Coastal Sabkha Preservation in the Arabian Gulf

Recognition of the geological significance of the Abu Dhabi Coastal Sabkha in the late 1950s initiated a decade of intensive sabkha research in the region, with various research groups embarking on an extensive campaign of field-based and laboratory-based activities. Subsequent research has been more sedate, principally reflecting the needs of the regional hydrocarbon industry or the adoption of new research techniques or scientific precepts. The last decade has witnessed a resurgence of interest in the coastal sabkhas of the Middle East, with focus lately switching to the generation of dolomite at Earth’s surface, and the significance of microbial communities in this and other sabkha processes. Yet, this is at a time when coastal environments throughout the Arabian Gulf are being threatened by increasingly ambitious land development activities. In the 1960s, approximately 150 km of pristine coastal sabkha existed along the eastern and central portions of the Abu Dhabi Coastline. Today, only 54 km remains. Preservation of the remaining coastal sabkhas of the United Arab Emirates requires careful and efficient planning and management integrating the experience and expertise of stakeholders, both at a national and an international level. We propose the establishment of a managed protected sabkha geoconservation area to the west of Abu Dhabi City. With minimum investment, this park would promote public awareness of the geoheritage of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), whilst also acting as a centre for sustainable geotourism and a focus for research of this fragile sedimentary system.