Sipu Jha
In a major step toward environmental preservation, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has ordered a significant expansion of protected natural areas in Abu Dhabi. The emirate will now designate 20% of its land as nature reserves, adding new zones and extending existing ones. The move aligns with the UAE’s hosting of the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 and underscores the country’s growing leadership in global sustainability efforts.
Expansion overview – A major increase in protected lands
As per the directive issued by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the total area of nature reserves in Abu Dhabi will now cover 20% of the emirate’s landmass, up from previous allocations. This expansion adds 4,581 square kilometres of newly designated protected areas to the existing network.These areas will fall under the management of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and will be formally incorporated into the Zayed Protected Areas Network. This network previously consisted of 13 terrestrial and 6 marine reserves. With the latest additions, the total number of protected areas rises to 26, spanning a combined area of 22,821 square kilometres.
New and expanded reserves – Details of the additions
The reserve expansion includes the creation of five new protected zones and the enlargement of two existing ones, covering both land and marine ecosystems.New Terrestrial Reserves:
- Al Wathba Fossil Dunes Reserve – A site of unique geological formations.
- Liwa Groundwater Reservoir Reserve – Focused on preserving underground freshwater sources.
- Ghaf Natural Reserve – Aims to protect the native Ghaf tree ecosystem.
New Marine Reserves:
- Abu Al Abyad Marine Reserve – A new coastal protection area.
- Sir Bani Yas and Desert Islands Marine Reserve – Expands marine biodiversity protection around the popular eco-tourism region.
Expanded Reserves:
- Qasr Al Sarab Reserve – Terrestrial area now enlarged to support broader habitat protection.
- Ras Ghanada Marine Reserve – Marine zone extended for enhanced conservation coverage.
Timing and significance – Aligned with a landmark global eventThe announcement coincides with the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025, which was held for the first time in the region from 9 to 15 October 2025 at the ADNEC Centre, Abu Dhabi. The event is jointly organised by:
- Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
- Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Hosting this congress marks a historic moment for the UAE, placing it at the centre of international environmental dialogue and action.
National vision and leadership – Reinforcing UAE’s global environmental role
Senior Emirati officials have framed the expansion as a reflection of the UAE’s strategic commitment to conservation.
- Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the EAD Board, noted the initiative’s alignment with the long-standing vision of environmental stewardship, established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He emphasised that the expanded network will safeguard biodiversity and support Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a global leader in environmental sustainability.
- Mohammed Ahmed Al Bowardi, Vice Chairman of the EAD, underlined the importance of protecting wildlife and enabling innovative conservation programmes. He stated that the move ensures the long-term sustainability of the emirate’s natural ecosystems.
- Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the EAD, described the expansion as a “transformative milestone” in Abu Dhabi’s environmental journey. She highlighted its alignment with the Global Biodiversity Framework 2030, specifically the 30×30 initiative, which targets the protection of 30% of land and sea areas globally by 2030.
Strategic alignment – Supporting the national biodiversity strategy 2031
The reserve expansion supports the goals of the National Biodiversity Strategy 2031, a framework that integrates nature conservation with climate action. According to the EAD, the strategy is structured around six key pillars, including:
- Protection and monitoring of vital biodiversity areas.
- Rehabilitation of damaged land and marine ecosystems.
- Resilience-building in biodiversity systems against climate change and disaster risks.
The strategy represents a holistic approach to ensuring long-term environmental health, sustainability, and resilience in the UAE.
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