The Zoo’s animal care and veterinary teams have been diligently pairing Arabian sand cats based on their Genetic origins and age groups at the Arabian Sand Cat Breeding Center. This is the first specialized facility globally dedicated for taking care and breeding of these rare animals, operating under international standards.

The newborns are in good health and are thriving in an environment that meets global standards. They receive comprehensive care from the Zoo’s team, which follows best practices in veterinary, nutritional, and behavioral care, allowing the Al Ain Zoo to offer unique and enjoyable experiences for its visitors.

Engineer Ahmed Eisa Al Harasi, Acting Director General of the Zoo & Aquarium Public Institution in Al Ain, stated: “We are pleased with the birth of these three cats and proud of the success of our breeding program. We will continue to implement specialized programs and conduct field research to study and breed these species in their natural habitats.” He added that the Arabian sand cat is a vital desert creature contributing to the ecological balance of the desert ecosystem. At Al Ain Zoo, we aim to raise community awareness about the desert environment and the importance of preserving it. Looking ahead, we are committed to studying the genetic patterns of the Arabian sand cat, increasing its population, and collaborating with local and global entities in the field of conservation and protection.”

One of Al Ain Zoo’s most significant achievements in the Arabian sand cat protection program is its collaboration with various environmental agencies dedicated to preserving the species. This effort resulted in the publication of the first strategy for the conservation of the sand cat and the first management plan for sand cat populations. These were discussed in workshops hosted by the Zoo, which were the first of their kind globally for Arabian sand cat conservation, with participation from Arab, regional, and international experts.

In the field of wildlife research, Al Ain Zoo continues its efforts to monitor and study the population of Arabian sand cats within the zoo. These research efforts aim to better understand and observe the ecology and behavior of the sand cats.

The post Al Ain Zoo: Birth of new Endangered Arabian Sand Cat appeared first on The Source Family Magazine.

Styrofoam is a type of plastic called expanded polystyrene and it has a range of uses. As part of the ban, Abu Dhabi, is targeting avoidable, single-use consumer products. 

Specifically, the banned products comprise cups, lids, plates and beverage containers (including their caps and lids) made of expanded polystyrene. In addition, food container receptacles for products that are intended for immediate consumption, either on the spot or for takeaway, or containers that have a product that is typically consumed from the receptacle and is ready to be consumed without any further preparation such as cooking, boiling or heating, will also be prohibited.

The products that will be exempt from the ban include those not designed for single consumer use such as big storage boxes and coolers and trays used for meat, fruit, ready-made dairy products and other food items for retail sale. Also, all other products designed for medical uses are also exempted. 

Her Excellency Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, said: “As an extension of the Abu Dhabi Single-Use Plastic Policy which we initiated in 2020, and following the extremely successful ban on single-use plastic bags in 2022 and the introduction of the Single-Use Plastic Bottle Return Scheme in 2023, effective from June 1 2024 there will be a ban on some Styrofoam products in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. This move will help reduce litter in the environment as Styrofoam in particular breaks easily into microplastics that can enter the food chain and be harmful to human health as well as affect biodiversity.

“We are striving to make life easy for consumers while maintaining the balance of conserving the environment at the same time, therefore, for the ban we have only selected items that are avoidable single-use plastics and have clear and sustainable alternatives. We will also provide support to government and private sector entities to facilitate the shift towards reusable solutions.”

She elaborated: “The success story for the Abu Dhabi Single-Use Plastic Policy is that the consumption of 310 million single-use plastic bags has been avoided up to April 2024, and the number of bags distributed at retailers’ cash counters has reduced up to 95 per cent. In weight, this is more than 2,000 tonnes of single use plastic bags have been avoided. Similarly, more than 1,000 tonnes of bottles, equivalent to 67 million bottles, have been collected last year”. 

Her Excellency Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri said: “Such great results would not have been possible without consumer and private sector active involvement.”

