Image Credit : X / Abu Dhabi Police
Abu Dhabi Police have strengthened efforts to protect wildlife and natural habitats with the launch of a dedicated environmental police patrol in the Al Dhafra region.
The new patrols operate under the Environmental Police Department within the Special Patrols Directorate and are focused on safeguarding terrestrial ecosystems across Abu Dhabi’s largest region. Officials said the initiative follows directives from UAE leadership to further integrate environmental sustainability into the country’s security and policing framework.
The deployment reflects a move toward more specialised policing, with officers trained to prevent environmental violations and protect natural resources. By placing the patrols within the Criminal Security Sector, Abu Dhabi Police aim to improve response times to reports involving illegal activities that pose a risk to wildlife and sensitive habitats.
In a statement, Abu Dhabi Police said the environmental patrols form part of broader efforts to enhance specialised policing and strengthen coordination with strategic partners. The goal, the force noted, is to achieve the highest levels of operational readiness when dealing with environmental incidents and to ensure the long-term protection of the UAE’s natural heritage.
Alongside enforcement, the patrols will play an educational role. Officers will engage with local communities to raise awareness of environmental laws, particularly in areas where human activity overlaps with protected wildlife zones.
The initiative supports Abu Dhabi’s wider approach to balanced development, reinforcing the message that economic growth and environmental protection must go hand in hand across the emirate.
