The Abu Dhabi Environment Agency announced a significant coral reef initiative on Monday, launching the Abu Dhabi Coral Gardens project. This initiative is the largest of its kind in the Middle East and aims to protect the emirate’s marine environment while enhancing biodiversity, according to the state news agency Wam.

Under the guidance of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, the Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and chairman of the agency’s board of directors, the project will take place over the next five years. The plan involves installing 40,000 eco-friendly artificial corals in various designs and sizes to create gardens that will support marine life. These gardens will cover approximately 1,200 square kilometers in both coastal and deep waters around Abu Dhabi.

The artificial reefs are expected to endure high temperatures, aiding in the restoration of natural marine environments and bolstering local fish populations. Sheikh Hamdan emphasized that this initiative represents the emirate’s commitment to innovative natural solutions that enhance biodiversity. The project aims to protect marine habitats, support fisheries, and strike a balance between development and conservation efforts.

Dr. Shaikha Al Dhaheri, the secretary general of the agency, explained that the project is part of Abu Dhabi’s broader strategy to implement sustainable, nature-based solutions. Research indicates that artificial reefs attract marine life at rates three times higher than natural reefs, contributing to an annual fish production of over five million kilograms. Additionally, these reefs can assist coastal areas in coping with the impacts of climate change.

An example of successful coral restoration is Project REEFrame, which was launched in 2021 near Fujairah. This initiative has already created a one-hectare artificial reef and is currently working on a second reef ten times larger. Darryl Owen, the British owner of Freestyle Divers, which manages the project, stated that they are creating ecosystems in previously barren areas, where coral can attach to solid structures instead of just sand.