Climate change adaptation plan
In its report “Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the Environment Sector in Abu Dhabi 2025–2050: Towards a Resilient Future”, EAD highlighted that current farming practices also contribute to soil salinisation. These include the use of saline groundwater for irrigation and traditional flood irrigation, particularly in the Al Dhafra region.
According to the Soil Quality Monitoring Programme, salinity levels vary widely across the emirate. In Al Dhafra, around 60% of surface soil samples fall into the “very high salinity” category (ECe > 40 dS/m).
Al Ain records higher organic carbon
Overall, Abu Dhabi’s soils contain less than 1% organic matter, limiting water retention and fertility. However, Al Ain recorded the highest levels of organic carbon at 0.57% (20.1 tonnes per hectare), likely due to crop residues and fertiliser use. Higher levels were also noted in livestock farms and palm oases, showing that farming practices can influence soil quality.
Monitoring variations in organic carbon across sites and soil layers, EAD said, is vital for managing sustainability and improving water retention in dry conditions.
Land rehabilitation and innovation
EAD reported that land rehabilitation has expanded reclaimed areas from 133.46 to 378.22 square kilometres. While farming once focused mainly on date palms and drought-resistant crops, new approaches now include sustainable water use and modern technology.
A key initiative is EAD’s soil monitoring project, which combines satellite and drone-based remote sensing with artificial intelligence and machine learning. This enables faster, more accurate data collection to support policies aimed at protecting soil health.
After completing its pilot phase, EAD rolled out the project fully at the end of 2023. For now, it focuses on soil health and quality in Abu Dhabi, but the agency plans to extend the approach to other areas, including marine ecosystems, water quality, and air quality, once proven successful.
