Emirates Nature–WWF is celebrating the successful inscription of Wadi Wurayah National Park as the United Arab Emirates’ first UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, marking the culmination of more than two decades of science-led conservation undertaken in partnership with the Fujairah Environment Authority. The achievement reflects years of biodiversity research, habitat restoration, protected area management and scientific evidence that helped support the UAE’s successful World Heritage nomination.
Since 2006, the Government of Fujairah and Emirates Nature–WWF have worked together to build the scientific foundation for Wadi Wurayah's global recognition, creating a model partnership between government and civil society.
Reflecting on that journey, H.E. Aseela Al Moalla, Director General of Fujairah Environment Authority, said: "This achievement is the culmination of years of dedication, scientific research, and close collaboration between Fujairah Environment Authority and Emirates Nature–WWF, alongside our partners, all working towards a shared vision of securing global recognition for one of the UAE's most treasured natural landscapes. This enduring partnership has been instrumental in strengthening conservation efforts, advancing scientific knowledge, and guiding the successful World Heritage nomination."
Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director General of Emirates Nature–WWF, said: "This landmark achievement reflects more than two decades of dedicated collaboration between the Fujairah Environment Authority and Emirates Nature–WWF to conserve and restore Wadi Wurayah's unique biodiversity.”
The road to World Heritage status was built on a series of conservation milestones achieved through the long-standing partnership between the Fujairah Environment Authority and Emirates Nature–WWF. Years of scientific research, biodiversity monitoring and evidence-based management led to Wadi Wurayah becoming the UAE's first protected mountain area in 2009, followed by its designation as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 2010. Continued conservation efforts secured its recognition as the country's first National Park and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2018. In 2022, the site's strong scientific foundation and effective management earned its inclusion on the UAE's UNESCO Tentative List, paving the way for its successful World Heritage inscription in Busan four years later.
At the heart of this journey was ecological and geological milestones that underpinned UNESCO's recognition under Criterion (ix) for their outstanding conservation efforts, namely:
- Delivered one of the UAE's most comprehensive mountain and freshwater biodiversity monitoring programmes, generating critical scientific evidence to guide conservation and protected area management through camera trapping, environmental DNA (eDNA), ultrasound and acoustic monitoring.
- Documented more than 1,000 species, including the Critically Endangered Arabian Tahr and Emirati Leaf-toed Gecko, while strengthening conservation efforts for species such as the Asiatic Caracal and Blanford's Fox while also generating vital ecological data on feral goats, donkeys, cats and dogs to support evidence-based protected area management
- Developed baseline freshwater assessments, long-term ecological monitoring, habitat restoration and effective protected area management, which provided the first robust scientific evidence of Wadi Wurayah's exceptional ecological significance
- Developed the Water Research & Learning Programme, the first-of-its-kind initiative, in the Middle East and North Africa, which mobilised more than 900 volunteers to support freshwater research, ecological monitoring and environmental stewardship
- Restored native mountain habitats by planting nearly 2,000 indigenous trees using innovative water-efficient techniques suited to arid environments
- Engaged almost 2,000 volunteers through citizen science, freshwater research and environmental education
- Published results and reports featured in over 20 publications by Emirates Nature-WWF experts and scientists relating to Wadi Wurayah over the past two decades
- Curated and Enabled multisectoral partnerships to support UAE's most important mountain and freshwater ecosystem, namely, long-standing strategic partner, HSBC MENA, along with the support of other private sector entities such as Mashreq, Visa Foundation and Inditex, amongst others
Laila Added: “It also stands as a tribute to the researchers, rangers, local communities, citizen scientists and partners whose unwavering commitment has helped safeguard this extraordinary landscape. We are proud to witness Wadi Wurayah receive the global recognition it so richly deserves. This inscription is not only a celebration of what has been achieved, but a renewed commitment to protecting this national treasure for generations to come."
Al Moalla concluded: "As we celebrate this global recognition, we also recognise the responsibility that comes with it. We remain committed to protecting the Outstanding Universal Value of Wadi Wurayah through science-based conservation, effective management and collaborative stewardship, ensuring that this extraordinary natural legacy continues to inspire and educate future generations."
Both leaders extended their congratulations and appreciation to H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah; H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah and the Chairman of Fujairah Environment Authority; the Government of Fujairah; the UAE Ministry of Culture; and all partners and supporters whose vision, leadership and commitment made this historic achievement possible.
More than a historic inscription, Wadi Wurayah stands as a testament to the power of partnership. Decades of collaboration between the Fujairah Environment Authority and Emirates Nature–WWF have transformed a shared conservation vision into global recognition, creating a legacy for nature conservation in the UAE and a model for future heritage nominations.
