Phytoplankton are key indicators of marine ecosystem health and drivers of biogeochemical processes, yet their seasonal patterns in the southern Arabian Gulf are insufficiently understood. This study investigates inter-seasonal variability in phytoplankton composition and abundance along the coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), focusing on waters surrounding the region’s largest oyster beds. Surface samples were collected...

Introduction Urbanization has profound impacts on aquatic ecosystems, often altering water quality through increased pollutant loads and hydrological changes. This study investigates the long-term temporal variations in key water quality parameters in Khalid Khor, Sharjah, UAE, from 2007 to 2023, to assess the influence of urban development on the aquatic environment. Methods Water quality indicators including pH, dissolved ox...

Coastal ecosystems are integral to global carbon cycling and are increasingly recognised for their role in mitigating climate change. Within these ecosystems, the dynamics of carbon storage are diverse, varying significantly across different habitats. However, existing management strategies often focus predominantly on vegetated habitats neglecting the contributions of non-vegetated areas. We address this knowledge gap by prov...

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a long-term policy horizon, the financial capital, and a vision for a sustainable knowledge-based economy. These characteristics uniquely situate it as a potential leader for sea-level rise research. Climate science is already growing, and at the center of the UAE's pivot toward climate research is a burgeoning concern for sea-level rise. Over 85% of the UAE's population and more than 90% of...