On November 3, 2026, Sherif Abdel Rahim, Executive President of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA), met with Abdullah Al Jabri and Nasser Al Kaabi, members of the Board of Directors of the International Fund for Houbara Conservation in the UAE. The meeting aimed to discuss mechanisms for joint cooperation to develop the Omayed Nature Reserve. The reserve, located in Matrouh governorate, is a significant natural site that requires careful management to preserve its biodiversity.
The meeting was held in line with directives from Minister of Local Development and Environment Manal Awad to strengthen efforts to develop Egypt’s nature reserves. The discussion focused on enhancing public access to the reserve while ensuring environmental regulations are adhered to. This includes supporting scientific research and specialized studies that contribute to preserving the reserve's biodiversity and strengthening its status as a biosphere reserve listed under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Program.
The meeting was attended by several key officials, including Head of the Nature Conservation Sector Khaled Abbas, Minister’s Assistant for Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility Saber Othman, and Head of the Central Administration for Nature Reserves Mohamed Youssef. Their presence highlights the importance of inter-agency cooperation in developing Egypt's natural reserves. The officials discussed ways to develop the reserve’s management system, organize visitor reception, and regulate visitor movement within the reserve.
According to Abdel Rahim, the meeting explored measures to enable the public to explore the reserve’s natural richness and environmental value while promoting awareness of the importance of biodiversity conservation. The goal is to strike a balance between public access and protecting natural habitats to preserve ecological balance. The development of the Omayed Natural Reserve is part of a broader effort to promote sustainable tourism and environmental conservation in Egypt.
The Omayed Natural Reserve is a unique ecosystem that requires careful management to preserve its natural resources. The reserve is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, some of which are found nowhere else in the world. By working with the UAE, Egypt aims to leverage international expertise and best practices in conservation and sustainable development.
The cooperation between Egypt and the UAE on the Omayed Natural Reserve is part of a broader effort to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. The two nations have been working together on various initiatives related to environmental conservation, sustainable development, and economic cooperation. The development of the Omayed Natural Reserve is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy and promote environmental awareness.
The Egyptian government has been prioritizing the development of its natural reserves in recent years, with a focus on promoting sustainable tourism and environmental conservation. The Omayed Natural Reserve is one of several reserves that are being developed as part of this effort. Key points include:
Key points
- Egypt and the UAE are exploring joint cooperation to develop the Omayed Natural Reserve in Matrouh governorate.
- The development of the reserve aims to enhance public access while protecting natural resources and promoting biodiversity conservation.
- The cooperation is part of a broader effort to strengthen bilateral relations between Egypt and the UAE.
