
The Wasit Wetland Cente in, Sharjah, UAE. Dubai firm, X-Architects helped create an oasis out of a wasteland, which has gone on to be the first environment protection zone to win the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture 2019.

A bird's eye view of the architecture of the Centre, which blends with its' surroundings and uses the existing topography to minimize the visual impact on the natural scene.

Upon arrival, visitors are led underground along a pathway into a linear gallery with a transparent wall that allows them to view the birds of the wetland in their natural habitat.

Wasit isn't the only important wetland habitat in the UAE. It's rejuvenation is part of a much larger project to clean up and rehabilitate an ancient chain of wetlands along the Gulf coast.

Pink flamingos are pictured as they catch flight at the Ras al-Khor Wildlife Sanctuary on the outskirts of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. The sanctuary which is Dubai's only desert wetland occupies about 621 hectares on the banks of Dubai Creek.

The Ras al-Khor Wildlife Sanctuary comprises of mudflats, lagoons, pools, and mangroves.

A concept image for plans for Dubai Creek Harbour with the Ras Al Khor Ramsar Site in the distance.

The Khor Kalba nature reserve in Sharjah, UAE, where local authorities are working with Emirates Nature and the WWF in a strategic research collaboration to better understand juvenile green turtle and the ecology they live in.

The Hatta Mountain Reserve is located in the Hajar mountains at the northern tip of the Arabian Highland Woodlands and Shrublands.

Dubai's Hatta Mountain Reserve has recently been named as a Site of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.

The coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass beds of Jebel Ali Wetland Sanctuary have been designated a globally significant conservation site.


