ABU DHABI: The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has used drones to drop 6.5 million native seeds across nature reserves in the emirate. This large planting project is part of their 2025 plan to protect and grow local plants. It was done with the help of a UK-based company, Dendra, which designs drones for planting.
These special drones can fly over big areas quickly, even places that are hard to reach by foot or vehicle. That means the agency can plant more seeds faster without damaging the land. The planting included different local species such as Samar, Moringa, Rumex, Cleome, Desert cotton, and Panicum in mountain areas. In sandy parts like Qasr Al Sarab Nature Reserve, they planted Fire Bush, Rimth, Tricholaena, and Agriophyllum.
Before planting, EAD’s expert team—made up of experienced staff and young Emiratis—studied the soil and plants to find the best places to drop the seeds. They made sure the plants would grow well in each area.
Ahmed Al Hashmi, a senior official at EAD, said: “We carried out one of the biggest drone seedings ever done in Abu Dhabi. We covered 320 hectares in a short time, helping our climate and nature goals.”
EAD will now watch the planted areas closely. They will use AI-powered sensors and smart tools to check how the plants grow over time. This helps make sure the planting works well and protects the land for the future.
This drone project is part of a bigger plan started in 2024 to study natural areas and improve rules around grazing. It shows how Abu Dhabi is using smart technology to protect nature and support global sustainability goals.
