Rare discovery marks a major milestone for marine biodiversity and confirms the third nesting turtle species in the emirate
Abudhabi , August 21, 2026 : The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has recorded the first-ever nesting of an Olive Ridley turtle in the emirate, marking a significant milestone for marine biodiversity conservation.
The rare nest was discovered on Saadiyat Island and represents the third marine turtle species confirmed to nest in Abu Dhabi waters.
The discovery was confirmed through DNA barcoding in partnership with Khalifa University, which found a 99 per cent genetic match to Lepidochelys olivacea, the scientific name for the Olive Ridley turtle.
Abu Dhabi’s mainland coastline and offshore islands are primarily known as nesting grounds for Hawksbill turtles. The first confirmed Green turtle nest was recorded in the emirate in 2023. The Olive Ridley discovery adds another rare nesting species to Abu Dhabi’s marine ecosystem.
According to EAD, the turtle nested on March 29, 2026, laying 109 eggs. Hatchlings emerged on May 25, with 40 successfully reaching the sea, representing a hatching success rate of approximately 37 per cent.
The nest was discovered during a routine monitoring patrol by volunteers from the Saadiyat Turtle Patrol. It was monitored throughout the incubation period using a solar-powered camera and with support from EAD marine specialists.
As the expected hatching date approached, volunteers intensified patrols, returning every morning and throughout the night to monitor the emergence of the hatchlings.
Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, described the discovery as a landmark moment for Abu Dhabi’s marine biodiversity.
She said the nesting record reflects the health and resilience of the emirate’s marine ecosystems and the long-term impact of sustained conservation efforts.
The successful emergence of the hatchlings confirms that local environmental conditions were sufficient to support the Olive Ridley’s complete reproductive cycle. EAD said the finding will provide an important baseline for future monitoring and conservation planning.
Scientific confirmation
Because Olive Ridley turtles had never previously been recorded nesting in Abu Dhabi, EAD partnered with Khalifa University to scientifically confirm the species.
DNA barcoding compares standardised genetic sequences with international reference databases, allowing researchers to distinguish species with a high degree of confidence.
Maitha Al Hameli, Acting Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD, said DNA analysis was essential to ensure that the discovery was supported by robust scientific evidence.
She added that the finding would contribute to a better understanding of marine turtle distribution across the region and highlight the value of long-term scientific monitoring in detecting ecological changes.
Why the discovery matters
Olive Ridley turtles are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and nest at relatively few locations around the world.
The species is also considered an indicator of marine ecosystem health. Olive Ridley turtles feed on marine invertebrates including jellyfish, crabs, shrimp and molluscs, helping maintain balance within marine food webs.
Their nesting activity also transfers nutrients from the ocean to coastal ecosystems, supporting beach vegetation and contributing to natural shoreline stability.
The discovery builds on more than 25 years of marine turtle research by EAD.
Four of the world’s seven marine turtle species have now been recorded in Abu Dhabi: Hawksbill, Green, Loggerhead and Olive Ridley.
Hawksbill turtles remain the emirate’s predominant nesting species, while Green and Olive Ridley nesting are considered rare but significant occurrences. Loggerhead turtles are occasional visitors.
EAD’s latest aerial survey, conducted in 2024, estimated that Abu Dhabi’s waters support a marine turtle population of around 8,000 individuals. Nesting surveys have also identified at least 17 nesting locations on offshore islands.
The agency continues to support turtle conservation through rescue and rehabilitation programmes, satellite tracking and long-term scientific research.
The first Olive Ridley nest, together with the Green turtle nesting record established in 2023, further expands scientific understanding of Abu Dhabi’s marine ecosystems and underscores the importance of sustained monitoring and conservation efforts.
