A rather special arrival on the shores of Saadiyat Island has been announced, and this one has four flippers.
Abu Dhabi has recorded its first-ever Olive Ridley turtle nest, a small but significant moment for the emirate’s marine environment and a fascinating glimpse into the wildlife that calls its coastline home.
Meet the Olive Ridley
The Olive Ridley is one of seven marine turtles, but its journey to Abu Dhabi is far from an everyday occurrence.
The species is considered Vulnerable, and its nesting activity is concentrated in particular parts of the world, which makes this discovery especially interesting.
Hawksbill turtles are the species most commonly associated with nesting in Abu Dhabi, along with Green turtles, which have also been recorded in the city.
The Olive Ridley now joins the gang as the third marine turtle species confirmed to nest in the emirate, and it’s making big news.
Why Saadiyat?
This discovery came during a routine patrol on Saadiyat Island, where Environment Agency volunteers spotted the signs of a nesting turtle.
On 29 March this year, the species laid just over 100 eggs. Almost two months later, the first hatchlings emerged, with 40 eventually making their way into the sea.
Genetic testing by Khalifa University subsequently confirmed that the mother was indeed an Olive Ridley and is a lovely reminder that Saadiyat is more than its beaches, restaurants and cultural landmarks.
A Tiny Turtle with a Bigger Story
For Abu Dhabi’s conservation teams, the discovery gives them another species to monitor on the emirate’s coast.
Whilst nobody can say yet whether this was a one-off visit or the beginning of something bigger, the successful nesting is certainly worth celebrating.
What is for sure is that some of the most exciting wildlife stories are happening quietly beneath our feet, and we don’t even know it.
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