The Arabian Peninsula Focuses on Cheetah Conservation – A Vital Need for Protecting Wildlife

The Arabian Peninsula, with its ancient deserts and diverse ecosystems, has long been home to the majestic cheetah. These apex predators played a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance amidst the flora that once thrived in these arid landscapes. However, the cheetah’s fate hangs in the balance. Globally, their numbers are dwindling and without swift action, this magnificent species faces the grim prospect of extinction by 2040.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), recognising the urgency, is collaborating with neighbouring Middle Eastern countries and together, they are implementing initiatives and programmes to help in conservation and raise awareness. To achieve such goals, the first Global Cheetah Summit was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in January 2024. It brought together conservation scientists as well as governments and ecologists from the Middle East, Asia and Africa who devised strategies for safeguarding and reintroducing cheetahs into the wild.

It should be noted that Sir Bani Yas Island, in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, emerges as a beacon of hope. Here, the Arabian Wildlife Park hosts a population of free-roaming animals, including the elusive cheetah. This sanctuary plays a pivotal role in conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of not only cheetahs but other endangered animals such as the Arabian Oryx, which was once teetering on the brink of extinction. Visitors can even stay at Abu Dhabi beach resorts on this island and enjoy unique encounters with such creatures in their natural habitat. This includes properties such as Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort which offers wildlife drives that give one a chance to see majestic cheetahs and learn more about vital conservation efforts.