The areas that have been identified for protection include those areas that contribute to Abu Dhabi's overall biodiversity

Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC), the agency responsible for the future of Abu Dhabi's urban environments has in close collaboration with the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) developed Coastal Development Guidelines for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The Coastal Development Guidelines is one of the first initiatives resulting from the earlier introduced Natural and Cultural Heritage Strategy, and is an integral aspect of Plan Abu Dhabi 2030's Environment Framework Plan.

The newly introduced guidelines provide direction for development in the major coastal basins extending from the Al Dhabiya island to the boundary with Dubai Emirate - which are referred to as the Bul Syaeef, Inner Islands, Ras Gharab and Ras Ghanadah basins. Within each area, there will be management strategies ranging from a fully preserved natural reserve, which protects the most important natural and cultural assets, to stewardship zones, which are urban in nature but that promote sustainable design and social inclusion. “The assigned goal for coastal development guidelines is to improve the environmental performance of coastal development by incorporating key environmental considerations at the conceptual stage" said H.E Falah Al Ahbabi, General Manager, Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council.

"The areas that have been identified for protection include those areas that contribute to Abu Dhabi's overall biodiversity including; intertidal mudflats, mangroves, seagrass meadows and coral reefs. These important habitats provide ecosystem services such as protection from shoreline erosion, stabilisation of sediment, filtration of contaminants and nutrient recycling. Additionally, these areas provide feeding and nursing grounds for a variety of commercially important fish species as well as migratory shorebirds and endangered marine wildlife" said H.E Majid Al-Mansoori, Secretary General, Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi.

The unveiling of the Coastal Development Guidelines fulfils an important step in the Maritime Strategy for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, an overarching strategy developed by the Maritime Security Executive Committee and approved by relevant stakeholders and the Marine Areas Supreme Security Committee.

"The identified areas provide an excellent opportunity to promote environmental education and awareness for all residents of the Abu Dhabi Emirate as well as visitors and it is our obligation and duty to protect and preserve these precious natural resources for future generations," added Al Ahbabi.

According to the guidelines stipulated in the document, coastal parks and ecological hotspots are exempt from activities such as dredging, reclamation or other physical alteration activities of the environment. Only small scale visitor facilities and related services can be deployed in these areas. Access to these areas is limited to ferries and small, non-motorised boats.

Besides developing the Coastal Development Guidelines in accordance with the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, the UPC had also unveiled the planning guidelines for the Eastern Mangrove National park, in the heart of Abu Dhabi. The area was designated as core mangrove habitat within a network of marine and coastal national parks, enveloping the capital of Abu Dhabi. The Bateen Waterfront area, which holds critical significance to ensure continuous public access to the water's edge with supportive community amenities, is another initiative that the UPC has undertaken in order to preserve the coastal heritage of Abu Dhabi.