President Sheikh Mohamed has ordered a significant expansion of protected natural areas across Abu Dhabi, increasing their total coverage to nearly one-third of the emirate’s land area. The move aims to strengthen biodiversity preservation and advance the UAE’s long-term sustainability goals.
The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi will oversee the new reserves, which span about 4,600 square kilometres and will be added to the Zayed Protected Areas Network. This expansion will raise the total number of protected areas to 24, covering close to 23,000 square kilometres.
Among the new terrestrial reserves are the Al Wathba Fossil Dunes Reserve, Liwa Groundwater Reservoir Reserve, and Ghaf Natural Reserve. Qasr Al Sarab Reserve will also be expanded. Additionally, two new marine reserves—Abu Al Abyad Marine Reserve and Sir Bani Yas and Desert Islands Marine Reserve—will be established, while the Ras Ghanada Marine Reserve will undergo expansion.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, Chairman of the Environment Agency, said the initiative reflects the UAE leadership’s vision for environmental sustainability and the protection of ecosystems for future generations. The decision also supports the National Biodiversity Strategy 2031, which emphasizes ecosystem rehabilitation, biodiversity protection, and resilience against climate change impacts.