His Excellency Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi: Wadi Wurayah’s International Recognitionis Prestigious Accolade To UAE’s Leadership, Will Boost Nation’s Ecotourism

His Excellency Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said that UNESCO’s inclusion of Wadi Wurayahin its World Network of Biosphere Reserves, is a prestigious accolade awarded to the UAE’s leadership that has placed environmental protection on a par with human and economic development, positioning the country on the global map as a leader in sustaining and preserving the environment.

His Excellency Dr Al Zeyoudi added: “Our commitment to nature commenced with the founding father of the UAE, late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who gave time, effort and resources to caring for this country’s magnificent environment. He shaped the path we continue to take till this day in preserving the natural beauty of the UAE.”

Dr Al Zeyoudi noted that assigning Wadi Wurayahasa Biosphere Reserve is a recognition of its unique characteristics as a natural wonder of the UAE. Wadi Wurayah is the second protected area in the UAE to receive this recognition after Marawah Marine Protected Area.

He emphasized that the country’s leadership is working to position the UAE as a leading global ecotourism hub, as it possesses all the key elements to become an ecotourism destination of choice.

Located within the Hajar Mountain range in Fujairah, Wadi Wurayah was declared the first Mountain Protected Area in the UAE. Wadi Wurayah is of considerable ecological significance and hosts rich fauna and flora endemic to the Arabian Peninsula.

Wadi Wurayah is home to more than 652 species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, as well as over 208 species of plants, including a species of wild orchid unique to the UAE.

Some of the rarest animals in the world roam freely at Wadi Wurayah, including the Blanford’s fox, Arabian leopards, mountain gazelles and caracals. The area’s luminous waterfalls, amazing rock formations and unusual wildlife make it a haven for geologists.

Furthermore, the area is a hotspot for ornithologists keen to study some of the 94-bird species recorded within the region, several of which have been classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Recent studies indicate that the area is home to 22 dragonfly species.

The international recognition of Wadi Wurayah in Fujairahfollowsthe recently-announced National Ecotourism Project launched by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment to showcase the UAE’s natural wonders and promote the 43 nature protected areas in the country.