His Excellency Rashed Abdulkarim Al Blooshi, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) reaffirmed ADDED’s commitment to support environment-friendly strategies to ensure providing best possible conditions for doing business and preserving the environment. His Excellency Al Blooshi highlighted the significant role played by ADDED in raising awareness among commercial outlets and industrial facilities in the emirate to comply with the single-use plastic policy, reflecting the proactive approach to achieve the policy’s objectives and enabling the private sector’s transition to environment-friendly alternatives.

ADDED has shared the circular on Styrofoam ban with more than 50,000 commercial establishments and 80 industrial facilities involved in plastic manufacturing. It also launched an awareness programme, in coordination with EAD targeting commercial and industrial establishments. The programme aimed to introduce the ban policy and present the targeted Styrofoam products. A list of excluded products was also shared during the programme’s workshops as well as the mechanism of reconciling the conditions of economic establishments and switching to locally manufactured alternatives. ADDED is set to conduct field inspection campaigns on sales outlets and industrial establishments to ensure the implementation of the ban across Abu Dhabi according to the specified timetable, starting from 1 June 2024.

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The first two events will take place at Wadi Shees on Saturday, 27 April and at Al Bithnah on Sunday, 28 April, with more events to be announced shortly

In response to recent extreme weather events, local environmental charity Emirates Nature-WWF is channelling community volunteering efforts to aid flood recovery, build resilience of rural communities and implement climate adaptation measures at key sites where the charity implements a portfolio of conservation projects with local governments

For the next three weeks, all community mobilization activities organized as part of the charity’s flagship Leaders of Change programme, will be open to the public and dedicated towards clean up and restoration at impacted rural areas, with the aim of climate-proofing these areas against future storms, flash floods and inundation.

Volunteers will join conservation experts in clearing debris and repairing falaj irrigation channels to ensure the continuous flow of fresh water. Farmlands and nature trails affected by flooding will also be restored. In addition, volunteers will support the implementation of climate adaptation efforts to build long-term resilience of rural communities, such as the planting of native Arabian Moringa Shu’a trees to improve soil health and enhance ecosystem stability.

“People across the UAE have demonstrated the power of community, coming together at this challenging time to support one another,” commented Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director General of Emirates Nature-WWF. “By channelling our Leaders of Change and community volunteering efforts towards recovery, we aim to strengthen the resilience of rural communities whom we work with closely on local conservation projects around climate mitigation & adaptation, preservation of nature, and food & water security.”

Building Resilience of Rural Communities

Around the world, climate change is altering weather patterns and causing more extreme weather events, which can range from intense storms and heavy rainfall to longer and more severe droughts. While additional rainfall can be beneficial for biodiversity in dry, arid parts of the world, it requires climate adaptation measures such as the development of storm walls, or gabions, and water catchment zones to manage the flow of excess water and enhance water storage. These solutions also help reduce the potential impact of future floods on communities and infrastructure.

Emirates Nature-WWF’s conservation work around Building Resilient Communities focuses on advancing agroecology principles and implementing Nature-based Solutions across rural communities in the UAE to support carbon capture, climate adaptation and biodiversity preservation while also strengthening local food security and creating alternative income for rural communities.

The charity works closely with rural farmers to restore traditional falaj irrigation channels, implement sustainable irrigation and promote circular farming practices that improve soil health, support local crops and unlock multiple socioeconomic benefits for the community. In addition, a pilot project is currently underway to innovate new food products that can be derived from native crops that can be produced by local communities and contribute to economic diversification, SME growth and overall resilience of the local community.

Register now for Flood Recovery 

Leaders of Change and members of the public are invited to register for the following events taking place this weekend:

• Reviving Resilience: Wadi Shees, Sharjah

Saturday, 27 April from 7:30am to 11:00am

Open to individuals aged 7 and above

• Reviving Resilience: Al Bithnah, Fujairah

Sunday, 28 April from 7:00am to 11:00 am

Open to individuals aged 7 and aboveAdditional events will continue to be announced so please sign up for updates at www.leadersofchange.ae

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Al Ain Zoo is home to a group of 11 rhinos, 5 males and 6 females and has dedicated a number of animal exhibits zones specifically for them, providing an integrated care regimen in an environment that matches their natural habitat as far as possible, as well as fulfilling nutritional and behavioral needs. The Zoo provides all of its animals with a comprehensive health care system through its specialized vets and animal caregivers, which for the rhinos has helped stimulate natural breeding patterns and doubled their numbers in the Zoo over the past years.

