MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
Beyond the modern skyline of its bustling metropolis, Abu Dhabi has quietly nurtured a natural treasure trove, made up of diverse ecosystems that stand as a testament to the Emirate’s commitment to balancing progress with environmental stewardship.
As part of its ongoing campaign to raise awareness of the beauty of Abu Dhabi’s natural world, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) shared with Aletihad figures that underscore the success of conservation strategies led by the UAE capital to safeguard its native flora and fauna.
Abu Dhabi boasts incredible biodiversity, with approximately 3,800 recorded species, less than 2% of which are classified as “threatened” on the global Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
These include 426 bird species, 3 amphibians, 47 reptiles, 42 mammals, 454 wild plant species, 4 species of marine plants, and a staggering 2,516 documented invertebrates. Remarkably, 100 of these invertebrate species were previously unknown in the UAE until their recent discovery, according to the EAD.
Protected Areas
The Emirate’s proactive conservation efforts are further evidenced by the extensive Sheikh Zayed Network of Protected Areas, encompassing 14 terrestrial and 6 marine protected areas, which cover 16.9% and 13.9% of the terrestrial and marine ecosystems, respectively, providing vital sanctuaries for wildlife in Abu Dhabi.
This network includes Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, a critical habitat and breeding ground for the Greater Flamingo that holds the distinction of being the first IUCN Green Listed site in the Arabian Gulf, in addition to being recognised as a Ramsar Site and one of the 14 Important Bird Areas (IBA) in the country.
Abu Dhabi has also listed Bul Syayeef Marine Protected Area under the Ramsar Convention, in alignment with international conventions and agreements pertaining to the protection of biodiversity.
Another standout is Jebel Hafeet, the only place where the Dwarf Palm is found. The mountainous area has recently witnessed the rare sighting of the Arabian Caracal after a 35-year absence. The Jebel Hafeet National Park also hosts globally threatened species such as the Blandford’s Fox, Brandt’s Hedgehog, Arabian Tahr, and one of the largest concentrations of the Egyptian vulture in the UAE.
New Discoveries
The EAD has been at the forefront of biodiversity conservation efforts, discovering 26 species new to science since 2008, including eight digger wasps found within the Sheikh Zayed Protected Area Network in 2023. Moreover, EAD has documented over 600 new distribution records for the Abu Dhabi Emirate since 2004, including 38 new records for the UAE since 2015.
Through concerted efforts in conservation and sustainable development, Abu Dhabi not only preserves its natural heritage but also sets a shining example for biodiversity conservation globally.