Jumeirah: Jumeirah, a leader in luxury hospitality and a member of Dubai Holding, marked World Sea Turtle Day by releasing 23 rehabilitated sea turtles into the Arabian Gulf. Among the released turtles was Foxy, a green turtle equipped with a satellite tracker through the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project (DTRP). This milestone has allowed the programme to release over 100 satellite-tracked turtles into the wild. Foxy was rescued in January 2025 by a fisherman in Ras Al Khaimah after losing a front flipper, and, under the care of DTRP, has made a strong recovery.
According to Emirates News Agency, the turtles were released following extensive rehabilitation through the DTRP. Since its inception in 2004, the programme has rescued and returned more than 2,350 turtles to the wild, becoming one of the region's significant conservation efforts. The rehabilitation sanctuary at Jumeirah Al Naseem, with its purpose-designed lagoon, plays a crucial role in this process, offering an environment that mimics natural conditions for recovery.
Barbara Lang-Lenton, Executive Director of Biodiversity at Jumeirah, emphasized the significance of each turtle release as a story of recovery and a learning opportunity. The satellite tracking programme provides valuable insights into migration patterns, habitat use, and long-term recovery. This data contributes to broader marine conservation research, with tracked turtles covering thousands of kilometres across international waters.
The DTRP's efforts extend beyond turtle rehabilitation. Jumeirah is involved in coral restoration programmes, aiming to produce 10,000 coral fragments by the end of the month. These fragments contribute to the Dubai Reef project, the world's largest purpose-built reef system. Such initiatives underline Jumeirah's commitment to conservation, education, and research.
Jumeirah's international properties also engage in marine conservation activities. In the Maldives, Jumeirah Olhahali Island offers coral planting workshops and marine education experiences. In Oman, Jumeirah Muscat Bay hosts educational workshops focused on sea turtle conservation in collaboration with the Environment Society of Oman. In Bali, the resort partnered with Eco Tourism Bali to release 30 newly hatched turtles.
Earlier in June, the DTRP released 10 rehabilitated turtles from the Jebel Ali Marine Reserve, in an event organized by The Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority (DECCA). This reflects Jumeirah's broader sustainability vision, emphasizing the preservation of marine ecosystems and community engagement as integral to its operations and guest experiences.