The Zoo provides many rhino-based recreational, educational and engagement experiences at two different zones within the Zoo, the African Habitat and Al Ain Safari, which is the largest man-made safari. These two experiences allow rhinos to be witnessed interacting with a variety of other African animal species.

It was in 2008 that Al Ain Zoo first welcomed 5 Southern White Rhinos, which, due to the Zoo’s continued efforts to provide all necessary requirements for the management, veterinary and nutritional care, and equipping of exhibit facilities, has now grown to a family of 11 males and females.

In a sign of its dedication to animal welfare and conservation, the Zoo gave the name “Sudan” to one of the rhino offspring, named after the last surviving male northern rhino which is extinct in the wild. Although it does not belong to the exact same species, the Zoo wanted the story of Sudan, who sadly died in 2018, to stay alive in the minds of people who care about nature and wildlife, and to raise awareness about the importance of exerting every possible effort to conserve nature and wildlife.

In addition to caring for its family of rhinos, Al Ain Zoo is supporting the protection and conservation of wild black and white rhinos through its partnership with Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya. Al Ain Zoo’s support helps Lewa to track each individual rhino to protect them from illegal poachers, monitor their health and carry out important research. As an key role of modern zoos, this is one of several commitments the zoo has made to conserving endangered species in the wild, in addition to educating zoo visitors about these amazing and beautiful creatures.

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No doubt many times in your life you will have been confronted with the terms “global warming”, “climate change”, “ozone depletion”, and a host of others that point to the deterioration of the earth’s natural environment. With that, you are likely to have also become privy to the research and predictions around the devastating impact environmental degradation subsequently has on the lives of human beings and animals, painting a bleak future for future generations. In response to this, the global noise around sustainable living has increased in recent years and is a movement that sees us rethinking and readjusting our practices and habits as both individuals and organisations, to consume as few non-renewable natural resources as possible and minimise our carbon footprint and environmental impact. This type of living involves leaving the earth relatively untouched by our actions; in other words – how we received it, is how we should leave it (or in a better state where possible).

At Azraq, our mission is to strive for a cleaner, healthier ecosystem by putting an end to the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the oceans. 70% of our planet’s surface is covered in water and this massive body contains diverse life forms, including marine plants which supply about 50% of the oxygen we breathe in, as well as for food and it’s many other uses. This goes to show that all living things on earth rely heavily on the oceans for sustenance and, by using water more efficiently, we will ultimately reduce greenhouse gases. And we cannot afford to wait. Companies such as ourselves at Azraq must put water at the heart of action plans as everyone within our community has a role to play. In our daily lives, there are surprisingly easy steps we can all take to address climate change. Here are four easy changes to get you started on the path to more sustainable living:

Go Green

Implementing small changes in the household and our daily lifestyles are what truly make a big difference. Think simple tactics such as using energy-saving light bulbs or adding a programmable thermostat for efficient heating and cooling, each of which can go a long way in reducing your ecological footprint. Another opportunity to go green is to drive green, i.e. walking more, biking, carpools or using public transport systems which can decrease carbon emissions. Remember, water and climate change are inextricably linked.

Say no to plastics

 More than 400 million tonnes of plastic is produced globally each year, with plastic packaging (single-use material designed for immediate disposal) making up 50% of plastic waste. Thousands of marine animals such as fish, seabirds, sea turtles and other water mammals are killed daily due to either ingesting plastic or becoming entangled. Fight for our oceans by opting for reusable grocery bags and ditching single-use straws, bags, bottles, to help cut back on plastic pollution. 

