President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has instructed an expansion of Abu Dhabi’s network of protected areas, increasing their total coverage to 20% of the emirate’s land area. The directive aims to strengthen the UAE’s role in global environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation.
The initiative is aligned with the programme of the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 and underscores the nation’s commitment to environmental leadership. Managed by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, the newly designated nature reserves will span 4,581 square kilometres, becoming part of the Zayed Protected Areas Network. This addition will increase the total number of protected zones to 26—comprising both terrestrial and marine areas—covering an overall expanse of 22,821 square kilometres.
The announcement coincides with the UAE’s first-ever hosting of the IUCN World Conservation Congress, a landmark event organised by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The congress takes place from 9–15 October 2025 at the ADNEC Centre in the capital, marking a significant milestone for the region.
The expansion includes three new terrestrial reserves—Al Wathba Fossil Dunes Reserve, Liwa Groundwater Reservoir Reserve, and Ghaf Natural Reserve—alongside the enlargement of the Qasr Al Sarab Reserve. Additionally, two new marine protected areas are being established: Abu Al Abyad Marine Reserve and the Sir Bani Yas and Desert Islands Marine Reserve, while the Ras Ghanada Marine Reserve will also see its boundaries extended.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi’s Board of Directors, noted that the President’s directive highlights the UAE’s enduring commitment to environmental preservation and sustainability. He emphasized that the expansion will protect biodiversity and ecosystems for generations to come while enhancing Abu Dhabi’s stature as a global leader in nature conservation—continuing the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Mohammed Ahmed Al Bowardi, Vice Chairman of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, reaffirmed that the initiative strengthens the UAE’s dedication to preserving wildlife across the emirate. He added that the expanded reserves will enable new conservation programmes and foster the sustainable use of natural resources.
Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, described the move as a historic step in the emirate’s environmental progress, supporting the Global Biodiversity Framework 2030 and the 30×30 initiative. She stated that it mirrors the leadership’s vision of harmonising economic progress with ecological preservation, consolidating Abu Dhabi’s position as an international model in environmental excellence.
Xpats.ae reports that the agency confirmed the initiative aligns with the National Biodiversity Strategy 2031, a comprehensive framework guiding ecosystem protection, habitat restoration, and climate resilience. The strategy is built on six key pillars focusing on conserving biodiversity hotspots, rehabilitating damaged land and marine areas, and mitigating the effects of climate change and natural disasters on the nation’s ecological balance.
