Qatar, IUCN Advance Plans for Khor Al Adaid Reserve’s UNESCO World Heritage Nomination

Doha: Qatar’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) has held a series of meetings with a delegation from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as part of preparations to nominate the Khor Al Adaid Natural Reserve for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The IUCN delegation visited Qatar from August 23 to 26, 2026, with discussions focusing on the technical requirements and steps needed to prepare a comprehensive nomination dossier for the internationally renowned natural reserve.

Technical Support for UNESCO Nomination

The visit represents a preliminary stage in the nomination process and gives Qatar an opportunity to benefit from IUCN’s technical expertise and consultations.

IUCN serves as an advisory body in the assessment of natural sites nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status. Its technical guidance can help Qatar identify areas requiring further development and ensure that the eventual nomination dossier meets relevant international standards.

During the meetings, officials reviewed the objectives of the visit, discussed key elements of the proposed nomination and exchanged views on the steps required during the next phase.

Two-Day Field Visit to Khor Al Adaid

The programme also included a two-day field tour of Khor Al Adaid, allowing the IUCN delegation to examine the reserve’s distinctive landscapes, environmental characteristics and natural formations.

Delegates visited several locations showcasing the reserve’s unique features and reviewed Qatar’s efforts to protect and manage the area.

The delegation was also briefed on environmental monitoring programmes and measures designed to preserve the integrity of the reserve’s natural sites.

Protecting Biodiversity and Managing Tourism

Discussions addressed ways of balancing environmental protection with the sustainable use of Khor Al Adaid, including the management of tourism activities while ensuring the conservation of its natural landscape.

Particular attention was given to the reserve’s biodiversity, including its important terrestrial and marine habitats and the different species found within the protected area.

Khor Al Adaid is recognised for its distinctive combination of desert and marine ecosystems, with high sand dunes meeting coastal waters and creating an unusual natural landscape. The area also supports wildlife including turtles, dugongs and a variety of migratory birds.

Strengthening Conservation Standards

MoECC aims to use the technical visit to develop a clearer understanding of the requirements necessary for preparing a high-quality World Heritage nomination dossier.

The ministry is also working with IUCN to strengthen the management of Khor Al Adaid and align conservation practices with international standards, including the IUCN Green List and UNESCO World Heritage requirements.

The cooperation reflects Qatar’s broader commitment to protecting biodiversity, conserving natural resources and promoting sustainable management of environmentally significant areas.

If successful, inscription of Khor Al Adaid on the UNESCO World Heritage List would further enhance international recognition of one of Qatar’s most distinctive natural landscapes while supporting efforts to preserve the site for future generations.