Abu dhabi: The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) has recorded the first-ever nesting of an Olive Ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) in the emirate, marking a significant milestone for marine biodiversity in Abu Dhabi. Discovered on Saadiyat Island, the nest represents a rare and exceptional occurrence.
According to Emirates News Agency, Abu Dhabi's mainland coast and offshore islands are primarily recognised as nesting grounds for Hawksbill turtles, with the first confirmed Green turtle nest recorded as recently as 2023. The Olive Ridley nesting represents a further remarkable discovery and confirms them as the third nesting marine turtle species in the emirate's waters. The species was confirmed through DNA barcoding undertaken in partnership with Khalifa University.
Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, highlighted the significance of this discovery, stating that it reflects the health of local waters and the resilience of ecosystems, underscoring Abu Dhabi's commitment to conservation. She emphasized the importance of evidence-based conservation efforts and the responsibility to protect these ecosystems for future generations.
The nest was discovered by volunteers from EAD's Saadiyat Turtle Patrol during a routine monitoring patrol. They closely monitored the nest throughout the incubation period, using a solar-powered camera and intensifying their patrols as the expected hatching date approached. The turtle nested on 29 March 2026, laying 109 eggs, with 40 hatchlings successfully reaching the sea on 25 May 2026, representing a hatching success rate of about 37 per cent.
As Olive Ridley turtles have never previously been recorded nesting in Abu Dhabi, EAD partnered with Khalifa University to confirm the identification through DNA barcoding. The analysis confirmed a 99 per cent genetic match to Lepidochelys olivacea, providing robust scientific confirmation of the discovery.
Maitha Al Hameli, Acting Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, stated that the DNA barcoding was an essential step to ensure the finding was supported by scientific evidence. This discovery contributes to the understanding of marine turtle distribution across the region and highlights the value of long-term scientific programmes in identifying important ecological changes.
Olive Ridley turtles are internationally recognized as indicator species, reflecting the overall condition of their marine ecosystems. They play a crucial role in maintaining healthy coastal environments by feeding on invertebrates and supporting the health of coral reefs and seagrass habitats. Their nesting activity also contributes to natural shoreline stability.
Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, Olive Ridley turtles nest at relatively few locations worldwide, lending international conservation significance to each confirmed nest. This finding builds on more than 25 years of marine turtle research by EAD, which has recorded four of the world's seven marine turtle species in the emirate.
According to EAD's latest aerial survey from 2024, Abu Dhabi's waters support a marine turtle population of about 8,000 individuals, with at least 17 nesting locations confirmed on offshore islands. This discovery, alongside the first confirmed Green turtle nest recorded in 2023, continues to expand scientific understanding of marine turtle ecology in the emirate and reinforces the importance of sustained ecological monitoring.