3:37 pm - February 16, 2026
**UAE:** Emirates Nature-WWF celebrates 25 years of environmental action, reinforcing Sheikh Zayed’s lasting legacy in conservation. The organisation aligns with UAE’s climate goals and community initiatives for 2025, emphasising cross-sector partnerships to protect biodiversity and promote sustainability nationwide.
Celebrating 25 Years of Environmental Impact: Emirates Nature-WWF and the Legacy of Sheikh Zayed
As Emirates Nature-WWF commemorates its 25th anniversary, the significance of this milestone resonates deeply within the broader context of environmental conservation in the UAE. Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, emphasised the nation’s unwavering commitment to combatting climate change and bolstering ecological protection both domestically and globally. She noted, “The UAE recognises cross-sector partnerships are key to creating a resilient, climate-safe future for communities and the planet.” This assertion underlines the collaborative spirit that has propelled Emirates Nature-WWF’s journey, characterised by ambition and a profound commitment to preserving ecosystems.
Founded in 2001 under the honorary patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Emirates Nature-WWF has played a pivotal role in championing sustainable practices and conservation efforts across the region. The organisation’s Board of Directors recently convened at its annual General Assembly to reaffirm its commitment to “Conservation in Action.” This approach aligns with the forthcoming UAE Year of Community in 2025, illustrating a proactive strategy to galvanise collective environmental action. Plans are underway for a series of significant milestones and events throughout the year, aimed at enhancing climate resilience and promoting biodiversity restoration across the nation.
The legacy of Sheikh Zayed, the founding father of the UAE, continues to inspire contemporary environmental initiatives. Sheikh Zayed’s tireless work in promoting sustainability has left an indelible mark on the nation, from greening deserts to establishing protected areas for endangered species, such as the Arabian oryx on Sir Bani Yas Island. His environmental policies, including a comprehensive tree-planting initiative and a ban on hunting, have laid a robust foundation for future conservation efforts. Sheikh Zayed was recognised with the Champions of the Earth award for his extraordinary contributions, which serve as a powerful reminder of the impact one leader can have on global sustainability efforts.
The Zayed Future Energy Prize, established in his honour, awards innovators in sustainability and has celebrated numerous impactful figures, including former US Vice President Al Gore. This prize reinforces Sheikh Zayed’s enduring influence on environmental stewardship worldwide, encouraging initiatives dedicated to sustainability far beyond the UAE’s borders. His vision of conservation has inspired both local and global movements, cultivating a culture of environmental responsibility.
Emirates Nature-WWF’s approach is deeply rooted in community engagement, driving public awareness and promoting nature-positive behaviours. The organisation’s diverse projects, such as marine conservation and sustainable agriculture, reflect a broad strategy that encompasses various aspects of ecological health. By empowering individuals and communities, Emirates Nature-WWF seeks to bring about tangible outcomes that align with both the UAE’s national priorities and global sustainability goals.
In a world increasingly affected by climate change, the need for robust environmental action has never been more pressing. As Emirates Nature-WWF steps into its next chapter, the organisation’s alignment with Sheikh Zayed’s ethos offers a compelling narrative of hope and progress. The legacy of his passion for nature continues to shape the UAE’s conservation strategies, driving collective efforts to preserve the nation’s rich natural heritage for future generations.
As we reflect on the accomplishments of Emirates Nature-WWF over the past quarter-century, it is evident that the commitment to environmental stewardship is not just a legacy; it is a call to action for both current and future generations. The journey ahead promises opportunities for growth and innovation, embodying a shared vision of sustainability that transcends borders.
Reference Map:
- Paragraph 1 – [[1]](https://www.dubairoute.com/article/celebrating-25-years-of-conservation-impact-emirates-nature-wwf-and-the-legacy-of-sheikh-zayed)
- Paragraph 2 – [[1]](https://www.dubairoute.com/article/celebrating-25-years-of-conservation-impact-emirates-nature-wwf-and-the-legacy-of-sheikh-zayed), [[2]](https://emiratesnaturewwf.ae/en/press-release/1040-emirates-nature-wwfs-board-of-directors-convene-at-annual-general-assembly-marking-25-years-of)
- Paragraph 3 – [[3]](https://www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/editorial/sheikh-zayed-s-environmental-legacy-lives-on-in-abu-dhabi-energy-awards-1.695665), [[4]](https://gulfnews.com/uae/environment/zayed-honoured-for-work-to-protect-the-environment-1.284231), [[5]](https://www.thefoundersoffice.gov.ae/en/news/9/the-environmental-legacy-of-sheikh-zayed)
- Paragraph 4 – [[3]](https://www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/editorial/sheikh-zayed-s-environmental-legacy-lives-on-in-abu-dhabi-energy-awards-1.695665)
- Paragraph 5 – [[6]](https://www.emiratesnaturewwf.ae/en/about-emirates-nature-wwf)
- Paragraph 6 – [[1]](https://www.dubairoute.com/article/celebrating-25-years-of-conservation-impact-emirates-nature-wwf-and-the-legacy-of-sheikh-zayed), [[4]](https://gulfnews.com/uae/environment/zayed-honoured-for-work-to-protect-the-environment-1.284231)
- Paragraph 7 – [[2]](https://emiratesnaturewwf.ae/en/press-release/1040-emirates-nature-wwfs-board-of-directors-convene-at-annual-general-assembly-marking-25-years-of)
- Paragraph 8 – [[1]](https://www.dubairoute.com/article/celebrating-25-years-of-conservation-impact-emirates-nature-wwf-and-the-legacy-of-sheikh-zayed), [[5]](https://www.thefoundersoffice.gov.ae/en/news/9/the-environmental-legacy-of-sheikh-zayed)
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.dubairoute.com/article/celebrating-25-years-of-conservation-impact-emirates-nature-wwf-and-the-legacy-of-sheikh-zayed – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://emiratesnaturewwf.ae/en/press-release/1040-emirates-nature-wwfs-board-of-directors-convene-at-annual-general-assembly-marking-25-years-of – Emirates Nature-WWF’s Board of Directors convened at its annual General Assembly, marking 25 years of conservation impact. The meeting reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to scaling up environmental action through a science-based and community-led approach under the tagline ‘Conservation in Action,’ aligning with the UAE Year of Community in 2025. The Board reviewed and approved an ambitious roadmap ahead, with plans for a series of key milestones and events throughout 2025, ensuring that the organization’s legacy translates into greater collective action that will accelerate climate resilience, nature restoration, and sustainability initiatives across the nation.
