Dubai: In celebration of World Sea Turtle Day, Jumeirah, alongside community members, guests, and partners, released 72 rehabilitated sea turtles back into their natural habitat. The release, which included Hawksbill and Green turtles, marks a significant milestone for the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project (DTRP), with over 2,300 turtles returned to the wild since its launch in 2004.

According to Emirates News Agency, among the released turtles was Najeeb, an 80kg male Green turtle rescued in December 2024 with severe injuries. Najeeb was one of two turtles fitted with a satellite tracker, enabling the DTRP team to monitor his journey post-release. The last male Green turtle of similar size released by the team traveled to nesting sites in Oman. Najeeb's recovery and release symbolize the ongoing efforts by the DTRP team, based at Jumeirah Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Al Naseem, to protect marine life and preserve biodiversity in the Arabian Gulf.

This year, the DTRP reached another conservation milestone with the rescue of a Loggerhead baby, a species not previously recorded to nest in the Arabian Gulf. Experts from the IUCN and regional organizations note this as a significant finding in regional marine science. Barbara Lang-Lenton, Director of Aquarium at Jumeirah Burj Al Arab and DTRP lead, emphasized the importance of such discoveries in understanding sea turtles' behaviors and guiding future conservation efforts.

Although the Loggerhead baby was not part of the recent release, it is expected to be returned to the wild soon. This discovery follows a 2024 milestone when a Green turtle nest was recorded in Abu Dhabi for the first time, highlighting the region's growing role in global marine conservation efforts.

To further celebrate World Sea Turtle Day, Jumeirah organized various conservation activities across its portfolio. In collaboration with the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah Saadiyat Island hosted a release of 135 sea turtles. Similarly, Jumeirah Bali guests witnessed the release of newly hatched turtles, alongside an educational program on sea turtle conservation.

Jumeirah's marine conservation initiatives extend beyond turtle rehabilitation. The brand is expanding coral restoration efforts, with a new coral nursery at Jumeirah Al Naseem's Turtle Lagoon. In partnership with Ocean Revive, the team is researching and testing technologies to grow and reintroduce corals into the sea. Over 1,400 coral fragments have been created, with 300 already relocated to the sea.

Furthermore, Jumeirah supports DUBAI REEF, a major reef development project aiming to enhance marine biodiversity and protect Dubai's coastal ecosystems. Through coral fragmentation work at Jumeirah Al Naseem, over 3,000 coral fragments have been produced, contributing to the initiative's goals of repopulating local reef systems.

Jumeirah's commitment to marine preservation is evident across its global resorts, including initiatives in Tanzania and the Maldives. Collaborations with local NGOs in these regions focus on protecting marine species and engaging local communities through education and conservation training.

These efforts are part of Jumeirah's wider sustainability vision, emphasizing the principles of people, planet, and responsible governance. Each turtle release and conservation effort is a step towards preserving the marine ecosystems surrounding Jumeirah's resorts.