Under the directives of Hamdan bin Zayed,
Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi launches sea cage aquaculture project in Abu Dhabi that uses Artificial Intelligence tools for first time in the Middle East

Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), and in alignment with the vision of Abu Dhabi’s sustainable aquaculture policy, the Agency launched the first sea cages aquaculture project in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The project, which is located southeast of Delma Island within Al Dhafra Region, aims to conduct scientific studies and research on culturing local fish species using floating aquaculture cage systems and develop environmental protocols for sustainable sea-based aquaculture in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. In addition, the project will contribute to relieving pressure on wild fisheries resources and addressing climate change impacts. Furthermore, it will support food security objectives in light of the increasing demand for seafood and encourage future investments in the sector.
The project will also be equipped with an advanced monitoring and data collection system, utilising artificial intelligence – which makes it the first of its kind in the Middle East. It aims to implement solutions to manage aquaculture operations with high efficiency and will use environmental sensors to monitor marine water quality parameters, including: temperature, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity and ammonia levels. This will also be augmented by underwater and surface cameras to track fish behaviour, feeding efficiency and a smart gateway for data transmission, powered by solar panels. Prior to establishing the project, EAD implemented a state-of-the-art integrated hydrodynamic and environmental modelling to establish sustainable aquaculture development zones in the Al Dhafra Region. The modelling was carried out to determine the maximum biomass of fish that can be sustainably cultured within selected sites without impacting the environment. The model also included components to study wave and particle movements and water quality to ensure environmental sustainability of the selected sites. The project consists of six floating sea cages, capable of producing 100 tonnes of fish annually. Targeted fish species included various local high value species such as Gabit, Safi, Hamour and Sheri, whereby 168,000 Safi Arabi, 122,000 Gabit, 100,000 Shaam and 90,000 Shaari were released.

Under the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative and in the Presence of International Experts and Researchers, The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi to Host First Global Conference on Mangrove Restoration

Aligning with 2024’s theme of ‘The Year of Sustainability’, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) announced it will be organising the first edition of the International Mangroves Conservation and Restoration Conference (IMCRC), running from 10th to 12th December 2024. This conference, the world’s first, aims to present the most important scientific studies in the field of mangrove forest ecosystems, and the best practices for the rehabilitation and development of these environmental habitats. The main themes of the conference include promoting the adoption of an integrated approach to restoring coastal systems and shedding light on the conservation of mangroves in the Arabian Peninsula. Additional agenda topics include a review of possible ways to address the effects of climate change through the preservation and rehabilitation of mangroves.
Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, said: “In the UAE, and especially in Abu Dhabi, we are very well aware of the importance of mangroves and have our own exceptional story. We have been exceptionally successful in preserving, protecting and restoring them. The emirate’s mangrove restoration efforts date back to before the 1970s, making Abu Dhabi a pioneer in the rehabilitation of these valuable ecosystems. The total coverage of Abu Dhabi’s mangrove restoration projects across the emirate is currently 17,600 hectares. And since 2020, EAD and its partners have planted more than 27 million mangroves using innovative solutions, such as drone seeding”. She added: “We are proud to be hosting the International Mangroves Conservation and Restoration Conference, the first of its kind in the world, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s interest in these coastal habitats, which are an important component of its ecosystem. The conference will certainly help us offer a platform to support the global dialogue on mangrove restoration. By convening global scientists, as well as conservation and restoration professionals working in the public and private sectors on mangrove and other coastal ecosystem programmes, all stakeholders working in the field will be able to exchange knowledge on applied science and best practice with people from all over the world and share their own experiences”.

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, in Collaboration with the Yas SeaWorld® Research & Rescue Center, Successfully Rehabilitated and Released 10 Greater Flamingos from Al Wathba Wetland Reserve

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), in partnership with the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, has successfully rehabilitated 10 greater flamingos rescued during February’s harsh weather event effected by Al-Mizr low pressure at the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve. Heavy rains were accompanied by exceptionally large hail showers, which greatly affected the reserve.
Ahmed Al Hashemi, Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD, said: “The Agency’s rangers in the reserve were monitoring the greater flamingo population across the reserve’s wetlands from the storm’s early hours. It became obvious that hailstones had injured many birds and so EAD immediately activated an emergency response, assigning four teams to rescue the injured birds, and transport them to the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center for treatment and rehabilitation. “The teams also succeeded in rescuing seven newly hatched chicks, aged between one to three days, which were also provided with immediate care at the Center. In addition, four eggs that were about to hatch were rescued to ensure that the chicks remained under the Center’s care and supervision. Examinations and autopsies of the birds done from which samples were taken in coordination with the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center revealed serious injuries due to hailstones”. Al Hashemi explained that the incident is a rare natural phenomenon that has never been recorded before in the UAE. Globally, it is also considered a rare occurrence, which resulted in the loss of several flamingos due to the heavy hailstorm and the effect of climate change on biodiversity.

