Egypt, UAE probe cooperation to develop Omayed Natural Reserve

Executive President of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA) Sherif Abdel Rahim discussed on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, with Abdullah Al Jabri and Nasser Al Kaabi, members of the Board of Directors of the International Fund for Houbara Conservation in the UAE, mechanisms for joint cooperation to develop al Omayed Nature Reserve in Matrouh governorate.

The meeting discussed enhancing public access to the reserve in accordance with environmental regulations that ensure the protection of its natural resources, as well as supporting scientific research and specialized studies that contribute to preserving its biodiversity and strengthening its status as a biosphere reserve listed under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Program.

The meeting was held in line with directives from Minister of Local Development and Environment Manal Awad to strengthen efforts to develop Egypt’s nature reserves.

The meeting was attended by Head of the Nature Conservation Sector Khaled Abbas, Minister’s Assistant for Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility Saber Othman, and Head of the Central Administration for Nature Reserves Mohamed Youssef.

Abdel Rahim said the meeting discussed ways to develop the reserve’s management system, organize visitor reception, raise environmental awareness and regulate visitor movement within the reserve.

These measures aim to enable the public to explore the reserve’s natural richness and environmental value, while promoting awareness of the importance of biodiversity conservation and adhering to regulations that protect natural habitats and preserve ecological balance.