3:33 am - February 17, 2026
On World Oceans Day, Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, the UAE’s Minister of Climate Change and Environment, reiterated the nation’s dedicated commitment to safeguarding ocean ecosystems and advancing their sustainability. Speaking at an event that marked this global occasion, Al Dahak stated, “Covering more than 70 per cent of the Earth’s surface, our oceans are undeniably essential to human lives and livelihoods. They are the lifeblood of our planet, regulating our climate, providing sustenance, and supporting countless ecosystems.” However, she acknowledged the myriad challenges facing these vital resources, including the adverse effects of climate change, such as coral bleaching and rising sea levels, alongside unsustainable fishing practices that threaten their health.
The minister emphasized the urgency of these issues, saying, “As a nation deeply connected to the sea, we understand the responsibility we have to safeguard these resources for future generations.” This recognition comes amidst the UAE’s ambitious environmental goals, including a commitment to rehabilitate marine habitats and mitigate threats to ocean health. Recent efforts include a target to outplant over four million coral colonies in the region’s waters by 2030, complementing the UAE’s broader objective to plant 100 million mangroves within the same timeframe. Such initiatives are not only critical for ecosystem restoration but also represent a holistic approach to preserving marine biodiversity.
Al Dahak’s remarks underscored the importance of international cooperation in ocean sustainability. The UAE has positioned itself as a leader in this field, being the first country in the Middle East to join the “100 per cent Alliance,” a UN initiative aimed at sustainable ocean management. This alliance aligns with global efforts as highlighted at recent international platforms, where Al Dahak advocated for collective action in addressing pressing issues such as ocean pollution and ecosystem degradation.
In her call to action, Al Dahak urged individuals to become advocates for the oceans, encouraging sustainable practices such as making informed seafood choices and reducing plastic consumption. “Every action, no matter how small, makes a difference,” she noted. This message resonates deeply with the theme of this year’s World Oceans Day, “Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us,” which aims to inspire a collective awareness of the ocean’s value and the urgent need to protect it from ongoing threats.
Amid these national initiatives, the UAE’s commitment to ocean health extends beyond its borders. At the World Government Summit in 2025, Al Dahak reinforced the interconnectedness of ocean health and global climate stability. The summit provided a platform to discuss the critical need for international partnerships in promoting nature-driven solutions, such as expanding mangrove cover and designating marine protected areas to combat the realities of rising sea levels and ocean acidification.
As the UAE continues to position itself as a proactive global player in climate action, the minister’s vision aims to inspire a broader movement towards restoring and maintaining the vibrancy of oceans. Al Dahak concluded her address with a heartfelt plea for united efforts in ocean conservation, stressing the enduring beauty and significance of these ecosystems for future generations.
📌 Reference Map:
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.sentinelassam.com/more-news/international/uae-committed-to-protecting-oceans-advancing-their-sustainability-amna-al-dhahak – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.sentinelassam.com/more-news/international/uae-committed-to-protecting-oceans-advancing-their-sustainability-amna-al-dhahak – On World Oceans Day, UAE’s Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, affirmed the nation’s commitment to protecting ocean ecosystems and enhancing their sustainability. She highlighted the critical role of oceans in regulating climate, providing sustenance, and supporting diverse ecosystems. Al Dahak acknowledged challenges such as climate change impacts, including coral bleaching and rising sea levels, and unsustainable fishing practices. She emphasized the UAE’s responsibility to safeguard these resources for future generations and outlined strategies to mitigate threats and restore marine ecosystems.
- https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/environment/hamdan-bin-zayed-launches-the-largest-coral-reef-rehabilitation-project-in-the-region/ – In June 2021, Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan launched the largest coral reef rehabilitation project in the Middle East, aiming to cultivate over one million coral colonies through a replanting programme. This initiative seeks to increase the total coral reef area in Abu Dhabi, supporting biodiversity and protecting beaches from erosion. The project coincided with World Oceans Day and is part of a comprehensive plan developed by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi to preserve and ensure the sustainability of this vital ecosystem.