During its participation in the Regional Conservation Forum for West Asian Countries, The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi Highlights Abu Dhabi’s International Best Practices in Conservation

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) participated with a delegation headed by the Secretary-General Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri in the 10th International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Regional Office for West Asia (ROWA) Regional Conservation Forum (RCF) which was held in Riyadh Saudi Arabia from 9th to 11th September. During its participation, the Agency’s efforts in preserving and protecting biodiversity were highlighted focusing on EAD’s key ongoing projects, research, and achievements. This is in addition to achievements made in the field of biodiversity conservation using modern and advanced technology in the field to preserve blue carbon ecosystems and assess the health of the vegetation cover. EAD’s projects in monitoring and restoring Abu Dhabi‘s marine biodiversity, preserving and rehabilitating plant resources in Abu Dhabi were also highlighted, in addition to restoring endangered wildlife in the Arabia to Africa project and the use of drones for mangrove restoration.
In her role as Regional Councillor for West Asia at IUCN, Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha took part in her first panel discussion ‘IUCN Programme 2026-2029’. During the discussion, Her Excellency explained how the IUCN network and knowledge products for species and ecosystem conservation has helped the UAE and Abu Dhabi. In particular by developing its own priorities for identification of threatened species and threatened ecosystems in Abu Dhabi by creating the Abu Dhabi Red List of Species and Abu Dhabi Red List of Ecosystems. She further highlighted that the IUCN protected area classification as one of the key inputs in establishment of the Zayed Network of Protected Areas in Abu Dhabi. During her second session: ‘Mainstreaming of Nature-based solution in Policies and Strategies in the Mena Region and Implementation Opportunities’, she emphasised on the importance of a UAE-based project known as ‘Nature-based solutions (NBs) for Climate, Biodiversity and People’ which focuses on the management and restoration of blue carbon sinks such as mangroves, corals and seagrasses. The project was launched in 2021 and jointly implemented by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), EAD, Emirates Nature-WWF, the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), Government of Umm Al Quwain and HSBC Bank. One of the key elements of the project was to provide policy recommendations to mainstream NBs into other sectoral strategies. She also highlighted the four-decade old mangrove restoration of Abu Dhabi, which has gathered new momentum to achieve the UAE Net Zero Strategy by 2050 initiative. She also discussed other projects such as Abu Dhabi’s coral restoration programme which was launched in 2021 under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of EAD.

In line with Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, in Partnership with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and Emirates Nature-WWF, Launches National Guidelines for Mangrove Restoration

In line with Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative (ADMI), the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and Emirates Nature-WWF, launched a first-of-its-kind ‘Guidelines for Mangrove Restoration in the UAE’. As the first national publication to provide specific guidance for mangrove restoration in the UAE, the Guidelines also cover the planning of a successful restoration project, considering the country’s unique mangrove ecosystems and environmental conditions. The Guidelines aim to serve as a beacon for future restoration efforts in the UAE and around the world. The objective is to create a legacy document that will support future mangrove restoration initiatives, ensuring their long-term vitality and associated ecosystems on the local and international levels.
Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, on the occasion says: “In alignment with the Year of Sustainability, we honor the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the nation’s Founding Father, whose pioneering mangrove restoration efforts have long established responsible stewardship of mangrove forests in the UAE. His passion for marine and coastal environments saw the first mangrove plantation project initiated in 1966 along Abu Dhabi’s coast – a clear demonstration of his vision and commitment to ecological preservation. Today, we also celebrate the launch of the ‘Guidelines for Mangrove Restoration in the UAE’, in partnership with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and Emirates Nature-WWF”. Her Excellency added: “This comprehensive and detailed national practice guideline for mangrove restoration is the first publication to provide specific guidance tailored to the local context. It aims to consolidate the expertise and knowledge established in the UAE, providing guidelines that will benefit all mangrove restoration initiatives both within the UAE and the wider region. Our recommendations are aligned with global best practices. It will also help all our stakeholders to benefit from the technological innovations applied in the UAE to enhance restoration efforts”.

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi and International Center for Biosaline Agriculture Sign Agreement to Ensure the Best Use of Abu Dhabi’s Natural Resources

In line with the UAE’s Year of Sustainability and to ensure the best use of Abu Dhabi’s natural resources, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) have joined forces under a new agreement. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) will foster effective cooperation on ground water, soil, and biodiversity projects to protect the natural environment in support of the emirate’s sustainable development.
On the occasion, Her Excellency Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak “For over two decades, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi has been and continues to be a key supporter of the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture, contributing significantly to our joint efforts in advancing sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation. This new Memorandum of Understanding reaffirms our shared commitment to addressing critical challenges such as water scarcity, soil degradation, and biodiversity loss. I am confident that our continued collaboration will lead to impactful advancements in environmental sustainability, further strengthening the UAE’s leadership in these vital areas”.

Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi Partners with Abu Dhabi Police to Enhance Environmental Protection Efforts

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The General Command of Abu Dhabi Police to help protect the environment in the emirate. As part of the agreement, the two organisations will work together to enforce legislation to conserve and raise awareness of the environment, and work towards adopting sustainability practices in line with the UAE’s Year of Sustainability. The MoU was signed by His Excellency Major General Maktoum Ali Al Sharifi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Police, and Her Excellency Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, in the presence of several officials from both parties. His Excellency Al Sharifi stressed the importance in enhancing cooperation and partnerships with various government agencies and coordinating closely to achieve strategic goals and joint future aspirations. His Excellency Al Sharifi explained that the MoU enhances the joint work and outlines the main features of the most important requirements and developments that contribute to improving environmental protection and preservation which can help achieve sustainability by adhering to environmental laws and regulations.
Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Al Dhaheri said: “This MoU aims to enhance the cooperation between the EAD and the General Command of Abu Dhabi Police and activate joint environmental initiatives to help achieve environmental security and prosperity for the community, in line with the directives of the Abu Dhabi government. Her Excellency added that the partnership between the two parties will enable them to contribute to facing environmental challenges together for sustainable development”. Her Excellency expressed EAD’s pride in this partnership, which emphasises the important role played by the General Command of Abu Dhabi Police in the field of environmental protection, and the implementation of environmental laws and regulations. She added that the MoU strengthens the relationship between both organisations and will allow them to put their extensive knowledge together to drive progress.

Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi Achieves the Highest Levels of Statistical Maturity in the 5th Cycle of the Abu Dhabi Statistical Maturity Index Project for 2023

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has achieved the emirate’s highest level of statistical maturity in the 5th cycle of the “Statistical Maturity Index” project during 2023. The index measures the ability of Abu Dhabi’s government entities to produce and publish statistics that are consistent with the standards and methodologies adopted by the Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi (SCAD). The Agency’s rate of 97.98 percent is the highest classification level (maturity stage) in the field of statistical data quality. The Statistical Maturity Index is measured based on two main axes: the extent of government entities’ compliance with the basic legislation and laws regulating the management of statistical work in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, and their level of commitment to the standards of data quality, processes and outputs approved in accordance with the best international standards and practices. The index is also based on two main pillars: the first of which determines the extent of government entities’ commitment to basic statistical legislation and institutional arrangements, while the second pillar measures the extent of commitment to the center’s quality standards and procedures. These two pillars are divided into four main evaluation areas, which include statistical system management, inputs, processes and outputs, which, in turn, include 14 different criteria based on which participating entities are evaluated. The results of the Statistical Maturity Index help government entities identify areas that require development in order to reach the highest levels of quality and accuracy in official statistics for Abu Dhabi.
Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of EAD, expressed her pride in this new achievement made by the Agency in the field of investing in high-quality data, which is collected through the implementation of scientific and research studies and projects. This data helps support decision makers and policymakers with accurate, updated and reliable statistics and analyses that are consistent with the highest international standards and practices, to support the efforts made by the UAE and the Abu Dhabi government to meet the requirements of the national agenda and global competitiveness indicators. Her Excellency said: “The Abu Dhabi Government and the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi recognise the importance of providing the latest data and statistics that present the state of the environment in a scientific and accurate manner, to guide policies and decision-making in the field of environmental management. While environmental information and graphic statistics is the main pillar on which the efforts made by the Agency to preserve and protect the environment depend, the statistics also help us understand the potential impacts of decisions that are not directly related to the environment”.

Coinciding with the International Mangrove Conservation and Restoration Conference, The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi Launches the “Art of Mangrove” Environmental Competition for Students in Abu Dhabi

As part of the Year of Sustainability and coinciding with the International Mangrove Conservation and Restoration Conference, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has announced the launch of the “Art of Mangrove” environmental competition for the emirate’s students. The initiative aims to inspire students, while stimulating their creativity and interest, and increasing their awareness of the importance of mangroves and the need to preserve and rehabilitate these vital trees. The International Mangrove Conservation and Restoration Conference – the world’s first – will be held in Abu Dhabi from 10 to 12 December 2024 to help develop innovative solutions to protect mangroves, promote their rehabilitation, and contribute to mitigating the effects of climate change. A large number of scientists and specialists in the field of mangrove rehabilitation and conservation as well as coastal ecosystems experts from governmental and non-governmental sectors from all over the world will participate in the conference.
“With their extensive roots and unique ability to adapt to saline-rich environments, mangroves are considered an important part of coastal ecosystems, as they play a vital role in mitigating the effects of climate change by sequestering carbon, and acting as a natural barrier that protects coasts from rising sea levels and severe storms,” said Ahmed Baharoon, Executive Director of Environmental Information, Science and Outreach Management at EAD. “With this competition, we aim to encourage students to be creative while sparking their interest in mangrove ecosystems, helping them explore their fascinating world to enhance their understanding of preserving this important ecosystem and its role in enhancing coastal resilience”. The competition is divided into two categories: the first targets students from grades one to five, with participation being limited to drawing under the theme of wonders and secrets of mangroves. The second category targets students from grades six to nine, and includes sculptures and artistic models on the theme of working with mangroves. Students participating in the second category can build a model using sustainable or recycled materials to represent the unique mangrove ecosystem and showcase its different elements, or to tell a story through or about them. Students can also design a ‘mangrove defence model’, which can be a tool for planting trees, cleaning up pollution, or monitoring the health of trees.