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Marine Reserves in the UAE: Outstanding Destinations housing Nature’s Enchanting Treasures

Marine Reserves in the UAE: Outstanding Destinations housing Nature’s Enchanting Treasures
6 Feb 2024 20:46

Abu Dhabi (Aletihad) 

Marine reserves in the UAE offer outstanding destinations for relaxing in nature, while enjoying its unique treasures and breathtaking scenery. This is where land meets sea at undulating coastlines; where the joy of exploring coral reefs and the myriad fish species go hand in hand with boat rides across the fantastic mangrove forests, wetlands and oases, and watching the wildlife: birds, animals, and plants.  

These protected areas shine brighter during the winter months, fitting nicely into the 4th World’s Coolest Winter campaign, offering domestic and foreign visitors a unique haven of serenity.

Biodiversity
The UAE’s marine environment boasts exceptional biodiversity made up of coral reefs, seaweed, mangrove forests, and a host of endangered species, including sea turtles, dugongs, and sharks that call UAE waters their home. 

Marine protected areas receive great attention in the UAE for their vital role in preserving endangered species. The UAE is home to 16 marine reserves, representing around 12.01% of marine and coastal territories, ranking first in the ‘marine nature reserve’ standards, according to the Environmental Sustainability Index.

  • Marine Reserves in the UAE: Outstanding Destinations housing Nature’s Enchanting Treasures

Enchanting Marine Reserves
The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi manages six marine reserves within the Sheikh Zayed Protected Areas Network, representing 13.9% of the emirate’s total marine area. Each one of these protected areas is a natural gem and a magnet for nature lovers. 

Al Saadiyat Marine National Park, adjacent to Al Saadiyat Island, is home to the critically endangered Hawksbill Turtle, while Al Yasat Marine Protected Area is made up of several islands surrounded by coral reefs, and is significant for its environmental, historical, and cultural relevance. The Mangrove Marine National Park is home to millions of mangrove trees.

  • Marine Reserves in the UAE: Outstanding Destinations housing Nature’s Enchanting Treasures

The Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve is rich in marine and coastal biodiversity and is home to the second-largest population of dugongs in the world and therefore is a site of global importance.

 In 2019, archaeologists discovered what is believed to be the world's oldest natural pearl on the island. This was followed by a string of discoveries on Marawah over the past few years that revealed evidence of a sophisticated Stone Age village that once thrived on the island. The reserve is also home to three species of sea turtles, and over 70 species of fish and coral reefs, in addition to extensive areas of mangrove trees. 

Located west of the Mussafah channel, Bul Syayeef Marine Protected Area is an important area for migratory and resident birds. It is home to mangrove trees, salt marshes and seagrass beds rich in wildlife, as well as over 50 bird species. 

The Ras Ghanada Protected Area hosts coral communities that have become a main tourist attraction. 

Dubai’s Rare Gems
Dubai’s Jebel Ali Marine Sanctuary is a rare gem, with beautiful vistas of gently sloping seabed and a gently undulating coastline. It is home to the only nesting site of the critically endangered Hawksbill sea turtle in Dubai. It supports nearly 300 species of animals including Arabian Gazelles, foxes, lizards, and waterbirds. It is also a popular site for educational programmes on animal and marine conservation.

  • Marine Reserves in the UAE: Outstanding Destinations housing Nature’s Enchanting Treasures

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven of calm and serenity, and one of few urban protected areas around the world combining salt flats, mangroves and lagoons. Home to over 450 species of animals and plants, it is identified as a globally important Bird Area (IBA) by Birdlife International and a designated Ramsar Site reflected as a unique wetland within the UAE.

Its mangrove forests host unique birds, including the Greater Flamingo and other beautiful birds, especially during the winter when it becomes home to over 20,000 waterbirds of 67 distinct species. The sanctuary offers designated bird-watching spots, equipped with stationary telescopes for those seeking to get a closer look of its fantastic wildlife.

  • Marine Reserves in the UAE: Outstanding Destinations housing Nature’s Enchanting Treasures

Divers Bliss in Sharjah
Located 112 km from the Sharjah coast, the Sir Bu Nair Island offers a treasure of land and sea landmarks. It is a haven for several endangered species, including the Hawksbill Sea Turtle and the rare Green Sea Turtle. Waters around the island offer divers the joy of swimming alongside over 67 reef fish species and 40 coral species.

Sharjah is also home to Mangrove Park, one of the most exclusive environmental spots in the UAE combining land and sea features that create a wonderful biodiversity of flora and fauna. Located within Kalba’s coastal area, it hosts different ecosystems including mangroves, marshes, salt, and mud flats.  

Unforgettable Experience in Ajman
Spanning over one million square meters in Ajman, Al Zorah Nature Reserve offers an unforgettable experience amongst sea life, local flora, lush coastal lands and lagoons, as well as mangroves and expansive seafront merging nature with convenience and modern luxuries. 

The reserve offers walking tracks surrounded by mangroves, as well as a chance to experience wakeboarding, ride Abra boats and enjoy adventurous water sports.  

  • Marine Reserves in the UAE: Outstanding Destinations housing Nature’s Enchanting Treasures

Fujairah’s Peaceful Surroundings
Fujairah is home to rich wildlife residing across its wetlands, which play a vital role in its marine environment sustainability. Dibba houses five marine protected areas, with a total area of 3.38 square kilometres, that contribute significantly to its ecotourism scene.

Those include Dadna, Ras Dadna, Al Badiya, Al Aqah, and Al Faqeet (Bird Island). These protected areas enjoy an abundance of sea life and coral diversity, including anemones, starfish, feather corals, lettuce corals, and others.

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