UAE launches 1st unfenced desert conservation reserve "Marmoom"

ABU DHABI, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) launched on Tuesday in Dubai "Marmoom Reserve," which will be the first unfenced desert conservation reserve in the country, UAE state news agency WAM reported.

The reserve spans over 10 percent of the emirate of Dubai's total area, and will introduce more than 20 environmental, cultural and sports-related programs, sponsored by nine Dubai government agencies, said WAM.

Enjoying over 40 hectares of shrub land and fertile area, the reserve is home to over 204 species of native birds and 158 species of migratory birds.

The new project will include 10 animal and bird observation platforms, star and sunset observations decks, areas for yoga, an outdoor theater that can host 350-person events, and will be powered by a 5,000 megawatt solar power complex.

By 2030, it will host more than 20 annual sporting events, which will attract an estimated of 20,000 participants. Its cycling tracks will add up to the longest in any desert anywhere in the world.

"Preserving and investing in the environment means preserving and investing in one of our most important assets," said Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. Enditem