Categories: Local News

Humpback Dolphins Spotted Off Saadiyat Island In Abu Dhabi

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), the Middle East’s largest environmental regulator recently took to social media to post a video of a school of Indian Ocean humpback dolphins that were spotted off the coast of Saadiyat Island.

The Indian Ocean humpback dolphins are an endangered and an increasingly vulnerable species. The EAD has urged people to keep a safe distance from the dolphins & to report any sightings. Incidentally, Abu Dhabi is home to the largest population of Indian Ocean humpback dolphins in the world. You can spot them in shallow waters and channels around the off-shore islands and the mainland of Abu Dhabi where they occur alone or in groups of up to 24 individuals.

The EAD runs long-term research and monitoring programmes on Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphins, which helps them identify the areas that need monitoring and protection.

You can watch the video here

The EAD said, “We remind everyone to keep a safe distance from all marine animals, and to be mindful when using boats or jet skis.”

Also read: Abu Dhabi: A Natural History Museum Is Coming In 2025!

Fun Facts About The Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphins

A dolphin calf can swim, within a few seconds of its birth, to follow its mother.
Dolphins emit a unique whistle that identifies them with members of the same species and pod.
Like bats, dolphins use echo-location to navigate and hunt, bouncing high pitched sounds off of objects and listening for the echoes.
Dolphins must consciously swim to the surface to take a breath. This means they can never fully sleep.