Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority has launched a large-scale mangrove restoration initiative that will see 40,000 trees planted across Dubai’s sanctuaries over the next two years.
The project marks one of the UAE’s most significant efforts to expand mangrove habitats and strengthen natural climate resilience.
The initiative was unveiled at the Jebel Ali Wildlife Sanctuary in the presence of H.E. Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chief of Police and General Security in Dubai. Attendees, including senior officials and environmental representatives, joined in planting the first mangrove seedlings.
H.E. Dhahi Khalfan said the initiative reflects the country’s long-standing connection to its natural environment and the shared responsibility to protect it. He highlighted the role mangroves play in preserving biodiversity and supporting future generations.
H.E. Ahmed Mohammed bin Thani, Director General of DECCA, said the project reinforces national climate goals, including the UAE’s target to plant 100 million mangroves by 2030. He noted that the Jebel Ali Wildlife Sanctuary, a Ramsar-designated wetland, provides an ideal starting point for enhancing protected ecosystems.
Mangroves are considered one of the most effective natural carbon sinks and serve as a protective coastal barrier. Their dense root systems nurture marine life, supporting fisheries and contributing to food security.
The initiative aligns with several national strategies, including the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategy, the UAE Green Agenda 2030 and the National Food Security Strategy 2051. It also supports global biodiversity commitments and underscores Dubai’s efforts to integrate environmental protection within rapidly developing areas.
Covering 75.2 square kilometres, the Jebel Ali Wildlife Sanctuary is home to diverse habitats such as coral reefs, seagrass meadows and mangrove forests that sustain a wide range of marine and terrestrial species.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
