Abu Dhabi has recorded the first known nesting of an Olive Ridley turtle in the emirate, marking an important milestone for marine biodiversity. The nest was discovered on Saadiyat Island during routine monitoring by volunteers from the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Turtle Patrol. 

The turtle laid 109 eggs on 29 March 2026. After weeks of monitoring, the hatchlings began emerging on 25 May, with 40 successfully reaching the sea. The nest was monitored using a solar powered camera alongside regular patrols by volunteers and marine specialists.

Because Olive Ridley turtles had never previously been recorded nesting in Abu Dhabi, the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi worked with Khalifa University to verify the species using DNA analysis. The results showed a 99 percent genetic match to the Olive Ridley turtle, providing scientific confirmation of the discovery. 

The discovery means that three species of marine turtle are now confirmed to nest in Abu Dhabi, including Hawksbill, Green and Olive Ridley turtles. Four marine turtle species in total have been recorded in the emirate's waters. 

The finding also highlights the importance of long term environmental monitoring and habitat conservation. Abu Dhabi has conducted marine turtle research for more than 25 years, and its waters currently support an estimated 8,000 marine turtles. 

The successful nesting on Saadiyat Island provides researchers with valuable new information about the distribution of Olive Ridley turtles and demonstrates that Abu Dhabi's coastal habitats can support the species through a complete reproductive cycle.