At Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana, we are dedicated to making a positive impact on our community and environment. This year, our team celebrated World Turtle Awareness Week by visiting Saadiyat Island on the 13th of June to learn about and support the conservation of critically endangered Hawksbill turtles.

Learning and Participating in Turtle Conservation
Cynthia, an enthusiastic turtle patrol organizer, welcomed us and shared her knowledge on conserving beautiful creatures that are threatened with extinction worldwide. Her words inspired us as we learned about the Hawksbill turtle nesting season and the importance of recognizing turtle tracks on the beach.

What We Learned
Turtle nesting and hatching mostly happen at night, so the patrols monitor the beach at sunrise. We learned to look for tracks that resemble large tire marks and to report any findings without disturbing the tracks. If a nest is found, it is monitored daily for signs of disturbance, such as predation or wash-over. After 50 days, the nest is watched for hatching signs.

We also learned how to help lost hatchlings find their way to the sea, allowing them to imprint on their environment, which is crucial for their survival. Additionally, if we find a stranded turtle, it should be reported immediately and taken to a turtle rehabilitation center.

Our Commitment
Our participation in World Turtle Awareness Week has deepened our commitment to conservation. We aim to raise awareness and encourage our community to get involved in preserving endangered species. Together, we can make a difference in protecting our planet's precious wildlife.