Mark your calendars! The sixth edition of the World Ocean Summit will convene in Abu Dhabi from 5-7 March marking the first time the international conference comes to the Middle East. The Summit will provide a forum for a global gathering of over 500 delegates — including heads of state, political leaders, policymakers, corporate heads and academics from more than 26 countries — to share dialogue on how best to innovate, govern, and promote a sustainable blue economy, and explore new ways to mitigate the adverse impacts of human pressures on ocean health.
Though we can’t all be at the Summit at the St Regis Saadiyat Island, everyone can participate in the city’s inaugural “Blue Week,” which runs from 3-7 March in activations along the city’s beaches.
The series of activities celebrate the UAE’s rich seafaring traditions that will take place at Heritage Village where visitors can take in a dhow show or participate in a beach marathon or a youth circle discussion focusing on the importance of eco-tourism. There will also be a blue technology exhibition by participating government entities along Saadiyat Beach.
Conservation of the city’s pristine beaches and its marine ecosystem remains a key priority for the UAE, as both an intrinsic part of the nation’s natural heritage, as well as a vital pillar supporting a booming blue economy. With around 760 kilometers of coastline, Abu Dhabi is home to the world’s largest population of the Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphins and the second largest number of dugongs, among other marine species including sea turtles, sharks, and corals. An integrated marine management framework to promote the sustainable development of the ocean is critical for a region such as the Middle East, which has some of the warmest waters on the planet.
Learn about how you can get involved in the blue economy or just help to keep our beaches cleaner and marine animals safer during Blue Week.
Blue Week list of activities
3-7 March, St Regis Saadiyat
A showcase of UAE heritage including pearling and diving on the beach from 4 – 8 pm
4 March, Saadiyat Beach (close to Nurai Island Harbour)
Opening of BlueTech Exhibition and Heritage Village
Heritage Village and BlueTech Exhibition activities end on March 7, at 8:00PM
Launch of the Marine Water Quality Book at 6pm
5 March, St Regis Hotel Saadiyat Island
Youth Circle Discussion, on the sidelines of WOS, 11am – 12:30pm
7 March, Saadiyat Beach (close to Nurai Island Harbour)
There will be a dhow show starting from 5pm
9 March, Mina Zayed (Fishermen Market)
Seabed clean-up from 8am-1pm.
9 March, St Regis Hotel Saadiyat Island
There will be a beach marathon on Saadiyat Beach starting at 4 pm
To register or to learn more, click here.
