BU TINAH ISLAND

Located approximately 130 km west of Abu Dhabi, Bu Tinah Island is part of the large Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve, estimated at 4,000 km², which was the first marine biosphere reserve in the region to be recognized by UNESCO. It is a horseshoe-shaped island with rich marine and terrestrial ecosystems worthy of global recognition. To protect the local ecosystems, access to the island is not allowed and fishing is prohibited.

As a result, Bu Tinah's coral reefs continue to thrive despite extreme temperatures and salinity stress. Their survival has given researchers insight into the survival of coral reefs elsewhere in the world in the face of global warming.

In addition, the sheltered side of the island experiences regular tidal flooding, allowing for healthy mangrove stands with average heights of 5 meters.

A large number of critically endangered green turtles have been recorded here. Dugongs, considered threatened in the IUCN red list, have been observed in its seagrass beds. An estimated 650 individual dugongs were spotted in summer, while 835 individuals were spotted in winter. Little human activity in the area has created a natural sanctuary for the dugongs.

The waters surrounding Bu Tinah also support dolphin populations, including Indo-Pacific humpback, bottlenose and common dolphins.

Several migratory birds use the island as a stopover to rest and feed during their migration route from Central Asia to Africa. 4-5 active Osprey nests have been regularly recorded on the island during successive breeding seasons. The island is also home to a small population of globally threatened white-cheeked terns and Socotra cormorants.

Bu Tinah Shoals, part of the Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve, is one of 28 paradise sites selected by New7Wonders of Nature.