Abu Dhabi’s sabkhas well worth preserving
Sabkha sites hold great potential for solar power generation and algae culture, also holding out promise in terms of hydrocarbons.
Many people may not be aware of Abu Dhabi’s coastal sabkhas — the Arabic phonetic translation for salt flats — but the distinctive coastal areas hold several benefits in store, making their preservation and protection all the more important.
Sabkha sites hold great potential for solar power generation and algae culture, also holding out promise in terms of hydrocarbons.
However, many sabkha sites are facing threats from rapid urbanisation and construction projects.
Abu Dhabi’s coastal sabkhas include channels, inlets, islands, shoals and is as wide as 16 kilometres at some points, experts say.
Dr Fares M. Howari, Professor at the College of Sustainability and Humanities, Zayed University, has conducted several studies on the sabkhas and also made them a subject for a film documentary, which will be aired on the National Geographic Channel in the UAE. Read More
