There is a ton of nature to explore in the UAE. Now, some previously forbidden sites have now been made public.
Abu Dhabi announced that new marine protected sites across the emirate have now been made accessible to the public.
According to a statement, the newly unveiled areas will give residents and visitors a host of new options for exploring the emirate’s coastline and waterways.
A new marine reserves map of the capital and its waters, which outlines the new areas open to the public, was released at the Monaco Yacht Show by Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism, in partnership with its Environmental Agency, Abu Dhabi Maritime, and Abu Dhabi Ship Building.
Currently, Abu Dhabi’s EAD manages six marine reserves, including the Marawah Biosphere, the region’s largest and first UNESCO-designated marine reserve.
“Despite harsh conditions, we host abundant marine life, which has the highest tolerance threshold in the world,” said Ahmed Al Hashmi, Acting Executive Director – Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at the EAD. “We host the largest Indian Ocean humpback dolphin population and the densest dugong population, and the second-largest population for dugongs in the world. That is why we are pleased to partner with DCT Abu Dhabi on the selection of marine protected areas that will help boost eco-tourism in Abu Dhabi.”
Abu Dhabi has additional projects in the pipeline for the marine sector and will soon be launching Yas Bay on Yas Island, the emirate’s premier entertainment district. The new bay will feature new yacht berths, surrounded by several world-class hotels and entertainment activities, including the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.