The main objective of the establishment of Wadi Wurayah National Park is “the establishment of a sustainable protected area which combines local heritage and modern life while maintaining the biodiversity, unique natural habitats and provides an economic role model in the region.”
Wadi Wurayah National Park is located in the Hajar Mountains, which extends from the Sultanate of Oman in the south and ends at the Strait of Hormuz in the north, and extends along the eastern coast of the Emirate of Fujairah.
Wadi Wurayah gets its name due to the presence of the reeds which are known locally as “Warrah”. The reeds are spread in areas that have the presence of water throughout the year, and more intense near the ponds and streams that are permanent source of water in Wadi Wurayah.
The Wadi Wurayah catchment basin covers an area of 129 sq.Km and is primary source of freshwater. The area has been used by the community for thousands of years due to the availability of fresh water. It is the local haven for rare and endangered species, which are an important part of the natural heritage of the United Arab Emirates.
Wadi Wurayah lies within a priority WWF Global 200 Ecoregion (Ecoregion 127, Arabian Highlands and Shrublands) and shelters a rich diversity of rare and endangered mountainous and freshwater habitats on Earth. The Wadi Wuraya is one of the few freshwater catchment basis that has remained intact in the United Arab Emirates in the Emirate of Fujairah.
Importante Milestones
Year 2006:
Initial surveys starts with collaboration between the Fujairah Municipality and the Emirates Wildlife Society in order to assess the region and to ensure the feasibility of establishing a nature reserve in Wadi Wurayah.
2006 to 2009
Most of the basic studies conducted to determine the biodiversity and natural content.
Year 2009
Wadi Wuraya was declared as the first mountain protected area in the United Arab Emirates according to Law No. 2 of 2009 issued by His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Member of Supreme Council and Ruler of Fujairah.
Year 2010
Wadi Wuraya announced wetland of international importance according to the Ramsar Convention, to be the site number 1932 internationally and Site No. 2 on the level of the United Arab Emirates after the Ras Al Khor protected area in Dubai.
Year 2013
Fujairah Municipality announced the stablishment of a national Park in Wadi Wurraya in Cooperation with the Emirates Wildlife Society.
Year 2018
Wadi Wuraya was declared as Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO Man and Biosphere Program.
Year 2022
Wadi Wurayah National Park nominated as UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Scientific studies have shown that the Wadi Wurayah National Park is home to at least 860 different species of plants and animals, including rare mammals like Caracal and Blanford’s Fox and the UAE’s only native orchid, the Helleborine Orchid.
Wadi Wuraya National Park is closed for the general public.
References:
Wadi Wurayah National Park Fujairah Book Published by United Arab Emirates Government of Fujairah Fujairah Municipality