Al Wathba Wetland Reserve was established in 1998 by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It was the first place in the Emirate to be designated for protection by law and was declared a Ramsar site in 2013. This site is recognized by the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance and is part of more than 2,000 other internationally recognized wetlands around the world.

Al Wathba Wetland Reserve covers a total area of five square kilometers, comprising wetlands, salt flats, fossilized sands and dunes. Several endangered species live here in a protected environment.

More than 250 species of birds have been spotted, along with an abundance of aquatic life, as well as 37 plant species. Al Wathba also features a rich variety of dragon flies and damsel flies.

Greater flamingo - EAD?s Flamingo Monitoring Programme has been carefully observing Abu Dhabi?s 20,000- strong flamingo population for many years. Designation of protected areas ensuring the safety of this species is having a positive impact on the breeding population.

Black winged stilt - This large black and white water bird, reaches nearly 37cm long and weighs as much as 180g, with long pink legs and long, thin black bill. They eat aquatic invertebrates. They usually lay eggs on the ground in a nest made of sticks and mud between March and June. EAD has been monitoring Abu Dhabi?s resident and migratory bird populations for many years. Designation of protected areas ensuring the safety of this species is having a positive impact on their population numbers.

Spiny tailed lizard - typically reach over 70cm in length when mature. They are primarily herbivores, but will also eat insects. This lizard is locally known as ?Dhub? Their strong skin was made into leather by Bedouins, while their meat was an alternative source of protein. EAD maintains a network of protected areas throughout Abu Dhabi to ensure the survival of species such as the Dhub.