Surprising Rise in Sea Turtle Nesting Found on UAE Beaches 2025!

UAE, June 2025 – The shores of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are seeing a wonderful surprise this year — a record number of sea turtles arriving to nest. From Abu Dhabi to Ras Al Khaimah, the golden beaches have turned into natural nurseries for these endangered creatures, thanks to major conservation efforts and environmental awareness programs.

Sea turtle nesting season in the UAE usually runs from March to July, and this year, experts report a significant increase in the number of nests. Environmentalists and wildlife experts believe that this is the result of years of dedicated conservation work by government bodies, private organizations, and volunteers.

Why the Increase in Nesting?

The UAE has been making remarkable progress in protecting marine life, especially sea turtles. Key reasons behind this year’s nesting boom include:

1. Protected Beaches: Several coastal zones have been declared protected areas where human activity is restricted during the nesting season.
2. Public Awareness Campaigns: Educational programs and media coverage have taught both residents and tourists to respect nesting sites.
3. Beach Clean-Up Drives: Many local groups and schools have participated in keeping beaches clean, removing plastic waste and other harmful materials that could threaten turtles.
4. Conservation Technology: Tracking devices placed on some turtles have helped scientists study their behavior and provide better protection during nesting times.

According to the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), more than 600 nests were counted this season on Saadiyat and Sir Bani Yas islands alone — a number higher than in previous years. In Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, several rare species such as the Hawksbill and Green turtles have also been observed.

The Life of a Nesting Sea Turtle

Sea turtles are ancient creatures that have been around for over 100 million years. Every year, female turtles return to the same beach where they were born to lay eggs.

Here’s how the nesting process happens in the UAE:

1. Coming to Shore: Female turtles come ashore at night to find a safe, quiet spot above the high-tide line.
2. Digging the Nest: Using their flippers, they dig a hole in the sand to lay around 100 eggs.
3. Laying Eggs: After laying the eggs, they carefully cover the nest to hide it from predators.
4. Returning to Sea: The mother turtle then returns to the ocean, leaving the eggs to incubate.
5. Hatching: After about 50-60 days, the baby turtles (called hatchlings) break free and make a dangerous dash to the sea.

Sadly, not all hatchlings make it. Natural predators, human disturbance, and plastic pollution threaten their survival. Only one in every thousand hatchlings grows into an adult turtle.

UAE’s Strong Conservation Efforts

The UAE’s leadership is fully committed to saving these gentle sea creatures. Some of the most important efforts include:

• Turtle Rehabilitation Centres: Injured or sick turtles are rescued, treated, and released back into the wild by trained veterinarians at places like the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project.
• Coastal Development Control: Construction projects near beaches are carefully managed to reduce light pollution and noise that can disturb nesting turtles.
• Artificial Nesting Areas: In some places, special safe zones are created with the right temperature and conditions to help sea turtles lay their eggs successfully.
• International Cooperation: The UAE has signed global agreements to protect marine biodiversity, including the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS).

Speaking about the recent rise in nesting, Dr. Shaikha Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, said:

“These positive numbers show that our national action plans and public cooperation are working. Protecting our natural heritage, like sea turtles, is vital for the future of UAE’s marine ecosystem.”

How You Can Help

Even if you’re not a scientist or an environmentalist, you can still make a big difference. Here’s how:

1. Avoid Disturbing Nesting Areas: Do not walk on marked or fenced-off beach sections during the nesting season.
2. Reduce Plastic Use: Plastic waste is deadly for turtles. Reduce single-use plastic items, and always recycle.
3. Join Beach Clean-Ups: Volunteer in local events to keep the beaches clean and safe for turtles.
4. Report Injured Turtles: If you see a turtle in trouble, contact the local wildlife rescue hotline immediately.
5. Spread Awareness: Teach your friends and family about the importance of protecting sea turtles.

Why Sea Turtles Matter

Sea turtles are not just beautiful animals — they are essential for the health of the ocean. They help maintain sea grass beds and coral reefs, which are home to many fish and other marine life. Without turtles, the marine food chain could collapse, leading to serious ecological problems.

Also, sea turtle nesting beaches attract eco-tourists, which helps boost local economies while promoting environmental education.

A Bright Future Ahead?

While the rise in turtle nests is great news, the work is not over. Climate change, marine pollution, and coastal development still pose risks. Experts warn that continued conservation efforts are necessary to protect these creatures for future generations.

If the UAE keeps its strong commitment to turtle conservation, the future for sea turtles — and the health of the marine ecosystem — looks bright.

As Dr. Al Dhaheri adds, “Every turtle that survives is a small step towards a healthier planet for us all.”

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