Dubai to establish six new natural reserves

His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, has issued, in his capacity as the Ruler of Dubai, a decree establishing six natural reserves in the emirate.

Decree No. 22 of 2014 details the establishment of reserves based on the provisions of Law No.11 of 2003 on Nature Reserves within the Emirate of Dubai.

The six new wildlife sanctuaries are: Al Ghaf Conservation of Nazwa, Al Marmoum Desert Reserve, Al Wohoosh Desert Conservation Area, the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, the Hatta Mountain Conservation Area and the Jabal Nazwa Conservation Area.

The wildlife sanctuaries defined in the decree are managed by the Dubai Municipality or through any other entity assigned by the municipality.

This legislation aims to protect natural habitats and wildlife in the Emirate of Dubai and to preserve the natural resources in these areas. Additionally, the decree intends to develop and promote eco-tourism by establishing new wildlife preservations and enable them to achieve the objectives as prescribed in the Law on the Establishment of Protected Areas.

Dubai Municipality Director-General Engineer Hussain Lootah asserted the UAE’s ranking by Environmental Performance Index has jumped from 152 in 2010 to 77 in 2012 and the UAE has achieved the first position in three subcategories which are preservation of forests, air quality and water accessibility.

Engineer Lootah assured that the establishment of the new six conservations aims to protect and expand the country’s vegetation and support the policies and procedures related to the protection of natural resources, most particularly the perennial plants like vachellia tortilis, prosopis and ziziphus.