emirates7 - A delegation from the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), led by Secretary-General Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, visited Bahrain to strengthen regional collaboration in environmental research and share best practices in marine environment protection.
As part of the visit, the delegation met with Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak bin Daina, Bahrain’s Minister of Oil and Environment and Chairman of the Supreme Council for the Environment. They also visited the Arabian Gulf University and the University of Bahrain, where discussions focused on creating joint programmes to study biodiversity and address environmental challenges in the Arabian Gulf, ensuring marine resource sustainability for future generations.
Coinciding with the visit, EAD’s marine research vessel, Jaywun, embarked on a groundbreaking research mission. This initiative included conducting environmental surveys for the first time in the territorial waters of the UAE and Bahrain, with the goal of advancing sustainability in the Arabian Gulf.
The mission collected over 150 samples from eight different sites, performing the region’s first environmental DNA study of marine biodiversity, acoustic sea floor surveys, and water quality assessments to evaluate the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems. The research also examined heavy metal concentrations and their effects on marine life, monitored nutrient enrichment rates for ecosystem balance, and assessed the spread and impact of microplastics in Gulf waters. Additionally, the team studied how transboundary sandstorms affect air and water quality and analyzed their broader environmental implications.
During its stop at Khalifa Bin Salman Port in Bahrain, Jaywun welcomed delegations from various local organizations, including the Supreme Council for the Environment, Nawah Foundation, Bapco Energy, the Arabian Gulf University, and the Ministry of Sustainable Development, among others. The vessel also hosted school and university students, offering an educational perspective on its research efforts.
Throughout its seven-day voyage, Jaywun hosted experts from the Abu Dhabi Environmental Research Network, which plays a key role in addressing environmental challenges in the emirate and promoting sustainability. The mission also included 10 researchers from EAD, as well as scientists from M42 and teams from Bahrain, representing the Supreme Council for the Environment and the Arabian Gulf University.
Dr. Shaikha Al Dhaheri emphasized the importance of the visit in fostering regional partnerships and sharing expertise to achieve mutual goals of environmental sustainability. “Collaboration and knowledge exchange among regional nations are essential to preserving our marine resources and biodiversity for future generations,” she stated. She also highlighted how the research aboard Jaywun would enhance environmental databases and contribute to scientific solutions for addressing the Arabian Gulf's environmental challenges.
Launched in January 2023, Jaywun is the most advanced marine research vessel in the Middle East and the first of its kind in the UAE. Designed to operate in diverse maritime conditions, it supports fish stock monitoring, biodiversity protection, and marine habitat conservation, making it a critical asset for scientific research and environmental innovation in the region.
As part of the visit, the delegation met with Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak bin Daina, Bahrain’s Minister of Oil and Environment and Chairman of the Supreme Council for the Environment. They also visited the Arabian Gulf University and the University of Bahrain, where discussions focused on creating joint programmes to study biodiversity and address environmental challenges in the Arabian Gulf, ensuring marine resource sustainability for future generations.
Coinciding with the visit, EAD’s marine research vessel, Jaywun, embarked on a groundbreaking research mission. This initiative included conducting environmental surveys for the first time in the territorial waters of the UAE and Bahrain, with the goal of advancing sustainability in the Arabian Gulf.
The mission collected over 150 samples from eight different sites, performing the region’s first environmental DNA study of marine biodiversity, acoustic sea floor surveys, and water quality assessments to evaluate the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems. The research also examined heavy metal concentrations and their effects on marine life, monitored nutrient enrichment rates for ecosystem balance, and assessed the spread and impact of microplastics in Gulf waters. Additionally, the team studied how transboundary sandstorms affect air and water quality and analyzed their broader environmental implications.
During its stop at Khalifa Bin Salman Port in Bahrain, Jaywun welcomed delegations from various local organizations, including the Supreme Council for the Environment, Nawah Foundation, Bapco Energy, the Arabian Gulf University, and the Ministry of Sustainable Development, among others. The vessel also hosted school and university students, offering an educational perspective on its research efforts.
Throughout its seven-day voyage, Jaywun hosted experts from the Abu Dhabi Environmental Research Network, which plays a key role in addressing environmental challenges in the emirate and promoting sustainability. The mission also included 10 researchers from EAD, as well as scientists from M42 and teams from Bahrain, representing the Supreme Council for the Environment and the Arabian Gulf University.
Dr. Shaikha Al Dhaheri emphasized the importance of the visit in fostering regional partnerships and sharing expertise to achieve mutual goals of environmental sustainability. “Collaboration and knowledge exchange among regional nations are essential to preserving our marine resources and biodiversity for future generations,” she stated. She also highlighted how the research aboard Jaywun would enhance environmental databases and contribute to scientific solutions for addressing the Arabian Gulf's environmental challenges.
Launched in January 2023, Jaywun is the most advanced marine research vessel in the Middle East and the first of its kind in the UAE. Designed to operate in diverse maritime conditions, it supports fish stock monitoring, biodiversity protection, and marine habitat conservation, making it a critical asset for scientific research and environmental innovation in the region.