1:37 am - February 16, 2026
Abu Dhabi’s Environment Agency teams up with climate tech firm Archireef and private investors to deploy 3D-printed coral reef solutions, boosting marine biodiversity and setting a regional sustainability benchmark.
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has made a pretty significant move in the field of marine conservation, teaming up with Archireef, a climate tech company, to roll out some really innovative eco-engineering solutions. The goal? To help rebuild coral reef habitats and boost marine biodiversity around Abu Dhabi. This partnership was announced during the IUCN World Conservation Congress held in Abu Dhabi, which really highlights how seriously the emirate takes its commitment to pioneering sustainable methods for protecting these delicate marine ecosystems—especially as environmental pressures continue to grow.
At the core of this collaboration is the creation and deployment of artificial coral reef sections made from natural materials through advanced 3D printing technologies. Basically, these terracotta-based reef tiles are designed to imitate natural reef formations, encouraging coral growth, supporting marine life diversity, and making Abu Dhabi’s coastal ecosystems more resilient. Her Excellency Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, mentioned that by combining these innovative tools with the agency’s extensive experience in coral restoration, they can significantly enhance Abu Dhabi’s capacity to preserve its marine habitats. This project builds on what’s one of the biggest coral reef restoration programs globally, positioning Abu Dhabi as a regional—and even a global—leader in marine ecosystem revival.
It’s not just about the technology, though. The project also benefits from the broader investment landscape in Abu Dhabi. ADQ, a major investment and holding firm in the region, has stepped in to fund the research and practical implementation of these reef solutions. Their partnership with Archireef enables a cross-disciplinary approach, mixing scientific research with advanced tech like 3D printing, AI, and the Internet of Things (IoT). This blend helps ensure that the reef tiles are designed, monitored, and optimized for maximum ecological impact. ADQ emphasizes that these innovations aren’t just environmentally friendly but also align with their broader goals of sustainable investment—aimed at protecting the environment while generating economic growth and social benefits for future generations.
Recently, the deployment off Abu Dhabi’s coastline marked a real milestone. The artificial coral reef tiles serve as good surfaces for real corals to attach and grow, and they also seem to be encouraging a boost in marine life like fish and invertebrates. This success fits in nicely with EAD’s wider marine conservation efforts, which, by the way, are ranked among the top ten globally—no small feat, as recognized by the UN Environment Programme. EAD’s coral specialists worked closely with Archireef and ADQ, using their in situ coral nurseries to supply pieces that anchor onto these new reef structures, helping speed up the restoration process.
This initiative also connects with larger ongoing projects, such as the Abu Dhabi Coral Garden project. Under the leadership of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the plan is to install around 40,000 artificial reef modules over an area of roughly 1,200 square kilometers by 2030. The aim is to develop extensive coral gardens along the coast and in deeper waters, especially in areas where natural reefs or seagrass beds have declined. The broader goal here really is to restore marine ecosystems and promote biodiversity through what are called Nature-based Solutions—an approach that’s gaining plenty of traction.
Interestingly enough, the private sector isn’t missing out on this trend either. Major firms like the First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) have teamed up with Archireef to fund the deployment of these innovative 3D-printed reef tiles. Their aim? Supporting coral recovery and increasing marine biodiversity in Abu Dhabi’s waters. These kinds of collaborations are becoming more common, showing how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) concerns are now playing a growing role in investment choices in the UAE.
Vriko Yu, the Co-Founder and CEO of Archireef, pointed out that combining their technological know-how with EAD’s leadership can really create a long-lasting positive impact on marine ecosystems. Their joint efforts could set a new standard not just for the UAE, but for the entire region.
Of course, experts are quick to note that coral ecosystems are complex, and these projects need ongoing scientific monitoring and flexible management approaches. The choice of terracotta, a natural, durable material, along with AI and IoT tools for tracking progress, underscores a commitment to sustainability and data-driven decision making. Still, making sure these structures generate lasting biodiversity benefits will require continuous research, community involvement, and addressing broader challenges like climate change and pollution.
