Inspired by the gentle rhythm of the Gulf, the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project has been carefully supporting the recovery of sea turtles for nearly twenty years, with more than 2,000 returned to their ocean home.  Today, all seven marine turtle species are under threat, with many listed as vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered, including the Hawksbill turtle, native to the Middle East, with only a few thousand nesting females remaining worldwide. 

From their initial treatment at the aquarium in Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, each turtle is given attentive care before continuing its journey at the Turtle Rehabilitation Sanctuary in Jumeirah Al Naseem.  In the tranquil lagoon, guests can observe their progress and, on selected experiences, take part in feeding as the turtles regain their strength ahead of release. 

The Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project is dedicated to the long-term conservation of these remarkable marine creatures, working closely with Dubai’s Wildlife Protection Office to ensure the highest standards of care.  Expert veterinary support is provided by the Dubai Falcon Clinic, with specialist post-mortem and laboratory analysis carried out by the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory.  As the first initiative of its kind in the region, it reflects Jumeirah’s ongoing commitment to nurturing the natural world that surrounds its destinations. 

The Goals of the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project

• Understand the success of rehabilitation and to research turtle movements throughout the region and beyond via a satellite tracking initiative
• Educate local children, citizens and international hotel guests about sea turtle biology and the local and global plight of the sea turtles
• Rescue, rehabilitate and release back into the wild sea turtles found sick or injured in the region

Nurture the turtles  

When a sick, distressed or injured sea turtle is found, it is entrusted to the aquarium team at Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, where its recovery is carefully overseen with dedicated attention.  Each turtle receives thorough examinations, continuous monitoring and any required medical treatments or surgeries, ensuring every stage of rehabilitation is handled with expert care.  Once the team is confident in its progress, the turtle is welcomed to the state-of-the-art Turtle Rehabilitation Sanctuary at Jumeirah Al Naseem.

Here, a serene, sea-fed lagoon creates the ideal setting for the final phase of recovery, allowing the team to observe each turtle closely before it returns to the waters of the United Arab Emirates.  Many arrive with injuries from boat strikes, entanglement or ingesting plastic waste, while others suffer from illness, often visible through unusual barnacle growth on their shells.

From January to April, the sanctuary often receives young Hawksbill turtles, a species particularly sensitive to cooler sea conditions in the region and in need of additional, specialist care.

Session timings:

Monday to Friday: 11:00
Saturday and Sunday: 11:00 and 15:30
Location: Jumeirah Al Naseem Turtle Lagoon