Become a Conscious Shopper 

Educate yourself

Shockingly, our clothes are one of the largest sources of primary microplastics, a term that refers to plastic particles that measure less than five millimetres, which are detrimental to our oceans. When we wash synthetic clothing, such as items made from acrylic, nylon and polyester, microfibres are released into waterways. So next time you go shopping be considerate when purchasing and educate yourself as it is important to understand where your clothes come from and how they are made. But watch out there are hidden traps! Many designers have unfortunately claimed to be sustainable but the reality is their clothing is made from recycled plastic. This is classic green-washing and so many people are buying into this, thinking it is a great solution to marine debris, when in fact it is causing greater issues for our oceans because of the microplastics. To combat microplastics, it is also worth knowing that there are filters that can collect microfibres that you can install on washing machines and Guppyfriend Washbags and Cora Balls that offer a circular solution to the issue of ocean conservation.

Eat better and cleaner

Approximately 1.3 tonnes of edible food is wasted annually, which means the natural resources that went into making the food are also effectively wasted. One way to prevent food wastage is to engage in planned grocery shopping; that is, buy only what you need and think of creative ways to consume what you purchase. Also, as difficult as it may sound, cutting down on meat consumption can also have a drastically positive impact. The meat industry is among the top most environmentally damaging industries, responsible for vast levels of pollution, water use, habitat destruction and greenhouse gas emissions.

The rabbit hole of sustainability and inciting meaningful is not one easily grappled with. Yet, one thing is clear, as individuals, we must make substantial daily changes to ensure the preservation of our water resources. The future of this planet does not lie solely in one person’s hands, but with all – corporations and consumers alike. We have to take responsibility for our part in the depletion of our oceans and take measures to try and protect it.

Reduce wastewater usage and mind what you put down the drain.

There are so many ways to reduce wastewater usage and some of the easiest ways to do this at home include turning off the tap when you brush your teeth. Can you believe this can save six litres of water per minute! This also nicely leads on to taking a shorter shower and always ensuring you put on full loads in your washing machine and dishwasher. Furthermore, you can make simple changes such as placing a cistern displacement device in your toilet cistern to reduce the volume of water used in each flush. You can get one of these from your water provider. Lastly, one more top tip – invest in water-efficient goods when you need to replace household products. You can now get water-efficient showerheads, taps, toilets, washing machines, dishwashers and many other water-saving products. And let’s not forget to be mindful of what we put down the drain! Use eco-friendly cleaning products. The cleaning products you use to clean your home end up down the drain which will enter and contaminate waterways and end up in the oceans. You can purchase environmentally cleaning products that don’t contain harmful chemicals to help protect the oceans. You can also opt to use natural ingredients such as baking soda, vinegar and citrus fruit like lemons and oranges for a natural way to clean your home. 

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As most people know, 70% of our planet’s surface is covered in water, and therefore everything from global weather patterns to the ecosystem is affected by even the smallest change in our oceans and lakes. This massive body contains diverse life forms, including marine plants which supply about 50% of the oxygen we breathe in, as well as for food and it’s many other uses. This goes to show that all living things on earth rely heavily on the oceans for sustenance. But, with increasing threats from overfishing, pollution, climate change and many more negative actions, it’s no wonder marine conservation has become such a hot and crucial topic. Simply put, our oceans are a pretty big deal, and its conservation is the very link between preserving life on earth or not. The stakes for ocean health have never been higher.

With that being said, if 2020 taught us anything, it is that humans have resilience, and our willingness to band together against any threat to the global population is unparalleled. When the pandemic hit, it forced the world to stasis, and although this had a devastating impact on the economy, our oceans experienced a moment of reprieve, even if for a short time. Fisheries suspended trade, air travel and shipping stopped thus reducing carbon emissions, and the list goes on. It showed that while change overall might seem like a big feat that won’t happen overnight, there are still some necessary steps we can take to do our part in conserving our oceans. Every positive action, no matter how small it may seem, can have a beneficial effect in the grand scheme of things.

