In a remarkable step aimed at protecting the marine environment, Jumeirah celebrated the release of 72 sea turtles, including one named “Najeeb,” along with 71 rehabilitated turtles returning to the sea. This event coincided with World Sea Turtle Day, where the turtles were returned to their natural habitat after receiving the necessary care. This achievement is part of Dubai’s turtle rehabilitation project, which has successfully released over 2,300 turtles into the waters since its inception in 2004.
Turtle Rehabilitation
The release included a special turtle named Najeeb, a male weighing 80 kilograms. Najeeb was rescued in December 2024 after suffering serious injuries to his front flippers. After a period of care, a satellite tracking device was fitted to Najeeb and another turtle, allowing the Dubai turtle rehabilitation project team to monitor their movements after their return to the sea.
The Importance of the Project
Dubai’s turtle rehabilitation project represents a significant step towards preserving marine life and biodiversity in the Arabian Gulf. The project operates from Jumeirah’s Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Al Naseem, successfully completing numerous initiatives over the years. Najeeb’s experience reflects the success of these efforts, as a similarly sized green turtle was previously recorded reaching nesting sites in Oman after being rehabilitated and released.
Ongoing Successes
The releases of sea turtles are part of ongoing efforts to preserve the environment and highlight the importance of protecting marine turtles, positively impacting the local ecosystem as a whole. The success of Najeeb and the 71 turtles returning to the sea is not just a local event; it signifies a growing awareness of the importance of caring for marine creatures and preserving their diversity.
Marine heritage requires all of us to commit to its preservation, and the contribution of Dubai’s turtle rehabilitation project through these activities indicates a long-term commitment to this goal. Specialized teams monitor the releases and analyze the resulting data to help improve future strategies.