Biological diversity — or biodiversity — is the variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems. The UAE is home to diverse terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems, and has established laws, protected areas, strategies and conservation programmes to protect them. Despite its desert climate, the UAE has made extensive efforts to conserve biodiversity, restore degraded areas, and protect and reintroduce endangered native species into their natural habitats.

As part of its strong commitment to international cooperation, the UAE has joined a number of international and regional organisations and agreements aimed at protecting the environment and biodiversity, including the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. As part of this commitment, the UAE Government developed the General Framework for the National Biodiversity Strategy 2031. The strategy aims to build on the UAE’s environmental, economic and social achievements through a renewed national vision and strategic directions that address both government priorities and global commitments.

The National Biodiversity Strategy sets out five strategic directions. They are:

1. Mainstream biodiversity across all sectors and society
2. Strengthen the knowledge base and build capacity for biodiversity conservation and management
3. Improve the status of biodiversity by protecting habitats, species and genetic diversity, and restoring degraded ecosystems
4. Reduce pressures on terrestrial and marine environments
5. Strengthen cooperation and coordination at local, regional and international levels in areas related to biodiversity.

Read the General Framework for the National Biodiversity Strategy 2031 (available in Arabic only) (PDF, 7.8 MB)

Read more:

• UAE's efforts to fulfill the SDG 'Life on land' on the UAE's SDGs portal
• A Guide to Biodiversity Conservation in the UAE (PDF, 6 MB) 
• Biodiversity – Ministry of Climate Change and Environment 

The UAE has established a range of laws, regulations, strategies and action plans to protect biodiversity, conserve natural resources and support the sustainable use of terrestrial and marine ecosystems. These include:

• Protection of endangered species: Federal Law No. 5 of 2025 Regarding the Regulation and Control of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, supporting the implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
• Biosafety: Federal Law No. 9 of 2020 and Cabinet Resolution No. 84 regulate the biosafety of genetically modified organisms and their products, with the aim of protecting human health, genetic resources, biodiversity and the environment.
• Genetic resources: Federal Law No. 8 of 2021 regulates access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their use, helping to conserve genetic resources and support biodiversity.
• Combating desertification: The National Strategy to Combat Desertification focuses on protecting terrestrial ecosystems, addressing the impacts of desertification and preventing and reversing land degradation.
• Protecting marine resources: Federal Law No. 23 of 1999 regulates the exploitation, protection and development of living aquatic resources in the UAE and supports the sustainable management of marine biodiversity.
• Regulating shark fishing and trade: Ministerial Resolution No. 43 of 2019 regulates the fishing and trade of sharks to support their conservation and sustainable management.
• Regulating fishing of local species: Ministerial Decision No. 501 of 2015 regulates the fishing and trade of Arabian safi and sheri fish.
• Sustainable fisheries: The UAE National Framework Statement for Sustainable Fisheries (2019–2030) provides a framework for achieving sustainable fisheries and managing marine resources.
• Shark and ray conservation: The UAE National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks provides a framework for protecting and conserving sharks and rays in UAE waters.
• Marine turtle conservation: The UAE National Plan of Action for the Conservation of Marine Turtles aims to protect marine turtles and their habitats in UAE waters.
• Managing invasive species: The National Invasive Species Strategy and Action Plan aims to protect biodiversity by controlling the spread of invasive species and reducing their impact on the UAE's ecosystems.

City Biodiversity Index is a self-assessment tool for cities to benchmark and monitor the progress of their biodiversity conservation efforts. The Abu Dhabi City Biodiversity Index will help the emirate to:

• benchmark its biodiversity conservation efforts
• evaluate progress in reducing the rate of biodiversity loss in urban ecosystems
• measure the ecological footprint of cities.

Cities will use this index as a benchmark for further improvements in improving the role of cities, such as Abu Dhabi, in playing a global role in promoting and conserving biodiversity.