•EWS-WWF was born out of a need to protect biodiversity in key sites across the emirates including species and ecosystems of concern in the region; raise awareness on the high UAE Ecological Footprint and contribute to policy and institutional framework to address environmental issues.We work on a series of projects that address the UAE’s Ecological Footprint, promote science-based policy work as well as on the ground conservation. These are supported by communication initiatives and education programme to raise awareness of key environmental issues.