How the UAE became a leading global voice for conservation

This episode is sponsored by Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi The UAE has a decades-long commitment to nature conservation that has positioned it at the heart of global environmental action – from restoring millions of mangroves to reviving coral reefs and reintroducing endangered species. In this special episode recorded at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, host Rachel Kelly speaks to Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, secretary general of the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi and IUCN Councillor for West Asia. Dr Al Dhaheri reflects on the legacy of the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose vision laid the groundwork for the UAE’s environmentalism more than 50 years ago. The conversation also delves into the use of AI to reshape conservation efforts and how these tools can help the UAE build resilience against climate change while setting standards for regional collaboration.