Fujairah, UAE – A group of around 15 UAE residents were given rare access to the Wadi Wurayah National Park in Fujairah on Saturday, participating in a conservation initiative aimed at protecting the area’s unique biodiversity.
As part of Emirates Nature-WWF’s Leaders of Change programme, the volunteers documented wildlife and helped measure toads before releasing them back into their natural habitat.
The initiative was conducted in collaboration with the Fujairah Environment Authority (FEA), which oversees the park, ensuring its delicate ecosystem remains undisturbed.
The Wadi Wurayah National Park, which features the UAE’s only permanent waterfall and over 1,000 species of flora and fauna, has been a protected area since 2009.
A Hidden Natural Treasure
Dr. Nadia Al-Alawi, one of the participants, described the experience as nostalgic. “In the 1970s, before it became a restricted area, my parents used to bring us here to camp,” she recalled.
“There was a pool here, and we would jump into it. It was such a lovely memory for us as children.” Standing at the same spot decades later, she took a photograph to share with her younger sister, reminiscing about their childhood adventures.
The park’s unique landscape is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including the Garai fish, a species capable of surviving flash floods.
According to AbdulNasser Obeidat, head researcher at FEA, the waterfall at Wadi Wurayah has been flowing uninterrupted for at least 10,000 years, fed by over 60 natural springs that span a 6km stream.
Preserving a Fragile Ecosystem
One of the most distinctive plant species found in the park is the Wara’a plant, from which the park derives its name. “The leaves of the plant were traditionally used to make summer houses,” Obeidat explained. “Its abundance in this region led to the area being called Wadi Wurayah.”
The volunteers, or ‘citizen scientists,’ played a crucial role in gathering valuable data about the park’s ecosystem. Their efforts contribute to the long-term conservation strategies being developed by the FEA and Emirates Nature-WWF to protect the area’s biodiversity.
The restricted nature of Wadi Wurayah ensures minimal human interference, preserving the habitat of rare species such as the Arabian tahr, Blanford’s fox, and the elusive caracal. The conservation event allowed participants a rare opportunity to witness this untouched wilderness while actively contributing to its protection.
Balancing Conservation and Education
Wadi Wurayah’s protected status has helped sustain its delicate ecosystem, making it an important research site for environmentalists. Conservationists hope that such citizen science initiatives will raise awareness about the significance of protecting the UAE’s natural heritage.
Participants left the park with a deeper appreciation for its pristine beauty and ecological importance. “It’s incredible to see such a diverse ecosystem thriving in the UAE,” said one of the volunteers. “Being part of this conservation effort was an eye-opening experience.”
With continued efforts from conservation groups and local authorities, Wadi Wurayah National Park remains a testament to the UAE’s commitment to environmental preservation. While access to the park remains restricted, initiatives like these provide a rare glimpse into one of the country’s most treasured natural sanctuaries.