Abu Dhabi Coral Garden Project to Install 40,000 Artificial Reefs

Abu Dhabi has announced plans to install 40,000 artificial coral reef structures by 2030, creating the largest initiative of its kind in the Middle East. The project, led by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), will cover 1,200 square kilometres of coastal and deepwater areas, targeting zones without natural coral or seagrass habitats.

Launched under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the initiative seeks to restore marine ecosystems, stabilise fish populations, and increase the resilience of reefs facing rising sea temperatures. Artificial reefs have been shown to attract marine life at rates up to three times higher than natural reefs and currently help generate more than five million kilograms of fish annually in the region.

Select modules in the Abu Dhabi project will be embedded with live coral fragments sourced from EAD’s nurseries, with a focus on heat-tolerant species to support long-term growth and reproduction.

In addition to enhancing biodiversity, the project is expected to strengthen food security, support coastal protection, and promote eco-tourism by creating new diving and snorkelling sites.

Since 2021, Abu Dhabi has been trialling eco-friendly shoreline designs across 30 marine sites, experimenting with different artificial reef models to optimise habitat restoration. The Coral Garden Project marks the next phase of this wider marine conservation strategy, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s role as a leader in nature-based solutions across the Gulf.