- https://economymiddleeast.com/news/uae-ministry-of-climate-change-and-environment-calls-for-global-cooperation-to-strengthen-ocean-ecosystems-at-wgs-2025/ – At the World Government Summit 2025, Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, emphasized the critical role of oceans in climate and environmental sustainability. She called for global cooperation to protect ocean ecosystems, highlighting the UAE’s commitment to nature-driven solutions like expanding mangrove cover and designating marine protected areas. Al Dahak stressed the interconnectedness of ocean health and global climate stability, urging international collaboration to address threats such as rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and pollution.
- https://thegulfobserver.com/dr-amna-bint-abdullah-al-dahak-leads-uae-delegation-at-high-level-ocean-action-event/ – In June 2024, Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak led the UAE delegation at the ‘Ocean Action: Immersed in Change’ event in Costa Rica, coinciding with World Oceans Day. The event aimed to enhance ocean ecosystem protection and accelerate efforts to improve ocean health. Dr. Al Dahak highlighted the UAE’s progress towards the 30X30 target, aiming to protect 30% of the planet’s oceans by 2030, and emphasized the importance of international cooperation in tackling climate change and preserving marine biodiversity.
- https://www.thearabtoday.com/exclusive-how-amna-bint-abdullah-al-dahak-is-leading-the-uaes-global-efforts-on-climate-action/ – Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE’s Minister of Climate Change and Environment, is leading the nation’s global climate action efforts. She has been instrumental in initiatives like planting mangrove trees, with a goal to plant 100 million mangroves by 2030. In May 2024, construction began on the Mohamed bin Zayed-Joko Widodo International Mangrove Research Centre in Bali, Indonesia, with a $10 million investment from the UAE. Al Dahak emphasizes the importance of nature-driven solutions to combat climate change.
- https://gulfnews.com/uae/environment/uae-4000-coral-polyps-planted-off-fujairah-coast-to-regenerate-marine-ecosystem-1.88757840 – Emirates Draw celebrated a milestone in its ‘Coral Reef Restoration Programme’ by planting over 4,000 coral polyps across various sites in the UAE. The initiative aims to preserve and regenerate aquatic ecosystems, providing lasting ecological impact on the country’s marine environment and surrounding coastlines. The planting sites in Dibba, Fujairah, were selected after extensive inspections by marine experts to ensure successful expansion of coral restoration efforts.
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 references recent events, including the ‘Ocean Action: Immersed in Change’ event in San Jose, Costa Rica, on June 7-8, 2024, and the World Governments Summit 2025. The earliest known publication date of similar content is June 9, 2024, in Gulf Today. The report appears to be based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. However, the repetition of the same content across multiple outlets, including low-quality sites, suggests potential recycling of material. Additionally, the inclusion of updated data alongside older material may indicate an attempt to refresh the content. The presence of multiple references to the same event and quotes across different sources further supports this observation. The narrative includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged.
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
The direct quotes attributed to Dr. Amna Al Dahak appear in multiple sources, including Gulf Today and The Gulf Observer, with identical wording. This repetition suggests that the quotes may have been reused from a press release or earlier publication. Variations in wording across different sources are minimal, indicating a lack of original reporting. No online matches were found for the quotes in earlier material, raising the possibility of original or exclusive content.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The narrative originates from Gulf Today, a reputable news outlet. However, the repetition of the same content across multiple outlets, including low-quality sites, raises concerns about the originality and reliability of the information. The presence of multiple references to the same event and quotes across different sources further supports this observation.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims made in the narrative align with known initiatives and statements from Dr. Amna Al Dahak, such as the UAE’s commitment to planting 100 million mangroves by 2030 and the Mangrove Alliance for Climate. The language and tone are consistent with official communications from the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. However, the lack of supporting detail from other reputable outlets and the repetition of the same content across multiple sources raise questions about the originality and authenticity of the report.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): FAIL
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative exhibits signs of recycled content, with identical quotes appearing across multiple sources and a lack of supporting detail from other reputable outlets. The repetition of the same content across multiple outlets, including low-quality sites, raises concerns about the originality and reliability of the information. The presence of multiple references to the same event and quotes across different sources further supports this observation. While the claims made are plausible and align with known initiatives, the overall lack of originality and potential recycling of material lead to a ‘FAIL’ verdict with medium confidence.