All in all, this collaborative effort clearly demonstrates Abu Dhabi’s leadership in using innovative technology and strategic partnerships to safeguard and restore its marine environment. When you combine local expertise, private sector support, and international best practices, the emirate is steadily moving toward a future where its coastal ecosystems are more resilient, rich in biodiversity, and aligned with the region’s sustainable development goals.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/environment/environment-agency-abu-dhabi-partners-with-archireef-to-advance-marine-ecosystem-restoration-efforts-in-the-emirate/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/environment/environment-agency-abu-dhabi-partners-with-archireef-to-advance-marine-ecosystem-restoration-efforts-in-the-emirate/ – The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Archireef to collaborate on cutting-edge research and projects aimed at restoring coral reef habitats and protecting marine biodiversity in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The partnership was announced during the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress Abu Dhabi. The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation between EAD and Archireef in the restoration and rehabilitation of coral reefs and coastal ecosystems using advanced eco-engineering solutions, including the development of artificial coral reef pieces designed from natural elements using 3D-printed technology. The partnership seeks to strengthen the resilience of marine ecosystems, advance sustainable development, and contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- https://www.adq.ae/newsroom/adq-environment-agency-abu-dhabi-and-archireef-successfully-deploy-innovative-marine-biodiversity-restoration-solution-off-the-shore-of-abu-dhabi – ADQ, an Abu Dhabi-based investment and holding company, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), and Archireef, a climate technology company headquartered in Hong Kong, announced the successful deployment of artificial 3D-printed terracotta-based reef tiles intended to aid coral restoration in the Arabian Gulf off the shore of Abu Dhabi. The partnership between ADQ and Archireef funds research and development of eco-engineering solutions for marine biodiversity restoration, combining scientific research with the use of latest technologies in 3D printing, IoT, and AI. The project is an innovative addition to the efforts of EAD, whose marine ecosystem preservation and rehabilitation initiatives rank among the top ten global initiatives, according to the United Nations Environment Programme.
- https://www.adq.ae/newsroom/adq-and-archireef-drive-innovative-solutions-to-restore-abu-dhabi-marine-biodiversity – ADQ, an Abu Dhabi-based investment and holding company, announced a partnership with Archireef, a climate technology company headquartered in Hong Kong, which will fund research and implement eco-engineering solutions for marine biodiversity restoration using the latest technologies in 3D printing, IoT, and AI. Under the partnership, Archireef will deploy artificial terracotta-based reef tiles to support the restoration of habitats in two marine conservation sites in Abu Dhabi. As a sustainable investor creating value for the benefit of future generations, ADQ engages in projects and initiatives that complement its portfolio while benefiting local communities and the environment. The partnership with Archireef is testament to ADQ’s commitment to supporting biodiversity finance and contributing to the preservation of habitats and species under the umbrella of its wider ESG aspirations.
- https://www.rrcdr.gov.ae/Media-Centre/News/News_605 – Under the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), the Abu Dhabi Coral Garden initiative has been launched by the agency. The largest project of its kind in the Middle East, the project is a significant step in protecting the marine environment and enhancing marine biodiversity in Abu Dhabi. The initiative, which will be implemented between 2025 and 2030, aims to create coral gardens in the emirate by deploying 40,000 artificial reef modules made of environmentally durable materials and designed in different shapes and sizes to support the growth and reproduction of marine organisms. The coral gardens will extend over a total area of 1,200 square kilometres, equivalent to approximately 200,000 football pitches, in Abu Dhabi’s coastal and deep waters, especially in areas devoid of coral reef or seagrass habitats.
