Abu Dhabi home to world’s largest Arabian oryx population

Abu Dhabi has emerged as the world's leading hub for Arabian oryx conservation, having successfully brought the species back from the brink of extinction. According to the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), the UAE now hosts over 6,900 Arabian oryx, with significant populations thriving within protected areas in Abu Dhabi itself. The Arabian Oryx Protected Area in Razeen, spanning approximately 5,975 square kilometres, houses the largest concentration of the species globally.

The remarkable journey of the Arabian oryx, scientifically named Oryx leucoryx, began with its declaration as extinct in the wild during the 1970s due to extensive hunting and habitat destruction. However, visionary conservation efforts initiated by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in the 1970s laid the foundation for its revival. The species has since been bred and reintroduced to parts of its original range, enabling herds to roam again in their natural desert habitats.

In 2007, the EAD launched the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Arabian Oryx Reintroduction Programme, which has since facilitated releases in the UAE, Oman, and Jordan. This initiative has supported the establishment of sustainable populations in various regions. Within Abu Dhabi, the Zayed Nature Reserves Network has been instrumental in providing secure habitats for the Arabian oryx and other native species.

Currently, the network comprises 26 protected areas covering an expansive 22,821 square kilometres, representing nearly 20% of Abu Dhabi's territory.

One such protected area is the Qasr Al Sarab Protected Area, a 308-square-kilometre region where Arabian oryx have been reintroduced alongside other desert wildlife. These protected zones serve a dual purpose: offering ample space for the oryx to reproduce and thrive while also safeguarding the diverse flora and fauna that constitute the desert ecosystem.

The Arabian oryx, well-adapted to arid conditions, possesses remarkable abilities, such as detecting signs of rainfall and new vegetation up to 90 kilometres away. For Abu Dhabi, the species' recovery symbolizes more than the protection of a single species; it embodies a broader commitment to restoring natural habitats, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring that native wildlife continues to enrich the UAE's environment for future generations.