Activity Three incredible sea turtle sanctuaries in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
The Arabian Gulf’s shimmering waters are home to a number of protected species of sea turtle but many are critically endangered
The Arabian Gulf’s shimmering waters are home to a number of protected species of sea turtle but many are critically endangered
The Arabian Gulf’s shimmering waters are home to a number of protected species of sea turtles who glide through the sea in harmony with their surroundings and have earned celebrity status among the locals. Catching a rare glimpse of these graceful creatures in their element is a truly special encounter. Many turtles, however, are critically endangered: the narrow-beaked hawksbill turtle, the dominant species of turtle in the Arabian gulf found throughout the tropical waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, has only an estimated 8,000 nesting females left worldwide.
As awareness of the importance of the natural world becomes increasingly clearer, and as plastic-free initiatives, such as Jumeirah’s ban on plastic straws, take the world by storm, our teams in Abu Dhabi and Dubai have been working hard to protect these magnificent and endangered animals and conserve their natural environment. Read on to discover how you can be a part of these conservation efforts across the United Arab Emirates.
Famous for its sail-shaped silhouette, dazzling interiors and iconic location on Dubai’s shoreline, Burj Al Arab is also home to a world-renowned aquarium which is proud to be the headquarters of the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project (DTRP), run in collaboration with Dubai’s Wildlife Protection Office, with essential veterinary support provided by the Dubai Falcon Hospital and the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory. The project was established in 2004 and since its launch the team has proudly returned over 2,000 turtles to the sea from all over the UAE.
The local community in Dubai are just as passionate as our teams and have become guardians of these elegant creatures. The turtles brought into our centre have been rescued by concerned members of the public or local conservation bodies. Turtles are cold-blooded creatures and gain their body heat from their surrounding environment. Young turtles in particular are affected by colder sea temperatures during the winter months from December through to February, which is when the majority of sick turtles are delivered to the rehabilitation centre. When a sick or injured turtle arrives, its condition is closely monitored by the team, who perform surgery and medicate the turtles where necessary.