Abu Dhabi is diving into a new era of marine innovation with the creation of a massive artificial coral reef project, set to become the largest of its kind in the Middle East. Called the Abu Dhabi Coral Garden, this initiative will introduce 1,200 square kilometres of artificial reef structures to the emirate’s coastline — an area larger than 200,000 football fields.

The project, spearheaded by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) under the direction of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is part of a broader vision to restore marine habitats and strengthen biodiversity in the region.

 

From 2025 through 2030, more than 40,000 artificial reef modules will be deployed across Abu Dhabi’s coastal and offshore areas. These structures will be made from eco-friendly materials and designed in different shapes and sizes to support marine life. Some modules will also be planted with live coral fragments grown in local nurseries, using species adapted to the UAE’s warmer waters.

The expected impact is significant. According to EAD, these artificial reefs could generate more than five million kilograms of fish annually. They’re also projected to attract marine life at rates up to three times higher than natural reefs, boosting not only ecological resilience but also recreational fishing and marine tourism.

 

For eco-tourists and divers, this means a brand-new underwater destination is on the horizon. The reefs are expected to become thriving hubs of marine biodiversity — adding new layers to Abu Dhabi’s existing appeal, both above and below the waterline.

With sustainability at the core of the project, Abu Dhabi’s Coral Garden isn’t just about growing marine habitats — it’s about building a future where nature and urban development thrive side by side.