Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve stretches along the sands of the vast desert providing a delicate ecosystem for various wild animals, birds, and reptiles. As the government of Dubai is looking to protect its ecological resources, the reserve was seeking to obtain an international conservation status of a biosphere reserve from UNESCO. To achieve this, our team has developed a master plan that identified several key goals – to conserve natural and cultural diversity, promote sustainable use of lands and resources, and use the conservation area for research, monitoring, education, and training.

To meet the requirements of the biosphere reserve designation we have developed 3 distinct zones: core, buffer, and traditional. Through careful planning of several core areas, the plan accommodates wildlife populations, undisturbed natural landscapes, and archeological sites – all while integrating with an adjacent military reserve. The buffer zone features a range of structures and activities – inviting visitors to enjoy the wildlife in their natural desert habitat with minimal disturbances. Representing the smallest area within the conservation area, the transitional zone accounts for the adjacent active farms, industrialized and built-up areas.

The master plan aids the sanctuary in progressing towards its goal of becoming a biosphere reserve while establishing its viability and attracting new visitors to experience the raw beauty of the reserve.