UAE\u2019s<\/a> vital marine and terrestrial ecosystems and endangered species, in line with the Fund\u2019s Conservation pillar. \u00a0Led by Yas SeaWorld\u00ae Research & Rescue Center Yas Island, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain Zoo alongside leading researchers and conservation experts, the proposed programmes were presented to the Steering Committee for approval, co-chaired by senior representatives from Miral and the Authority of Social Contribution \u2013 Ma\u2019an.<\/p>\nDuring the meetings, four initiatives were approved, including tracking sea turtle populations across the Arabian Gulf, advancing AI-enabled sustainable aquaculture, protecting the Arabian Sand Cat in Abu Dhabi\u2019s deserts, and safeguarding the critically endangered Dama Gazelle. Together, these initiatives reflect a focused, science-led approach to preserving the UAE\u2019s marine and terrestrial ecosystems. They aim to leverage applied research, conservation genomics, AI and data-driven monitoring to enhance biodiversity protection, support food security and enable structured species conservation and reintroduction planning.<\/p>\n
Taghrid Alsaeed, Executive Director of Marketing, Communications & Events at Miral and Vice Chair of IMPACT by Miral, said,\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cIMPACT by Miral was launched as part of our commitment to creating meaningful change. The approval of our four conservation priorities marks an important milestone in this journey, which underscores not only our ambition, but the strength of collective action. We extend our sincere gratitude to our partners, whose expertise and collaboration are fundamental to turning vision into impact. Together, we are contributing to a more sustainable future for Abu Dhabi by actively safeguarding its invaluable natural ecosystems.\u201d<\/p>\nShe added,<\/strong>\u00a0\u201cThrough this shared commitment, not only are we protecting what matters today but also shaping a lasting legacy for generations to come.\u201d<\/p>\nRepresentatives from leading academic and environmental institutions form the Advisory Working Group and attended the meeting, that was chaired by Dr. Elise Marquis, Senior Director of Yas SeaWorld\u00ae Research & Rescue Center. The representatives include, H.E. Hiba Obaid Al Shehhi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Biodiversity and Marine Life Sector, UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Maitha Mohammed Al Hameli, Acting Executive Director \u2013 Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector, Environment Agency \u2013 Abu Dhabi, Dr. Hany El Shaer, Regional Director, International Union for Conservation of Nature, Professor John Burt, Professor of Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Dr. Ameena Al Sumaiti, Associate Professor \u2013 Electrical Engineering, Khalifa University, Dr. Ruwaya Al Kendi, Associate Professor – College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Noora Albalooshi, Assistant Curator of Marine Biology, Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, Sara Stevens, Senior Director of Zoological Operations & Conservation, Al Ain Zoo, Carlos Rodriguez, General Manager, SeaWorld\u00ae Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.<\/p>\n
Launched in partnership with the Authority of Social Contribution \u2013 Ma\u2019an in late 2025, IMPACT by Miral serves as a catalyst for responsible growth, built on four pillars: Conservation, Arts & Culture, Health & Wellbeing, and Education & Skills Development. The Fund is governed by the Steering Committee and Advisory Working Group, ensuring transparency, oversight and alignment with Abu Dhabi\u2019s environmental and social priorities.<\/p>\n
For more information, please visit\u00a0miralimpactfund@miral.ae<\/p>\n
Marine Conservation Initiatives\u2019 Details:<\/strong><\/p>\n1. Sea Turtle Population Tracking<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- \u2022 This initiative aims to transform rescue data into actionable insights to help protect endangered sea turtle populations in the Arabian Gulf.<\/li>\n
- \u2022 By analysing rescue data, deploying tracking technology and identifying key feeding ground hotspots, the project will generate valuable insights into sea turtle ecology and migration patterns. These findings will help inform conservation policy, marine protection strategies and climate resilience planning across the region.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
2. Innovations for Sustainable Aquaculture<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- \u2022 Supporting the UAE\u2019s long-term food security and sustainability goals, this initiative explores how AI-enabled monitoring and circular solutions can improve aquaculture systems.<\/li>\n
- \u2022 The programme will investigate ways to reduce waste, enhance fish welfare and develop automated underwater monitoring systems to better understand fish behaviour and aquaculture performance. These innovations aim to contribute to a smarter, more sustainable aquaculture sector across the Arabian Gulf.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Terrestrial Conservation Initiatives\u2019 Details:<\/strong><\/p>\n3. Studies of Wild Arabian Sand Cat in Abu Dhabi<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- \u2022 The Arabian Sand Cat is listed as endangered on the Abu Dhabi Red List of Species and remains one of the region\u2019s most elusive desert animals.<\/li>\n
- \u2022 This research initiative will combine environmental DNA analysis, GPS tracking, camera traps and AI-enabled data analysis to better understand the species\u2019 population, distribution and behaviour across Abu Dhabi. The project aims to close critical knowledge gaps needed for long-term conservation and strengthen partnerships to support protection of this unique desert species.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
4. Dama Gazelle Population Conservation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- \u2022 The Dama Gazelle, classified as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, is one of the world\u2019s rarest antelope species.<\/li>\n
- \u2022 Building on Al Ain Zoo\u2019s internationally recognised leadership in conservation breeding, this project will focus on closing genetic knowledge gaps between captive, reintroduced and remaining wild populations. The initiative aims to develop an integrated conservation genomics and biobanking framework to support coordinated global management of the species.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Miral, the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi, has announced four conservation initiatives for 2026 under IMPACT by Miral, A strategic platform for funding and delivering meaningful social and environmental impact across Abu Dhabi. The inaugural meetings saw the Advisory Working Group propose key programmes aimed at protecting the UAE\u2019s vital […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":23961,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23958","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressreleasenetwork.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23958","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressreleasenetwork.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressreleasenetwork.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressreleasenetwork.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressreleasenetwork.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23958"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/pressreleasenetwork.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23958\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23962,"href":"https:\/\/pressreleasenetwork.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23958\/revisions\/23962"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressreleasenetwork.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23961"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressreleasenetwork.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23958"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressreleasenetwork.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23958"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressreleasenetwork.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23958"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}