UAE President directs expansion of Abu Dhabi Nature Reserves

Supporting global conservation agendas

The move is aligned with the programme of the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 and underscores the UAE’s role in advancing international environmental initiatives. The announcement comes as the UAE hosts the IUCN Congress for the first time in the region. The event is being held from October 9 to 15, 2025, at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi and is jointly organised by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

New designated reserves and expanded protected areas

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi will oversee the management of the newly designated reserves, which will cover 4,581 square kilometres. These new areas will be incorporated into the Zayed Protected Areas Network, which already includes 13 terrestrial and six marine reserves. With the addition, the total number of protected areas will increase to 26, spanning 22,821 square kilometres across the emirate.

As part of this expansion, three new terrestrial reserves have been designated: Al Wathba Fossil Dunes Reserve, Liwa Groundwater Reservoir Reserve, and Ghaf Natural Reserve. The Qasr Al Sarab Reserve will also be expanded. In the marine domain, two new reserves will be established: the Abu Al Abyad Marine Reserve and the Sir Bani Yas and Desert Islands Marine Reserve. Additionally, the Ras Ghanada Marine Reserve will see an expansion to further strengthen marine biodiversity protection.

Leaders emphasise environmental stewardship

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi Board of Directors, stated that the directives from His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reflect the leadership’s clear vision for sustainability and environmental conservation. He stressed that this expansion will protect biodiversity and ecosystems for future generations, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global model in environmental leadership and continuing the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Mohammed Ahmed Al Bowardi, Vice Chairman of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, highlighted that the directives reaffirm the UAE’s steadfast dedication to conserving biodiversity and protecting wildlife across the emirate. He noted that expanding nature reserves enables the implementation of innovative wildlife preservation programmes while ensuring environmental sustainability.

Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, described the announcement as a major milestone in the emirate’s environmental journey. She said it demonstrates the UAE’s firm commitment to achieving the goals of the Global Biodiversity Framework 2030, including the 30×30 target. Dr Al Dhaheri added that the decision reflects the leadership’s long-term vision to balance sustainable development with the preservation of natural heritage, cementing Abu Dhabi’s status as a global pioneer in environmental action.

Advancing the National Biodiversity Strategy 2031

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi confirmed that the expansion aligns with the National Biodiversity Strategy 2031, which outlines a comprehensive approach to conserving nature and addressing climate challenges. The strategy focuses on key areas such as the protection and monitoring of vital biodiversity zones, restoration of degraded ecosystems both on land and at sea, and mitigation of climate change and disaster impacts. It aims to enhance ecosystem resilience and ensure the long-term sustainability of Abu Dhabi’s natural environment.