ADNOC Reaches Five Million Mangrove Milestone, Accelerates Towards 2030 Target

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, along with ADNOC's Managing Director and Group CEO, has celebrated a critical environmental achievement by planting the five millionth mangrove seedling at the Al Nouf mangrove forest in Abu Dhabi.

This momentous occasion signifies that ADNOC has surpassed the halfway mark in its ambitious initiative to plant 10 million mangroves by 2030, contributing to the UAE's broader target of establishing 100 million mangroves nationwide by the decade’s end.

The mangrove program is integral to ADNOC's long-term dedication to environmental sustainability, biodiversity preservation, and climate-positive nature solutions. Mangroves are essential for safeguarding coastlines, sequestering carbon, nurturing marine life, and enhancing the robustness of coastal ecosystems.

During his visit, Dr. Al Jaber emphasized that environmental responsibility is a foundational element of ADNOC's strategic vision and imperative for generating sustainable, long-term value for the UAE. He acknowledged the significant advancements made towards the 2030 target, aided by cutting-edge technologies supporting conservation while responsibly addressing global energy demands.

Launched in 2023, ADNOC’s mangrove planting initiative utilizes AI-driven drone technology developed locally to facilitate rapid and precise large-scale planting. The program is further enhanced by state-of-the-art monitoring systems including machine learning tools that assess mangrove health, growth rates, and overall success in restoration over time, ensuring lasting ecological benefits.

Community involvement has been a vital aspect of this initiative since its inception. In 2025, over 1,000 volunteers dedicated thousands of hours to planting efforts. Approximately 6,000 participants have engaged in ADNOC’s mangrove plantation, coastal cleanup, and biodiversity restoration activities across Abu Dhabi since the program began.

Participants range from students and community organizations to People of Determination and ADNOC staff, all actively contributing at every phase of the project.

In 2024, ADNOC partnered with the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative, spearheaded by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), to expedite mangrove restoration, bolster research initiatives, and promote enhanced private sector and community engagement. These efforts align seamlessly with the UAE’s Plant the Emirates Programme and the World Economic Forum’s One Trillion Trees Initiative.

With five million mangroves planted, ADNOC's initiative stands out as one of the largest corporate-led environmental restoration programs in the region, solidifying Abu Dhabi's status as a leader in ecological preservation and sustainable advancement.