slows down and nature reveals its hidden magic. Your secret to staying adventurous at any age? Staying curious, staying active, and never accepting mental or physical stagnation. Your favorite mountain trail in Jordan? Jabal Umm ad Dami in Wadi Rum is my favorite. At 1,856 meters, it's Jordan’s highest peak. Most unusual item you’ve ever found during a desert trek? Reading the ancient inscriptions and symbols carved into the rocks of Wadi Rum. It felt like uncovering whispers from civilizations long gone. Best travel snack? A mix of roasted nuts, dates, and fresh or dried fruits. Favorite Emirati dish? Grilled Hammour fish. Piece of tech you can't live without on your adventures? A portable charger—it keeps all my essential devices powered during long treks, dives, or road trips. Song that is always on your road trip playlist. "Hotel California" by The Eagles. What do you miss most about expat life in the UAE? I miss the sea activities—snorkeling, diving, fishing—and the vibrant multicultural atmosphere that made daily life dynamic, diverse, and enriching. If you could scuba dive anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go? The Caribbean—crystal-clear waters, vibrant reefs, and the promise of unforgettable underwater life make it a dream destination. What’s your personal motto? "Life is an outdoors activity." It reminds me to stay active, curious, and connected with nature. Tea on a mountain or coffee by the sea? Coffee by the sea—the sound of the waves, a fresh breeze, and a warm cup in hand... nothing beats that kind of peace. What was your favorite dish to eat in the UAE? Seafood—fresh, flavorful, and perfectly suited to the coastal lifestyle. Grilled Hammour was always a top favorite. What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever tested in a lab? I once tested a popular bottled water brand used in Jordan. Although widely consumed, it lacked the NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) blue seal. The bacterial growth was astronomical—posing serious health risks. Morning person or night owl? Morning person—I love starting the day early with a clear mind and full energy Favorite city in the world (besides Amman)? Capri Island, Italy. Movie you’ve watched more than 5 times? Brigadoon. It never fails to captivate me. Favorite proverb or saying? "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." If you weren’t a lab director, what would you be doing? I’d be a Strategic Project Manager—analyzing systems, solving complex problems, and optimizing outcomes across diverse fields. Cats or dogs? Cats—independent, graceful, and quietly intelligent. What song instantly puts you in a good mood? "Adagio" by Lara Fabian. PIA/Expat Media This story also appears in the Expat Media Special Edition magazine
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