The public in Abu Dhabi can now access new marine protected sites across the Emirates

The newly disclosed areas will give residents and visitors a plethora of new picks for exploring the emirate’s coastline and waterways, with the initiative also supporting the emirate’s maritime industry.

With laying emphasis on tourism, Abu Dhabi has been significantly expanded its eco-tourism offerings and now the capital has announced that the new marine protected sites across the emirate will be made accessible to the public.

In collaboration with the Environmental Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD), Abu Dhabi Maritime and Abu Dhabi Ship Building, the announcement was made at the Monaco Yacht Show by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).

The newly disclosed areas will give residents and visitors a plethora of new picks for exploring the emirate’s coastline and waterways, with the initiative also supporting the emirate’s maritime industry.

To begin with, the annual luxury trade show that specialises in the maritime industry was attended by hundreds of yachting enthusiasts and professionals, including captains and crews, as well as yacht management companies, yacht agents and owners.

Another addition to the emirate’s growing portfolio of tourism offerings is a new marine reserves map of the capital and its waters, which outlines the new areas open to the public. Known for its pristine beaches and islands, Abu Dhabi used the Monaco event to demonstrate its capabilities as a superyacht destination by showcasing its offerings and plans for the marine industry.

“Abu Dhabi’s marine sites are a significant part of our tourism sector,” shared Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, Executive Director of Tourism and Marketing at DCT Abu Dhabi, during the event, adding, “Our strategy involves expanding our tourism offerings in a sustainable manner that caters to the growing demand for more activities across the destination. The newly announced marine protected sites will not only support the growth and success of yacht management companies in Abu Dhabi but will also provide their customers with a new and breath-taking way to explore the capital.”

With the new marine offerings, it aims to connect marine and yacht management companies with the emirate’s wider tourism strategy to ensure the continued growth of their businesses.