UAE adopts national ecotourism policy to protect nature while expanding tourism sector

The UAE Cabinet has approved a National Ecotourism Policy aimed at promoting tourism growth while protecting the country’s natural environment and cultural heritage.

The policy was approved during the latest Cabinet meeting and forms part of the UAE’s wider efforts to strengthen its position as a leading destination for sustainable tourism.

Balancing Tourism and Environmental Protection

The new policy seeks to ensure that tourism and economic development do not come at the expense of environmental sustainability.

It focuses on protecting environmentally sensitive areas, developing sustainable tourism experiences and preserving the UAE’s natural and cultural heritage.

The framework also aims to encourage greater participation from local communities and strengthen cooperation between government bodies, private tourism operators and civil society organisations.

New Ecotourism Initiatives

Key initiatives under the National Ecotourism Policy include:

• Creating a national smart platform for ecotourism

• Developing partnerships to promote sustainable tourism

• Introducing additional regulations for managing ecotourism sites

• Supporting sustainable tourism products and experiences

• Encouraging community participation in ecotourism development

These measures are expected to create new opportunities for visitors to explore the UAE’s diverse landscapes while supporting conservation efforts.

UAE Expands Environmental Conservation

The Cabinet also reviewed progress under the National Strategy to Combat Desertification 2030, highlighting the country's achievements in ecosystem restoration and conservation.

According to Cabinet figures, the UAE now has 55 national protected areas, while around 4,900 hectares of land have been rehabilitated.

The country has also added more than 3.2 million square metres of green cover, tagged and protected 341,000 native trees, and surveyed more than 120 native plant genetic resources.

Sheikh Mohammed Highlights Environmental Commitment

Following the Cabinet meeting, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, emphasised the importance of protecting the country's environment and natural resources.

He said environmental protection is a national commitment and that investment in natural resources contributes to improving quality of life.

Supporting Sustainable Tourism Across the UAE

The new policy builds on projects by the Emirates Council for Balanced Development, which has been developing tourism destinations that showcase the UAE’s geographic, cultural and environmental diversity.

Recent projects include eco-trails, environmental routes and waterfront tourism developments across several emirates.

Creating Opportunities for Future Generations

The government said the new ecotourism framework will support long-term economic opportunities for local communities while protecting the UAE’s natural assets.

The policy is expected to help the country grow its tourism sector sustainably while ensuring its ecosystems and cultural heritage are preserved for future generations.