Be an ocean warrior

Sign up and speak out. Your part can be as easy as being an advocate for the ocean – speaking of its importance to continued life on earth. Remember big impact solutions can happen with minor advocacy. While you are less likely to individually stop some of these negative actions, there are existing efforts you can join. Azraq’s Marine Debris Campaign brings together the efforts of volunteers and the community to keep beaches and waterways cleaner and safer for marine life while collecting data for national analysis. Volunteers involved in Azraq are committed to promoting and facilitating family-friendly coastal and river clean-up activities in support of the protection and conservation of their local marine environment.

Reduce your carbon footprint

Herein lies two problems – climate change and ocean acidification. With excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, our oceans have become warmer and more acidic, which has resulted in mass coral bleaching. This, in turn, makes it harder for corals and organisms to grow and reproduce. Being conscious of your energy consumption at home and work can make a huge difference in reducing your carbon emissions. Make changes to your lifestyle – leave your car at home whenever you can, eat less meat (the meat industry is a whole other can of worms), take the stairs more often, switch to fluorescent bulbs and other energy-saving practices. 

Make healthy food choices

Overfishing is one of the biggest threats to ocean health, the coral reefs in particular and the global fish population is rapidly declining due to the high demand, loss of habitat and unsustainable fishing practices. You might also want to steer clear of seafood, particularly older or larger fish, as you might avoid consuming the harmful toxins which have bioaccumulated in the fish over time due to the food chain. 

Say no to single-use plastics

About eight million tons of plastic are dumped in the ocean every year. Plastic bags, straws, non-reusable water bottles are just some of the things that end up as ocean debris, contributing to habitat destruction and endangering marine life. To limit your impact, reduce your use of single-use plastics in your daily life. Opt for a reusable water bottle, recycle whenever possible, use non-disposable containers to store food and invest a reusable shopping bag.

Educate yourself

There is no doubt that this is the most important step one can take, as education often leads to action. The land and sea are more intrinsically linked than many realize and our actions usually have an impact on marine life, whether directly or indirectly. With a wealth of knowledge and resources out there – from books and websites to documentaries, increasing your ocean IQ by learning about it, the challenges it faces and how we can protect them, the more inclined we are to take action, and possibly inspire others to do the same.

The ocean, as American environmental scientist and marine ecologist Jane Lubchenco said: “is too big to ignore.” For the longest time, it seemed like this infinite, untouchable body that could not be affected by anything. But, that notion changed. With our unsustainable fishing practices, plastic pollution, and immense carbon emission, we soon realised the ocean was not exempt from ruin, and can, in fact, die out. No matter how big this problem may seem to fix, we must still try, as the alternative poses more catastrophic repercussions.

For More information visit the Azraq website https://azraqme.org/

Read full magazine online now (includes over 10 video and audio links)

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Guests can choose from two distinct tiers, the first is dedicated to mountain bicycles with three unique tracks of varying length (3, 6, and 9km) located by the main gate, allowing them to explore the wonderous slopes and amazing rugged terrain beneath Hafeet mountain alongside Al Ain African Safari. The second is dedicated to tricycles and set within the premise near the Education center allowing visitors to enjoy the nature and biodiversity of Al Ain Zoo.

Omar Mohammed Al Ameri, Director Operations in Al Ain Zoo, said: “This new experience is an exciting addition to our efforts in encouraging the community to adopt an active lifestyle and enjoy the natural environment in al Ain Zoo. As well as highlighting the amazing Hafeet mountain, home to wide range of flora and fauna, explores can immerse themselves in its abundant history. Many of our guests and Al Ain visitors love to explore this area, enjoy their favorite sport activity or simply relax within its incredible natural beauty.”

All experiences at Al Ain Zoo are in line with the set precautionary measures allowing our guests to have a fun day with the family in a fun and safe environment, while also following all safety procedures to practice this exciting activity as safely as possible.

