Abu dhabi: President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has mandated an increase in the nature reserves of Abu Dhabi, targeting 20% of the emirate's total land area.
According to Emirates News Agency, the initiative aligns with the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 programme and strengthens the UAE's commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation. The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi will oversee the new reserves, which will span 4,581 square kilometres, adding to the Zayed Protected Areas Network. This expansion will increase the total number of protected areas to 26, covering 22,821 square kilometres.
The announcement comes as the UAE hosts the IUCN World Conservation Congress for the first time in the region. The event, organised by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), took place from 9-15 October 2025 at ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi.
The expansion includes new terrestrial reserves: Al Wathba Fossil Dunes Reserve, Liwa Groundwater Reservoir Reserve, and Ghaf Natural Reserve. It also involves the extension of the Qasr Al Sarab Reserve and the establishment of two new marine reserves: Abu Al Abyad Marine Reserve and Sir Bani Yas and Desert Islands Marine Reserve, along with the expansion of the Ras Ghanada Marine Reserve.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan remarked that the directives reflect the leadership's vision for environmental protection. The expansion aims to safeguard biodiversity and ecosystems, enhancing Abu Dhabi's global reputation as a model for environmental stewardship.
Mohammed Ahmed Al Bowardi emphasized the UAE's commitment to biodiversity conservation, noting that expanding nature reserves supports innovative wildlife preservation programmes and ensures environmental sustainability.
Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri highlighted that this move marks a significant milestone in Abu Dhabi's environmental journey, reinforcing the UAE's dedication to achieving the Global Biodiversity Framework 2030 goals. It positions Abu Dhabi as a global model in environmental action.
The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi confirmed that this decision underpins the National Biodiversity Strategy 2031, which presents a comprehensive vision for nature conservation and climate action, focusing on protecting biodiversity, rehabilitating ecosystems, and minimizing climate change impacts.