His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, has directed an increase in the area of nature reserves in Abu Dhabi to reach 20 per cent of the emirate’s total land area.
The initiative aligns with the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 programme and reinforces the UAE’s commitment to global leadership in sustainability and environmental preservation.
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi will manage the newly designated reserves, which will cover 4,581 square kilometres. These will be added to the Zayed Protected Areas Network, which currently includes 13 terrestrial and six marine reserves. The total number of protected areas will rise to 26, spanning 22,821 square kilometres.
The announcement coincides with the UAE’s historic hosting of the IUCN World Conservation Congress for the first time in the region. The event is organised by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and has taken place from 9-15 October 2025 at ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi.
The expansion includes the designation of three new terrestrial reserves: Al Wathba Fossil Dunes Reserve, Liwa Groundwater Reservoir Reserve and Ghaf Natural Reserve. It also includes the expansion of the Qasr Al Sarab Reserve, and the establishment of two new marine reserves: Abu Al Abyad Marine Reserve and Sir Bani Yas and Desert Islands Marine Reserve. Additionally, the Ras Ghanada Marine Reserve will be expanded.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi Board of Directors, said: “The directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reflect our wise leadership’s vision for environmental protection and sustainability. This expansion will safeguard biodiversity and ecosystems for future generations and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s global standing as a model for environmental stewardship, continuing the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.”
His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Bowardi, Vice Chairman of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, said: “These directives reaffirm the UAE’s unwavering commitment to biodiversity conservation and protecting wildlife across the emirate. Expanding nature reserves will support innovative programmes for wildlife preservation and ensure the sustainability of our natural environment.”
Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, said: “This marks a transformative milestone in Abu Dhabi’s environmental journey and reflects the UAE’s dedication to achieving the Global Biodiversity Framework 2030 goals, including the 30×30 initiative. It reinforces the leadership’s vision of balancing sustainable development with natural heritage conservation, positioning Abu Dhabi as a global model in environmental action.”
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi affirmed that this decision supports the National Biodiversity Strategy 2031, which presents a comprehensive vision for nature conservation and climate action. The strategy focuses on six key pillars, including the protection and monitoring of critical biodiversity areas, the rehabilitation of degraded terrestrial and marine ecosystems, and minimising the impact of climate change and disaster risks on biodiversity while enhancing its resilience.
