Abu Dhabi To Add New Nature Reserves, Expanding Protected Land To 20%

Abu Dhabi has always been careful to align its goals with sustainable and green efforts. So when it came to maintaining their natural reserves, how could the capital city stay behind? Under the directive of the UAE president, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Abu Dhabi has announced the addition of new nature reserves and an expansion by 20% to cover the land.

Abu Dhabi To Add New Nature Reserves And Plan Expansion By 20%

The plan is to reinforce the UAE’s position as a global leader in environmental protection and sustainability. The broader commitment is to contribute to global biodiversity goals and to preserve natural habitats in the region. According to a report by Arabian News, the expansion of the emirate’s nature reserves is to cover 20 per cent of its total land area.

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) will be overseeing this expansion project. Overall, as mentioned by Arabian News, 4,581 sq km will be added to the existing Zayed Protected Areas Network. Also, there will be 26 protected areas, including 13 terrestrial and six marine reserves, covering a total of 22,821 sq km.

What’s New?

Talking about the new reserves, there will be 3 terrestrial reserves: Al Wathba Fossil Dunes Reserve, Ghaf Nature Reserve and Liwa Groundwater Reservoir Reserve. Qasr Al Sarab Reserve will be undergoing expansion. In terms of new marine reserves, there are Abu Al Abyad Marine Reserve and Sir Bani Yas and Desert Islands Marine Reserve. Also, the officials told Arabian News about the Ras Ghanada Marine Reserve expansion.

Also Read: 10 Adventurous Things To Do In The UAE For Every Adventure-Seeking Soul

IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025

This event is a joint effort by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, EAD, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The aim is to highlight the UAE’s contribution and commitment to environmental leadership across the world.

The goals of this project are very well aligned with the National Biodiversity Strategy 203,1, according to EAD. This leads to the protection of critical biodiversity areas, rehabilitation of degraded ecosystems and reduction of climate risks. This proves the UAE’s involvement in biodiversity conservation and the example it is setting over the globe as a potential leader.

Cover Image Courtesy: Visit Abu Dhabi/Website