President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has directed an increase in the protected natural areas Abu Dhabi to cover 20% of the emirate’s total land area. This major step supports the UAE’s commitment to sustainability and global environmental goals.
The initiative aligns with the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 programme and reinforces the nation’s leadership in biodiversity and nature conservation. The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi will oversee the newly designated areas, which span 4,581 square kilometres. With this, the total number of protected natural areas Abu Dhabi rises to 26, covering 22,821 square kilometres across terrestrial and marine reserves.
The expansion includes three new terrestrial reserves — Al Wathba Fossil Dunes Reserve, Liwa Groundwater Reservoir Reserve, and Ghaf Natural Reserve. It also features the creation 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 Qasr Al Sarab and Ras Ghanada Marine Reserves.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, said the directives reflect the leadership’s strong vision for protecting biodiversity and sustaining ecosystems.
Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the agency, stated that the move supports the Global Biodiversity Framework 2030 and the 30×30 initiative. It also aligns with the National Biodiversity Strategy 2031, focusing on ecosystem restoration, climate resilience, and wildlife conservation.
This initiative highlights Abu Dhabi’s growing role as a global model in sustainability, balancing environmental protection with national development goals.