- https://www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/editorial/sheikh-zayed-s-environmental-legacy-lives-on-in-abu-dhabi-energy-awards-1.695665 – The article discusses Sheikh Zayed’s lifelong passion for nature and the environment, highlighting his significant contributions to environmental conservation. It mentions the Zayed Future Energy Prize, established to honor his legacy, which awards $4 million to pioneers of sustainability. The prize has recognized individuals and organizations for their efforts in environmental protection, with previous winners including former US Vice President Al Gore. The article emphasizes that Sheikh Zayed’s environmental stewardship continues to inspire global initiatives and awards dedicated to sustainability.
- https://gulfnews.com/uae/environment/zayed-honoured-for-work-to-protect-the-environment-1.284231 – Sheikh Zayed was honored with the Champions of the Earth award for his lifetime’s work to protect the environment. The article highlights his achievements, including the greening of the region’s deserts, planting 100 million trees, outlawing hunting, and establishing a sanctuary on Sir Bani Yas Island to safeguard endangered species like the Arabian oryx and the sand gazelle. The award aims to publicize and encourage the worldwide replication of such environmental achievements.
- https://www.thefoundersoffice.gov.ae/en/news/9/the-environmental-legacy-of-sheikh-zayed – The article outlines Sheikh Zayed’s extensive environmental initiatives, including launching a widescale forestation program to plant mangroves along the coastline and various forest protection and forestation projects across the UAE. These efforts contributed to restoring environmental balance, protecting wildlife, increasing biodiversity, and conserving natural habitats. Sheikh Zayed also supported global research into the protection of rare and endangered species, such as the Arabian oryx, Arabian leopard, dugong, and green sea turtle, and encouraged programs leveraging the latest technologies to increase the population of wild birds like falcons and the houbara bustard.
- https://www.emiratesnaturewwf.ae/en/about-emirates-nature-wwf – Emirates Nature-WWF is a non-profit organization and environmental federal charity established to drive positive change in the UAE to conserve the nation’s natural heritage. Founded in 2001 under the Honorary Founder and President, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the organization has been a prominent partner in environmental conservation in the MENA region for over two decades. It works in association with WWF, one of the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, to empower, convene, and mobilize civil society, government, and business to support the UAE’s sustainability agenda and deliver transformative impact at scale for the benefit of people and the planet.
- https://www.wam.ae/en/details/1395227521089 – The article details Sheikh Zayed’s environmental initiatives, including the establishment of the Association for Animal Welfare in the late 1960s to protect wildlife from uncontrolled hunting. It also discusses his efforts in falconry and conservation, such as organizing the 1st World Conference on Falconry and Conservation in 1976, which brought together falconers from around the world to develop strategies for integrating falconers into conservation efforts. Additionally, the article highlights Sheikh Zayed’s role in the protection and breeding of the Arabian oryx, leading to the establishment of a captive-breeding program and the creation of a private nature reserve on Sir Bani Yas Island.
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 mentions Emirates Nature-WWF’s 25th anniversary and references upcoming events in 2025, suggesting recentness. However, the content does not appear to be based on a press release, and there is no clear indication of recycled news.
Quotes check
Score:
5
Notes:
The narrative includes a quote from Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak but does not provide an original source or date for the quote. It is unclear if this is the first use of the quote or if it has been previously reported.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The narrative originates from an obscure source, dubairoute.com, which lacks prominent recognition compared to major news outlets like the BBC or Reuters. However, the information is consistent with other reputable sources about Sheikh Zayed’s environmental legacy.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about Emirates Nature-WWF’s activities and Sheikh Zayed’s environmental legacy are plausible and align with well-documented facts about UAE conservation efforts.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
While the narrative is plausible and aligns with known facts about UAE conservation efforts, its reliability is tempered by the lack of recognition for the source and the inability to verify the quote’s originality. Freshness is generally good, but the source’s credibility is uncertain.
