Latest news with #EnvironmentAgency-AbuDhabi
Al Etihad
5 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Aldar launches Dh40bn Fahid Island project, bringing wellness-focused living to Abu Dhabi
2 June 2025 16:37 ISIDORA CIRIC (ABU DHABI)Abu Dhabi's property market is set for another major addition with Aldar's launch of Fahid Island, a Dh40 billion coastal destination positioned between Yas Island and Saadiyat. The 2.7 million square metre development is being pitched as a wellness-first community where no home is more than five minutes from the sea, and no more than 250 metres from green island will offer more than 6,000 homes, from apartments and townhouses to high-end waterfront villas with 4- to 6-bedroom one, Fahid Beach Residences, will feature seven low-rise buildings with 65 apartments each, and is scheduled for completion by 2029. It also includes community amenities and a top-tier international school, with more details on the education partner to be announced soon, Aldar said on rest of the project will be delivered in phases over the following three acquired the land in early 2023 for Dh2.5 billion, initially estimating a development value of Dh26 billion. That figure has since climbed to over Dh40 billion, as plans for the site expanded to include extensive natural landscapes, international school facilities, and a new residential benchmark for the the start, Aldar has framed Fahid Island as a 'complete ecosystem'. With 4.6km of beachfront on one side and mangroves on the other, all homes will be no more than a five-minute walk from the sea and within 250 metres of open green space. The layout includes 15km of shaded pedestrian walkways and multiple bridges connecting both sides of the island, designed to limit car use and promote walkability. A 10km landscaped Berm Park will act as a green wellness corridor, complete with cycling routes and running trails.'Abu Dhabi is a thriving, global destination where heritage and innovation combine to create a world-class environment to live, work, and explore. Sustainable and inclusive development has been a critical part of this success, which is why Aldar remains focused on delivering communities that reflect the values and ambitions of the UAE,' said Mohamed Al Mubarak, Chairman of and liveability are central to the design. Around 30% of the island's space will be dedicated to natural landscapes, and Aldar is actively working with the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi to protect marine life along the island's mangrove edges.'Our plans for Fahid Island support a thriving real estate market in Abu Dhabi, where we are seeing incredible demand from buyers within the local market as well as overseas investors,' said Talal Al Dhiyebi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Island's location, wedged between two of Abu Dhabi's highest-profile developments, positions it at the crossroads of culture, tourism, and investment. A recent MPM Properties report showed strong interest in prime waterfront communities, with prices in areas like Saadiyat jumping by up to 15% in 2024.'Fahid Island is one of the largest mixed-use residential masterplans launched in Abu Dhabi and will ensure the emirate consolidates its position as one of the world's most desirable destinations to reside, invest, and visit,' Al Dhiyebi added. Its unveiling comes shortly after plans for a Disney theme park on Yas Island were announced, adding momentum to rising demand in the capital's real estate market.
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Science
- Khaleej Times
Abu Dhabi ‘coral garden': 40,000 artificial reefs to restore marine ecosystem
To protect and restore marine biodiversity, Abu Dhabi has launched the largest coral garden initiative in the Middle East. The 'Abu Dhabi Coral Gardens' project, set to run from 2025 to 2030, aims to create vibrant coral gardens by installing 40,000 eco-friendly artificial corals across 1,200sqkm of the emirate's coastal and deep waters. These gardens will be strategically placed in areas that currently lack coral reefs or seagrass habitats, providing essential support for marine life. The initiative, launched by the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD), focuses on using innovative solutions to restore marine ecosystems. The artificial corals will serve as vital structures for cultivating coral reefs in the agency's nurseries, helping to support the reproduction of local fish species. Their ability to withstand high temperatures ensures they can endure the changing conditions of the ocean, making them crucial in rebuilding damaged coral reefs. This initiative underscores Abu Dhabi's commitment to using innovative, natural solutions to promote biodiversity and support sustainable economic development, said Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the EAD's Board of Directors. He also highlighted the project's importance in safeguarding marine habitats, enhancing fisheries resources, and achieving a balance between development and conservation. Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of the EAD, also shared her perspective on the initiative. She pointed out that it is part of the emirate's broader strategy to implement sustainable, nature-based solutions. Beyond improving marine habitats, she noted that the project will bolster food security, promote ecotourism, and boost the appeal of diving areas. The EAD revealed that artificial reefs have proven effective in attracting marine life, with rates up to three times higher than natural coral reefs. This success has led to the production of over 5 million kilograms of fish annually and strengthened the coastal region's resilience to the effects of climate change. Abu Dhabi continues to lead the region in research and implementation of artificial shorelines, with 30 marine sites involved in experimental studies using seven eco-friendly designs. These efforts solidify the emirate's position as a global model for marine conservation.
