Qatar and the United Arab Emirates are set to deepen their environmental partnership following an official visit by a Qatari delegation to several of the UAE’s leading conservation and research projects. The visit aimed to explore opportunities for cooperation and share expertise in biodiversity protection and the preservation of natural resources.
The delegation was headed by Dr Ibrahim Abdul Latif Al Muslemani, Assistant Undersecretary for Protection and Nature Reserves Affairs at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.
Exploring UAE’s Environmental Initiatives
To gain first-hand insight into the UAE’s environmental strategies, the Qatari delegation undertook a series of field tours. The visit included an inspection of the research vessel Jawyun, which plays a critical role in marine studies. The group also toured prominent conservation sites, including the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary in Dubai and the Wasit Wetland Centre in Sharjah.
A key stop on the tour was the Plant Genetic Resources Center in Al Ain, where the delegation learned about efforts to conserve vital plant species. The focus on these pioneering projects aligns with Qatar’s broader support for forward-thinking solutions in various fields, including when the Qatar Chamber hosts ‘High-Level Arab Event on Persons with Disabilities, Entrepreneurship and Innovation’.
Fostering Bilateral Cooperation
Beyond the site visits, the delegation held a series of productive meetings with officials from Emirati environmental agencies. Discussions centred on establishing formal channels for cooperation and exchanging expertise in environmental research and biodiversity protection. The meetings also provided an overview of key Emirati initiatives related to conserving natural resources and developing effective protection programmes.
This dialogue reflects a growing trend of bilateral engagement between Gulf nations on key strategic files, similar to recent talks where Qatar and Kuwait discuss media co-operation.
During the meetings, both sides affirmed the importance of strengthening their environmental partnership. This collaboration is poised to support wider regional and international efforts to protect biodiversity and preserve vital ecosystems for the future, ensuring a sustainable environmental legacy for both nations.
