Abu Dhabi has unveiled what is being described as the world’s largest coral restoration project, with more than four million coral colonies set to be cultivated by 2030, covering over 900 hectares of marine area.
The ambitious directive was issued by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Environment Agency, Abu Dhabi (EAD). It forms part of a broader national effort to safeguard biodiversity and restore vital marine ecosystems.
Earlier this month, EAD also launched the 'Abu Dhabi Coral Garden' initiative, the largest of its kind in the Middle East, which will deploy 40,000 artificial reef structures across coastal and deep-sea zones. These eco-friendly structures are expected to attract marine life at three times the rate of natural reefs and could potentially yield over five million kilogrammes of fish annually.
Coral reefs are essential to the health of marine ecosystems, offering food, shelter, and breeding grounds for sea life while also protecting coastlines and supporting both commercial and recreational activities.
These initiatives reflect the emirate's growing commitment to marine conservation and climate resilience as part of its broader sustainability agenda.