The UAE is a signatory to the Convention on Biodiversity (CBD) and the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES). These two conventions request countries to establish a system of protected areas to conserve biodiversity, develop guidelines for the selection, establish and manage protected areas and to promote the ecosystem, natural habitats and species conservation. As part of its commitment to the conservation of natural resources, ecosystems, wildlife and wildlife habitats, the Agency was given the responsibility of establishing and managing protected areas in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

By the end of 2008, the total area of the declared marine protected areas was 5019 km2 which represents 5% of the geographical area of the Emirate. Other potential sites for marine protection are estimated collectively at about 7% of the marine biome or 4% of the total area of the Emirate.