Available around the week from 10:00am-06:00pm on weekdays and from 07:00am-06:00pm on weekends for the external mountains experience, and from 01:00-07:00pm all week for the internal experience. Visitors can book this experience at the dedicated stand next to the main gate and the education center.

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The successful joint rescue mission between The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and The National Aquarium (TNA) relocate a trapped whale shark back to open sea in the Arabian Gulf. The 6m shark was noticed circling inside a man-made lagoon in the Al Bahiyah area. After close monitoring by EAD’s scientists   it was clear that the animal was trapped and unable to feed or avoid unwanted human interactions. 

After the assessment, the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi initiated the rescue mission, supported by the National Aquarium. team’s expertise and equipment. TNA’s team was a key component in the implementation of the rescue plan commenced by the joint effort of both teams. Using a soft plastic through-water transport bag developed specifically by The National Aquarium, the team of divers carefully captured the animal under EAD supervision. The 1st of its kind transport bag was able to move through water faster than the sharks normal swimming speed. Jet ski operators from Abu Dhabi Marine Club towed the transport bag carefully for 20km out into the Arabian Gulf whilst rescue team monitored its vital signs by staging divers along the shark’s path. 

Before release, a satellite tag provided by King Fahd University in Saudi Arabia was fitted. In the 1st five days after the release, the animal travelled 232km into the Arabian Gulf which is a good indication of a healthy shark. The whale shark is now being continuously tracked as it makes its way to join other whale sharks in the Arabian Gulf migration. 

Thanks to the teamwork and collaboration from the many parties involved, including Abu Dhabi Police, Abu Dhabi Maritime, Abu Dhabi Ports, Department of Municipalities and Transport , Abu Dhabi Marine, Critical Infrastructure and Coastal Protection Authority, Aldar Properties this majestic creature was saved and a new method for whale shark in water transportation was proven. 

EAD called on the community to report injured wildlife or environmental emergencies, through the Abu Dhabi Government Contact Centre at 800555.

The post Rescued ‘Al Bahiyah’ Whale Shark Successfully appeared first on The Source Family Magazine.

The 13-minute film will be displayed on one of the largest cinema screens across the country. Upon arrival to SZDLC, visitors will have opportunity to see a creative artwork that represents the Emirati environment, its transformation from a desert into a great haven and celebrates the capital’s rich biological diversity. The film will be filled with the best sound effects and fine visual details, which take the viewer’s gaze. 

Muneera Jasem Al Housani, Director Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Center in Al Ain Zoo, said: “Situated in the heart of Al Ain Zoo, the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre is an important educational facility since its establishment in 2016 that combines knowledge and learning through interactive exhibits, multimedia and visual materials. SZDLC organizes various activities and programs that attract different segments of society regardless of their interests and specializations.” 

She added: “Visitors will be able to watch the film throughout the day as per the schedule in the Centre. SZDLC has achieved the five pearl rating of the Estidama Pearl Rating System (PRS) in the design phase and received a LEED Platinum certification. The Centre accommodates 258 persons with four places designed specially for people of determination and a screen with 4K technology. As part of the Centre’s efforts and preventive measures against the pandemic, and to ensure the health and safety of all visitors, the maximum number of visitors allowed to access the threatre will be 53.” 

Visitors at SZDLC will be able to view all film scenes live on ground through five interactive galleries, which are designed by world-class experts to be among one of most significant tourist destinations that attracts visitors of all ages and ensures providing them a true picture of the United Arab Emirates natural, cultural and historical environment. 

 It is worth mentioning that Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre includes two other theaters in addition to the main theater. The Sustainability Theater, which introduces the visitor to the importance of preserving the environment and reaffirms Sheikh Zayed’s vision and his confident outlook towards the future. The second theater is the Desert Dynamic Theater that takes the visitor on a journey into the nature of the Emirates with its distinct details and sheds the light on Abu Dhabi’s rich biodiversity that has a wide variety of plants and animals.

