National Parks and Reserves
Ramsar wetlands
| Site | Emirate |
|---|---|
| Al Wathba Wetland Reserve | Abu Dhabi |
| Bul Syayeef | Abu Dhabi |
| Jebel Ali Wetland Sanctuary | Dubai |
| Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary | Dubai |
| Mangrove and Alhafeya Protected Area, Khor Kalba | Sharjah |
| Sir Bu Nair Island Protected Area | Sharjah |
| Al Zorah Protected Area | Ajman |
| Wadi Wurayah National Park | Fujairah |
Source: UAE Government Portal: Nature and ecosystems2
The government portal lists these eight of the ten Ramsar sites by name.2
Abu Dhabi's reserves
In October 2025 the UAE President directed that Abu Dhabi's nature reserves grow to 20% of the emirate's land. The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi will manage 4,581 sq km of new reserves, taking the Zayed Protected Areas Network to 26 protected areas over 22,821 sq km, including new marine reserves at Abu Al Abyad and around Sir Bani Yas.3
Landscapes
- Mountains cover about 2.6% of the land, along about 155 km; Jebel Hafeet rises to 1,240 m and Jebel Umm Al Nsur in Hatta to about 1,300 m
- Mangroves cover about 70 sq km of Abu Dhabi's coast
- Fujairah has around 130 recorded coral species, with marine protected areas off Dibba
- Abu Dhabi has around 3,000 dugongs, mainly around Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve and Al Yasat
Source: UAE Government Portal: Nature and ecosystems2
The National Biodiversity Strategy 2031 aims to preserve at least 21% of land and marine ecosystems and restore 80% of degraded areas.4
Frequently Asked Questions
How many protected areas does the UAE have?
55 approved land and marine reserves covering 19.04% of the country, according to the figures published in May 2026, including 10 Ramsar wetlands.
Sources
- Emirates News Agency (WAM): International Day for Biological Diversity, 55 protected areas (22 May 2026)
- UAE Government Portal: Nature and ecosystems
- Abu Dhabi Media Office: UAE President directs expansion of protected areas in Abu Dhabi (October 2025)
- UAE Government Portal: Environment and government agenda
Figures checked 21 October 2026. Prepared by Invest-Emirates.ae for general information. Figures come from the sources listed.