Abu Dhabi opens new marine protected areas to the public

Abu Dhabi announced that it has opened new marine protected areas throughout the emirate to the public, thereby greatly expanding its ecotourism products.

The newly opened area will provide residents and tourists with a series of new options for exploring the emirate’s coastline and waterways. The initiative will also support the emirate’s maritime industry.

The announcement was announced at the Monaco Yacht Show by the Abu Dhabi Ministry of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi) in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency (EAD), Abu Dhabi Maritime and Abu Dhabi Shipyard.

The annual maritime industry luxury trade show attracts hundreds of yacht lovers and professionals, including captains and crews, as well as yacht management companies, yacht agents and owners.

The new marine protected area map of the capital and its waters outlines new areas open to the public and is the latest member of the emirate’s growing tourism portfolio. The capital of the UAE is known for its pristine beaches and islands, using Monaco events to showcase its capabilities as a superyacht destination by showcasing its products and plans for the marine industry.

“Abu Dhabi’s marine attractions are an important part of our tourism industry,” said Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, Executive Director of Tourism and Marketing at DCT Abu Dhabi. “Our strategy involves expanding our tourism products in a sustainable manner to meet the growing demand for more activities throughout the destination. The newly announced marine reserve will not only support the development and success of the Abu Dhabi Yacht Management Company, but also It will also provide its customers with a new and breathtaking way to explore the capital.”

Currently, EAD manages six marine protected areas, including the Malawa Biosphere, the largest and the first UNESCO-designated marine protected area in the region.

Ahmed Al Hashmi, Acting Executive Director of EAD’s Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Division, said: “Despite the harsh conditions, we have a wealth of marine life, which is the world’s highest tolerance threshold.” “We have the largest Indian Ocean humpback dolphins population. And the densest dugong population, and the second largest dugong population in the world. That’s why we are happy to work with DCT Abu Dhabi to select marine reserves, which will help promote ecotourism in Abu Dhabi.”

One of DCT Abu Dhabi’s main responsibilities is to support the development of tourism industry partners. The new maritime products link maritime and yacht management companies to the Emirates’ broader tourism strategy to ensure the continued growth of their businesses.

Abu Dhabi has other projects in the maritime sector in preparation, and will soon launch Yas Bay on Yas Island, the premier entertainment district in the emirate. The New Bay will have new yacht berths and will be surrounded by several world-class hotels and entertainment activities, including the Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.