Abu Dhabi Expands Nature Reserves
Under the directive of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi is expanding its nature reserves to cover 20% of its total land area.
The decision aims to boost biodiversity and sustainability, aligning with the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 programme and reinforcing the UAE's global leadership in environmental protection.
The UAE is committed to achieving global biodiversity goals and balancing sustainable development with natural heritage preservation.
- The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi will manage the newly designated reserves, spanning 4,581sq km.
- The expansion will add to the Zayed Protected Areas Network, resulting in a total of 26 protected areas.
- The protected areas will include 13 terrestrial and six marine reserves, covering 22,821sq km in total.
Author's summary: Abu Dhabi expands nature reserves to 20% of its land.