The Environmental Atlas of Abu Dhabi Emirate

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127

I SLANDS A BU D HABI A RCHIPELAGO

26°N

26°N

Nearly 200 low-lying islands grace Abu Dhabi’s extensive coastline. The largest islands, such as As Sadiyat, Al Futaisi, and Sir Bani Yas, consist mostly of diapiric salt dome surfaces, while the smaller islands are mainly sand and shell shoals or raised coral and limestone outcrops. The surrounding coral reef, mangrove and seagrass habitats provide sanctuaries for many fish species; the three declared marine protected areas provide habitat for the endangered Dugong and the critically endangered Hawksbill turtle. Abu Dhabi’s islands are also home to rare plant species, terrestrial species such as desert hares, and a number of resident and migratory birds, including the Socotra cormorant, which breeds in the Al Yasat MPA. The surrounding waters of the Arabian Gulf provide important commercial fisheries and contain prolific oil and gas fields. Abu Dhabi’s islands contain many sites of palaeontological importance (from 6–8 million years ago), cultural and archaeological significance. Evidence of thousands of years

of human habitation have been found on Dalma, As Sadiyat, Marawah, Umm al-Nar and Sir Bani Yas islands. Many of the islands were important centres for the pearl trade in the early twentieth century. Over 1000 sites have been catalogued along Abu Dhabi’s coastline and islands since the establishment of the Abu Dhabi Islands Archaeological Survey in 1992; identifying these historic landmarks is critical to preserving Abu Dhabi’s rich cultural heritage. These islands are being developed at a rapid pace to provide commercial, residential and leisure centres for the growing population and tourism industry. Artificial islands such as Lulu Island, which lies north of Abu Dhabi, are also being developed to provide world-class tourist accommodations. Protecting the resources of these offshore areas in light of increased development, impacts from the hydrocarbon sector, climate change and other environmental pressures, is vital to preserving the Emirate’s cultural heritage and protecting its biodiversity.

Al Heel

Zor Al Hasniyyah

Balkabar

Ras Gharab

Balghelam

Ramhan

Al Meena

Abu Dhabi

Al Jubayl

Lulu

Yas

Sa’ diyat

Balrimayd

Abu Dhabi

R’as as-Sammaliyyah

Um al-Nar

Hodairiyyat

Halat Al Bahrani

Dihesah

Al Futaisi

Bul Syayeef MPA

Sir Abu Nu’air (Sharjah)

Bar Al Mamlahah

Bu Khushaishah Al Aryam

Das

25°N

25°N

Diyenah

Qarnein

Zirku

A r a b i a n G u l f

Arzanah

Mkasib

Qaffay

Mubarraz

Abu Dhabi

Dalma

Muhayyimat

Al Yasat MPA

Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve

Ghaghah

Ghasha

Ash

Musaffah

Bul Syayeef

Marawah

Bani Yas

Sir Bani Yas

Yasat al-Ulya

Al Wathba Wetland Reserve

Abu As Sayayif

Jebel Dhanna

Al Homr

Junanah

Diqalah

Um Al Hatab

Niyayim

Salahah

As Silea

Abu al-Abyadh

Thumairaiyyah

Yasat as-Sufla

Um Ishesh

Ar Rafaiq

Khasifah

Jila as-Saghirah

Ruwais

Shuweihat

Sila’a

Tarif

24°N

24°N

20

0

20

40

60 Kilometres

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