Abu Dhabi has unveiled an ambitious plan to plant millions of coral colonies by 2030.
The initiative aims to cover more than 900 hectares, making it the world's largest coral rehabilitation project, according to state news agency Wam.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Environment Agency in Abu Dhabi (EAD), is leading the effort.
The project builds on the success of restoring one million coral colonies since 2021, which achieved a 95 per cent survival rate.
“After successfully planting one million coral colonies, we are expanding the programme reinforcing our commitment to marine conservation and resilient ecosystems,” said Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD.
The restored coral sites are already showing signs of recovery. Fish numbers and species variety have increased by more than 50 per cent around these areas.
Unusually for coral, those in the nursery and restored sites kept growing even during the summer. This shows they are strong and able to survive extreme heat and tough weather.
“Despite the Arabian Gulf’s harsh environmental conditions, coral reefs can adapt and provide habitats for a variety of marine species in the region,” said Dr Shaikha.
“They are highly flexible, enabling them to adapt and withstand the hottest seas, distinguishing them from other types of coral reefs around the world.”
EAD has also launched the "Abu Dhabi Coral Garden" initiative earlier this month. The project will be implemented over the next five years.
It plans to create "gardens" by installing 40,000 eco-friendly artificial corals of various designs and sizes. It aims to support the growth of marine organisms across 1,200 square kilometres of coastal and deep-sea areas.
The artificial reefs are designed to attract marine life at rates three times higher than natural reefs, potentially producing more than five million kilograms of fish annually.
Other emirates are also taking steps to protect marine ecosystems. Sharjah has initiated a pilot project in Khorfakkan using artificial reef caves to support fish habitats.
Dubai has started the first phase of its Dubai Reef project, aiming to deploy 20,000 reef modules over 600 square kilometres within three years.
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment is coordinating coral restoration efforts across the UAE including a research initiative focused on cultivating 24 resilient coral species and a comprehensive national reef mapping project identifying 210 sites supporting more than 55 species of hard corals.
Previous successful initiatives include the establishment of coral gardens in Ras Al Khaimah, Umm al Qaiwain, and Ajman.
A continuing collaboration with Fujairah Adventures aims to plant 1.5 million coral reef colonies along the eastern coast.
KEY%20DATES%20IN%20AMAZON'S%20HISTORY
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RESULT
Los Angeles Galaxy 2 Manchester United 5
Galaxy: Dos Santos (79', 88')
United: Rashford (2', 20'), Fellaini (26'), Mkhitaryan (67'), Martial (72')
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Ballon d’Or shortlists
Men
Sadio Mane (Senegal/Liverpool), Sergio Aguero (Aregentina/Manchester City), Frenkie de Jong (Netherlans/Barcelona), Hugo Lloris (France/Tottenham), Dusan Tadic (Serbia/Ajax), Kylian Mbappe (France/PSG), Trent Alexander-Arnold (England/Liverpool), Donny van de Beek (Netherlands/Ajax), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon/Arsenal), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Germany/Barcelona), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal/Juventus), Alisson (Brazil/Liverpool), Matthijs de Ligt (Netherlands/Juventus), Karim Benzema (France/Real Madrid), Georginio Wijnaldum (Netherlands/Liverpool), Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands/Liverpool), Bernardo Silva (Portugal/Manchester City), Son Heung-min (South Korea/Tottenham), Robert Lewandowski (Poland/Bayern Munich), Roberto Firmino (Brazil/Liverpool), Lionel Messi (Argentina/Barcelona), Riyad Mahrez (Algeria/Manchester City), Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium/Manchester City), Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal/Napoli), Antoine Griezmann (France/Barcelona), Mohamed Salah (Egypt/Liverpool), Eden Hazard (BEL/Real Madrid), Marquinhos (Brazil/Paris-SG), Raheem Sterling (Eengland/Manchester City), Joao Félix(Portugal/Atletico Madrid)
Women
Sam Kerr (Austria/Chelsea), Ellen White (England/Manchester City), Nilla Fischer (Sweden/Linkopings), Amandine Henry (France/Lyon), Lucy Bronze(England/Lyon), Alex Morgan (USA/Orlando Pride), Vivianne Miedema (Netherlands/Arsenal), Dzsenifer Marozsan (Germany/Lyon), Pernille Harder (Denmark/Wolfsburg), Sarah Bouhaddi (France/Lyon), Megan Rapinoe (USA/Reign FC), Lieke Martens (Netherlands/Barcelona), Sari van Veenendal (Netherlands/Atletico Madrid), Wendie Renard (France/Lyon), Rose Lavelle(USA/Washington Spirit), Marta (Brazil/Orlando Pride), Ada Hegerberg (Norway/Lyon), Kosovare Asllani (Sweden/CD Tacon), Sofia Jakobsson (Sweden/CD Tacon), Tobin Heath (USA/Portland Thorns)
DUNE%3A%20PART%20TWO
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Results
1.30pm Handicap (PA) Dh50,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
Winner Al Suhooj, Saif Al Balushi (jockey), Khalifa Al Neyadi (trainer)
2pm Handicap (TB) 68,000 (D) 1,950m
Winner Miracle Maker, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer
2.30pm Maiden (TB) Dh60,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner Mazagran, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar
3pm Handicap (TB) Dh84,000 (D) 1,800m
Winner Tailor’s Row, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer
3.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh76,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner Alla Mahlak, Adrie de Vries, Rashed Bouresly
4pm Maiden (TB) Dh60,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner Hurry Up, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer
4.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh68,000 (D) 1,200m
COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
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David Haye record
Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Zimbabwe v UAE, ODI series
All matches at the Harare Sports Club:
1st ODI, Wednesday, April 10
2nd ODI, Friday, April 12
3rd ODI, Sunday, April 14
4th ODI, Tuesday, April 16
UAE squad: Mohammed Naveed (captain), Rohan Mustafa, Ashfaq Ahmed, Shaiman Anwar, Mohammed Usman, CP Rizwan, Chirag Suri, Mohammed Boota, Ghulam Shabber, Sultan Ahmed, Imran Haider, Amir Hayat, Zahoor Khan, Qadeer Ahmed
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-finals, first leg
Liverpool v Roma
When: April 24, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Anfield, Liverpool
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 2, Stadio Olimpico, Rome
