Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, representative of the Abu Dhabi ruler in the Al Dhafra region and chairman of the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency, has issued Decision No. 6 of 2025 concerning the establishment of a biodiversity policy in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. This strategic move underscores the emirate’s commitment to preserving its natural resources and sustaining its ecological systems.
The announcement coincides with the Global Nature Conservation Conference 2025, which is being hosted in the emirate until October 15, 2025, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s prominent position in global environmental protection efforts.
According to the decision, the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency will coordinate with relevant authorities to monitor the execution tools of the policy according to a defined and structured timeline. It will also oversee the analysis of the impacts resulting from its implementation, based on systematic and organized procedures to achieve the desired goals.
The policy aims to ensure the sustainability of biodiversity in the emirate by addressing key challenges and threats it faces. This includes the protection, restoration, and preservation of natural ecosystems and habitats crucial for the survival of local plant and animal species.
Additionally, the policy seeks to enhance legislative and regulatory frameworks, implement nature-based solutions, and raise community awareness regarding the importance of biodiversity and the role of ecosystems in supporting human health, societal well-being, and resource sustainability in Abu Dhabi.
The agency developed the policy in collaboration with its partners from government entities in the emirate and several private sector institutions, along with local community segments, ensuring alignment with national policies.
The policy addresses the current status and challenges facing biodiversity in the emirate, caused by pressures on its natural environments, climate change, and practices that may affect resource sustainability. It also outlines the necessary actions for protecting marine, coastal, and terrestrial ecosystems linked to the policy.
Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency, stated that this policy represents a significant step towards achieving the overarching framework for the country’s biodiversity strategy through 2031.
It enhances Abu Dhabi’s status as a leader in environmental protection and sustainability, serving as a strategic tool that aligns with the country’s objectives and international commitments. This policy will contribute to achieving the emirate’s environmental centenary targets for 2071 by safeguarding natural habitats, preserving local species, and enhancing ecological sustainability.
She added that preserving biodiversity is a fundamental pillar for ensuring food and water security, mitigating climate change effects, and maintaining quality of life. Through this policy, the aim is to foster collaborative efforts and integrate actions among stakeholders to rehabilitate affected habitats, protect endangered species, and enhance the scientific knowledge base associated with local biodiversity to build a sustainable environmental future.
Abu Dhabi is home to a diverse array of rich ecosystems, including plains, sand dunes, coasts, islands, coral reefs, mangrove forests, and mountainous areas, supporting unique species of terrestrial and marine life.
However, these ecosystems face increasing challenges that necessitate well-planned and sustainable interventions. Through this policy, a series of measures will be implemented to enhance the resilience of ecosystems, activate partnerships across sectors, and employ modern technologies to support the protection and rehabilitation of these ecological systems.