When Spanish zoologist Barbara Lang-Lenton arrived in Dubai in 2004, this marked a turning point for the city's marine conservation efforts. The National Marine Aquarium in the UK had recently launched an exciting new Aquarium at Jumeirah Burj Al Arab and as an established zoologist and PhD researcher, Barbara was chosen to support the launch. Soon after her arrival, the Aquarium received its first rescue turtles, sparking her deep passion for ocean rehabilitation. Her vision led to the establishment of the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project (DTRP), a collaboration with the royal family, inspiring a long-term commitment to conservation in the region.

Now, after two decades of significant work across the United Arab Emirates, Barbara has returned as the Director of the Aquarium, showcasing her unwavering passion for educating the public on protecting the ocean's delicate ecosystem. Join us as we explore Barbara’s fascinating role as a key figure in shaping the future of marine conservation in the Emirates.

A turtle hospital hidden within Jumeirah Burj Al Arab

Following their rescue, sea turtles receive initial critical care at the dedicated facilities within Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, managed by a skilled seven-member team. Here, the turtles follow a comprehensive rehabilitation programme designed to restore their health and strength.

Once able to independently feed and swim, the turtles are transferred to the rehabilitation lagoon at Jumeirah Al Naseem. This sea-fed facility, consisting of five lagoons, is purposely designed for sea turtle rehabilitation and is where the turtles, under the watchful eye of the DTRP team, build up strength prior to their release back into the Gulf waters. The predominant species treated at the centre include Hawksbill and Green turtles, with occasional care provided for Loggerhead and Olive Ridley turtles.

Celebrating 20 years of conservation in the region

Over the past two decades, the resort's dedicated programme has successfully rehabilitated and released over 2,150 sea turtles back into their natural habitat. This incredible journey of conservation has been fuelled by expert medical care, community engagement, and innovative initiatives.

"We now have a toll-free line, 800-TURTLE,” explains Barbara, “which was established by Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, also known as the ‘Turtle Sheikh’. A member of the Sharjah Royal family and a renowned Emirati freediver, he is passionate about the oceans and was instrumental in creating this contact point for turtle rescues.” Through collaborative efforts with local and international organisations, Barbara and her team at Jumeirah not only preserve marine biodiversity, but also inspire the next generation of conservationists.

Life at the lagoons

At Jumeirah Al Naseem, the five rehabilitation lagoons are the heartbeat of the resort, teeming with vibrant marine life, and providing a serene oasis for guests to explore.

These lagoons showcase the resort's commitment to conservation and sustainability, housing over 100 rescued sea turtles every year as part of the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project. “We fondly refer to them as ‘turtle fitness pools’, as they are designed to build muscle for the injured animals in our care. The turtles acclimate to natural conditions, and we can closely monitor their weight, swimming behaviour, and general fitness to assess when they will be ready for their release.”

Barbara adds "Each lagoon has a large number of caves and spaces for the turtles - they can hold their breath for up to six hours and will often swim down to sleep under the rocks." The lagoons not only offer a tranquil escape, but also a meaningful opportunity to engage with and contribute to vital environmental conservation initiatives. Guests can participate in feeding sessions and learn about their rehabilitation journey, and the broader efforts to protect marine ecosystems in the UAE during our daily educational talk at 11:00AM each morning.

Inspiring success stories

Witnessing the culmination of rehabilitation efforts – the release of a healthy sea turtle back into the ocean – is a truly inspiring experience. These events, typically held two to three times a year, offer a glimpse into the dedication required for successful marine conservation. Each turtle undergoes a meticulous rehabilitation process and gets microchipped. Some of them get fitted with satellite transmitters for post-release tracking. This invaluable data provides scientists with crucial insights into migration patterns, with one Green Turtle's journey that spanned 8,300 km reaching Southern Asia, Thailand.

Inspiration for parents

Driven by her lifelong love for the ocean, Barbara shares advice with a distinct perspective. "Picture the joy on your child's face at 10 years old," she exclaims, "discovering a whole new world beneath the waves with their first SCUBA Diving Course. It is the ultimate experience in educating and inspiring your children. It's also a wonderful opportunity for parents to share the adventure. By directly engaging in ocean activities, we get more emotionally invested in its preservation.”

Other ways to show your support

The "Turtle Tea" at Jumeirah Al Naseem is more than just a delightful afternoon experience; it also plays a role in supporting the resort's marine conservation programme. Proceeds from this experience go towards sponsoring school visiting programmes across Dubai, raising awareness about marine conservation among our younger guests and the broader community.

By enjoying an afternoon tea, you not only treat yourself and your loved ones to a memorable experience, but also actively contribute to the preservation and protection of these magnificent creatures, ensuring the continuation of vital conservation efforts. Every year, we welcome around 1,700 school children from all seven Emirates for educational sessions to inspire them to respect our oceans.

A sustainable future

Looking to the future, the programme will not only remain a model of environmental stewardship in the region, but Barbara envisions her team becoming more involved with other Jumeirah hotel projects to develop nature conservation and ecosystem restoration initiatives across the portfolio.