- https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/companies-news/first-abu-dhabi-bank-partners-with-archireef-to-restore-uaes-coral-reefs-tgcg2cya – First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the UAE’s largest bank and one of the world’s largest and strongest financial institutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Archireef, the pioneering nature-tech company dedicated to the restoration of degraded marine ecosystems. FAB has committed to fund the deployment of 100 square meters of Archireef’s 3D printed Reef Tiles to support the recovery process and development of underwater natural ecosystems off the coast of Abu Dhabi. The partnership will see 400 units of Archireef’s patented Reef Tiles (100 sqm) placed in Arabian Gulf waters in and around the Abu Dhabi emirate, providing a new home for 2,400 corals. Based on previous deployments, the tiles should also produce improvements in biodiversity, especially fish and invertebrates. Archireef will actively restore degraded coral reefs using its patented technology, using tiles 3D-printed in terracotta clay in the UAE.
- https://uaetimes.ae/adq-unep-abu-dhabi-and-archireef-successfully-deploy-innovative-marine-biodiversity-restoration-solution-off-the-coast-of-abu-dhabi/ – ADQ, the Abu Dhabi-based investment and holding company, the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi (EAD), the region’s largest environmental regulator, and Archireef, a Hong Kong-based climate technology company, announced the successful deployment of artificial 3D printed terracotta-based coral reef bricks to help restore coral. ADQ and Archireef announced a partnership in November 2022 to fund the research and development of ecological engineering solutions for marine biodiversity restoration, combining scientific research with the use of the latest technologies such as 3D printing, Internet of Things and artificial intelligence. Through its partnership with Archireef, ADQ aims to seize opportunities in innovative areas that benefit the environment and mitigate risks associated with climate change, while contributing to the protection of habitat and species contribute. The project is an innovative addition to EAD’s efforts, whose marine ecosystem protection and restoration initiatives rank among the top 10 globally, according to the United Nations Environment Programme. The agency provided logistical support and expertise to the project, and EAD’s team of coral specialists worked closely with ADQ and Archireef to assess and select sites to supply coral for the project from EAD’s in situ coral nursery.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative is based on a press release from the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, dated October 11, 2025. Press releases typically warrant a high freshness score due to their timely dissemination of new information. No earlier versions of this specific content were found, indicating originality. However, similar initiatives have been reported in the past, such as the partnership between ADQ, EAD, and Archireef announced in November 2022. ([adq.ae](https://www.adq.ae/newsroom/adq-and-archireef-drive-innovative-solutions-to-restore-abu-dhabi-marine-biodiversity?utm_source=openai)) This earlier announcement focused on the partnership and funding aspects, while the current release details the successful deployment of the coral restoration project. The inclusion of updated data and specific outcomes in the current release justifies a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. ([mediaoffice.abudhabi](https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/environment/adq-environment-agency-abu-dhabi-and-archireef-successfully-deploy-innovative-marine-biodiversity-restoration-solution-off-the-shore-of-abu-dhabi/?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The direct quotes from Her Excellency Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, and Vriko Yu, Co-Founder and CEO of Archireef, are unique to this release. No identical quotes were found in earlier material, indicating originality. The wording of the quotes matches the press release, with no variations noted.
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, a reputable government entity responsible for environmental regulation in the region. This source is considered highly reliable.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims made in the narrative are plausible and align with previous reports on coral restoration efforts in Abu Dhabi. The use of innovative technologies like 3D printing, IoT, and AI in marine biodiversity restoration is consistent with global trends in environmental conservation. The specific details provided, such as the deployment of artificial 3D-printed terracotta-based reef tiles and the involvement of ADQ and Archireef, are corroborated by other reputable sources. ([mediaoffice.abudhabi](https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/environment/adq-environment-agency-abu-dhabi-and-archireef-successfully-deploy-innovative-marine-biodiversity-restoration-solution-off-the-shore-of-abu-dhabi/?utm_source=openai)) The tone and language used are consistent with official communications from the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is a recent press release from the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, detailing the successful deployment of artificial 3D-printed terracotta-based reef tiles for coral restoration. The content is original, with unique quotes and no significant discrepancies. The source is highly reliable, and the claims made are plausible and consistent with previous reports on similar initiatives. The inclusion of updated data and specific outcomes justifies a higher freshness score.
