Dubai ruler issues decree for wildlife sanctuaries

Arabian Business staff writer, June 2nd, 2014

Dubai's ruler HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has issued a decree to establish six new wildlife sancturaries in the emirate.

The new wildlife sanctuaries are Al Ghaf Conservation of Nazwa, Al Marmoum Desert Reserve, Al Wohoosh Desert Conservation Area, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Hatta Mountain Conservation Area and Jabal Nazwa Conservation Area, according to the decree which was cited by official news agency WAM.

The legislation aims to protect natural habitats and wildlife in Dubai and to preserve the natural resources in these areas, WAM said.

Additionally, the decree intends to develop and promote eco-tourism, it added.

The wildlife sanctuaries will be managed by Dubai Municipality or by another entity assigned by the municipality, the decree said.

Hussain Lootah, director general of Dubai Municipality, said the UAE is expected to break into the top 30 of the global Environmental Performance Index this year, up from 77th in 2012.