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The forum, in which 57 representatives from government agencies in the Emirate participated, included an overview of the work of monitoring and evaluating wildlife in marine reserves in Abu Dhabi, and an overview of activities and uses in marine protected areas. Also discussed was the mechanism for communicating with partners on site, and an open discussion on the “Cooperation and the Roles of Partners in Marine Reserves.”

Ahmed Al-Hashemi, Executive Director of EAD’s Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector, spoke at the forum and  addressed the importance of the strategic partners’ contribution and their complementing roles, as well as enhancing efforts to conserve species, tightening control, and enforcing environmental legislation and laws within marine reserves. Al-Hashemi also spoke about the importance of enhancing environmental awareness through implementing environmental awareness programs and promoting ecotourism projects.

During the forum, Al-Hashemi discussed how EAD manages six marine reserves within the Sheikh Zayed Protected Areas Network, which represent 13.9 % of the total marine environment in Abu Dhabi. These include Ras Ghanada Marine Reserve, Bul Syayeef Water Reserve, Al-Saadiyat Marine National Park and Mangrove National Park. Each reserve is home to a number of the best and most important marine habitats in the Emirate, as they contain habitats rich in biodiversity in terms of the number and density of local species. The reserves also contribute to the containment of endangered species on a local and global level.

Al-Hashemi emphasized that these natural reserves preserve important ecosystems, and the species are important for sustainability for current and future generations, as they act as living laboratories that monitor the health of the environment. Over the past years, EAD has carried out significant achievements in managing these reserves and implemented conservation and protection programs in protected areas that preserve the components of biological diversity in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. These achievements have ensured the effective contribution to promoting social and economic development.

EAD’s efforts have shown positive results for several habitats and species and have contributed to the stabilization of the population of important organisms, such as sea turtles and dugongs. Moreover, EAD has contributed to the safety of different environments, such as coral reefs and mangroves, as well as strengthening the country’s position on the global environmental action map.

Marine reserves in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi:

1. Saadiyat Marine National Park 

Established by an Emiri Decree in 2017, the reserve is located in the marine area adjacent to Saadiyat Island, with a total area of 59 square kilometers. it is home to an abundance of marine life including the critically endangered Hawksbill Turtle, which use the island’s coast for nesting.

2. Al Yasat Marine Protected Area

This protected area was established by an Emiri decree in 2005 and amended in 2009 and 2019. Its current area is 2,256 square kilometers, and it is distinguished by its environmental importance as well as its historical and cultural factors. The protected area islands are surrounded by coral reefs, which act as important sanctuaries for many marine organisms, and an ideal environment for the reproduction and protection of fish.

3. Mangrove Marine National Park 

Mangrove Marine National Park was established by an Emiri decree in 2017 and is home to more than 250,000 mangrove trees. These homes have proven to help absorb and convert carbon dioxide, one of the gases that cause climate change. Located in the marine area adjacent to the Eastern Mangrove, the park reaches a total area of 10 square kilometers.

4. Bul Syayeef Marine Protected Area

This protected area was established by an Emiri decree in 2017 and covers a total area of 145 square kilometers. It is located west of the Musaffah channel and considered an important area for migratory and resident bird species. It includes a range of suitable habitats for the Greater Flamingo and other bird species. The reserve was joined by the World Wetland Sites Network in 2016 under the international agreement known as the Ramsar Convention signed by the state in December 2007.

5. Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve

Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve was established by an Emiri decree in 2001, and joined the Global Network of Biosphere Reserves, with the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It extends over a total area of about 4,255 square kilometers and is considered an ideal model for the marine and coastal environment of the country.  Rich in biological diversity and supported by marine and coastal environments, it is also home to the second largest community of dugong in the world.

6. Ras Ghanada Marine Protected Area

Established by an Emiri decree in 2017, Ras Ghanada Marine Protected Area is located in the marine area bordering Ghantoot, called Ras Ghanada, and extends over a total area of 55 square kilometers. The coral communities in the area have direct, indirect, economic and intrinsic great values, helping to protect the coastal region from hurricanes and is an important element of tourism attraction.

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