Manama: His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Personal Representative of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for the Environment (SCE), commended the order issued by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa naming Al Areen Reserve after His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, on the occasion of the UAE's celebration of its 54th Eid Al Etihad.
According to Bahrain News Agency, HH Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad stated that the royal order reflects the longstanding relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the UAE, as well as the high level of cooperation reached between the two countries in all domains. His Highness highlighted the commitment of both His Majesty the King and HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed to enhancing these relations and opening new avenues to further cooperation, fulfilling the shared aspirations of both countries and peoples.
HH Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad also underlined that this step recognises the role of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed in supporting environmental issues, sustainability, and wildlife protection at regional and international levels. His Highness noted that Al Areen Reserve is one of Bahrain's most prominent environmental landmarks, and that its new name, "The Mohammed bin Zayed Nature Reserve," is an additional incentive to advance efforts to preserve biodiversity and develop wildlife protection programmes in line with sustainable development goals and the Kingdom's future vision. HH Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad reiterated that the SCE will continue implementing national environmental initiatives and enhancing regional and international partnerships to protect natural resources for future generations.
The reserve hosts a diverse range of local and regional wildlife and serves as a centre for the study and conservation of many rare species. It also functions as an educational and research facility that supports national efforts in environmental protection and wildlife conservation.