The Dubai nature reserve plan will use scientific assessments and international conservation standards to strengthen biodiversity protection across the emirate’s eight protected areas.
DUBAI: Dubai is taking a more scientific approach to protecting its natural landscapes, with a new project set to assess and strengthen the emirate’s network of nature reserves. The Dubai nature reserve plan will examine habitats, ecological connections and climate resilience as authorities look at how protected areas can be managed more effectively over the long term.
The Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority has partnered with the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Regional Office for West Asia to develop and implement the initiative.
The first phase will take one year to complete and establish a science-based picture of the current condition of Dubai’s reserves.
What will the new nature reserve plan examine?
Instead of looking at each protected area separately, the project will assess Dubai’s reserves as one connected ecological network.
The work will examine how well different habitats are represented, identify ecological corridors connecting natural areas and assess how resilient the reserves are to climate change.
It will also look at whether the current network could be expanded or improved as Dubai continues to develop.
The emirate has eight designated protected areas covering approximately 31 per cent of Dubai’s total area. Together, they represent mountain, desert, coastal and marine ecosystems.
They include Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, Al Wohoosh Desert Conservation Reserve, Jabal Ali Wildlife Sanctuary, Hatta Mountain Reserve, Jabal Nazwa Conservation Reserve, Ghaf Nazwa Conservation Reserve and Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.
Also read: Hamdan bin Zayed issues new biodiversity policy for Abu Dhabi
Also read: Dubai joins global nature challenge with Terra’s wild biodiversity campaign
Why does biodiversity protection matter for Dubai?
Dubai’s natural habitats support a surprisingly wide range of wildlife, from migratory birds and marine species to Arabian oryx, gazelles and the Arabian tahr.
Protecting these habitats becomes increasingly important as the city grows.
The Dubai nature reserve plan is designed to provide authorities with scientific evidence that can guide future conservation decisions rather than relying on individual measures for separate locations.
International best practices will also be considered as part of the programme, helping Dubai benchmark its protected areas against recognised conservation standards.
The partnership was announced during the inaugural Dubai Environment Conference and Exhibition 2026, where environmental protection, sustainability and climate resilience were among the major themes.
Once the initial assessment is complete, the findings are expected to help shape longer-term management and development of the reserve network.
The Dubai nature reserve plan could therefore influence everything from habitat restoration and wildlife protection to ecological connectivity and future conservation priorities.
Impact to expect
The project could give Dubai a clearer scientific roadmap for protecting wildlife while the emirate continues to grow. Better-connected and more resilient natural areas may also support climate adaptation, biodiversity and opportunities for residents and visitors to experience Dubai’s natural environment responsibly.