Gulf Today
14-05-2025
- Science
- Gulf Today
EAD plants over 4 million coral fragments
Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD), has directed the expansion of the scope of the agency's coral rehabilitation project to outplant more than four million coral colonies in the emirate's waters by 2030. This will cover an area estimated to be more than 900 hectares, making it the largest coral rehabilitation project in the world. EAD's coral rehabilitation project had successfully reached the target of one million colonies whereby restoration took place in eight different sites, covering over 300 hectares. This has led to an increase in Abu Dhabi's coral coverage as the restored coral areas have seen over 95 per cent success rate. The restored sites are already showing signs of recovery, as life is starting to form around them, with more than 50 percent increase in fish biomass and diversity. Furthermore, exceptionally and atypical of corals, those in the nursery and across restored areas continued to grow even during the summer, which indicates their ability and high resistance to withstand severe climatic conditions. The scope of the coral restoration project included the development of coral nurseries that help mitigate the adverse impact of both natural and anthropogenic pressures on coral reefs arising from coastal development and climate change, including the immediate threat of rising seawater temperatures. The first phase of the project included an evaluation, which highlighted resilient reefs and potential donor sites, and identified nursery sites to ensure a protected growth environment. This is based on different criteria such as water quality, currents, depth, and temperature. This was followed by the establishment of several underwater nurseries to nurture and grow corals collected from suitable reefs, with a production capacity of up to one million coral colonies. In the second phase, the nursery stock was harvested and transported to various sites for rehabilitation and to restore the integrated coral ecosystem. The third phase includes the completion of nursery stock harvesting and site restoration through coral translocation to degraded areas. Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of EAD, said, 'Following the successful outcomes of the coral restoration project so far, with us planting one million coral colonies, the EAD bi is now even more committed to continuing and expanding the Coral Restoration Programme. WAM
Gulf Today
07-04-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
EAD, Emirates Nature-WWF launch Citizen Science plan
As part of the Year of the Community, the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) and Emirates Nature-WWF, the founding partners of the Connect with Nature programme, announced the launch of a new 5-year strategy (2025-2029). The strategy aims to empower a new generation of young leaders in environmental conservation by promoting Citizen Science. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of EAD, and Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director-General of Emirates Nature-WWF, to renew the long-standing partnership between the two parties on the details of implementing the new strategy. The new strategy builds on the tremendous success of the Connect with Nature programme, which has reached more than 2.5 million youth since its launch in 2019. It connects youth with nature and provides students in public and private schools in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and the Al Dhafra region with the opportunity to participate in field activities that promote environmental conservation and Citizen Science. It also underscores a steadfast commitment to inspiring and empowering young people in society. The programme continues to engage youth, particularly younger audiences, providing them with opportunities to cultivate their potential and grow into the leaders of tomorrow. Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri commented, 'The new 5-year strategy represents an important stage in our journey towards promoting environmental responsibility in society and preparing leaders capable of effecting environmental change. 'By integrating Citizen Science and practical experiences in environmental conservation into school programmes and activities, we are working to create an ecosystem that combines knowledge and action to achieve a green economy, in line with the UAE Vision 2030. 'Our partnership with Emirates Nature-WWF provides an opportunity to strategically expand the scope of the programme, ensuring that our combined efforts and cooperation protect our natural heritage and advance a green and sustainable future for future generations.' The new Connect with Nature Field Trip Series for schools will accommodate 2,000 students annually, offering participants a unique opportunity to work alongside conservationists and environmental experts as citizen scientists. From venturing knee-deep into muddy mangroves to measure the growth of new saplings to kayaking across the nation's vibrant coastal areas and shaping environmental policies, these field trips are designed to inspire a deeper appreciation for nature while also contributing to conservation impact. Ahmed Baharoon, Executive Director of Environment Information Science and Outreach Management said, 'At EAD, we recognise that the path to a sustainable future starts with education and active participation. The 5-year strategy for Connect with Nature is a testament to our unwavering commitment to equipping young minds with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to become future environmental leaders. By incorporating citizen science and conservation into school programmes, we are fostering a generation that not only understands the importance of protecting our ecosystems but is also empowered to take meaningful action. We are confident that their contributions will be instrumental in realising our shared sustainability vision.' Laila Mostafa Abdullatif said, 'Connect with Nature was founded with a simple vision of inspiring young people to experience, celebrate and safeguard nature in the UAE. 'Over five years, we have seen firsthand how time spent in nature – learning about the environment and actively protecting it – has had a profound impact on the nation's youth, motivating them to pursue green careers and advocate for sustainability on the local and global stage. 'During this period, the programme has inspired more than 14,000 youth to volunteer over 32,000 hours of work for the environment, through 250 citizen science events and activities. Today, with the launch of our new five-year strategy, we are excited to inspire similar connections amongst school students and nature and welcome our newest changemakers to the movement.' WAM
