ABU DHABI // Seven insect species have been reported in the UAE for the first time by a university researcher.
Huw Roberts was studying a group of small insects in the Jebel Hafeet area of Al Ain, discovering lacewing insects which have only been sighted in Saudi Arabia.
The find adds to a surge of discoveries disproving notions of a lack of biodiversity.
In fact, scientists are beginning to recognise the undiscovered potential in the previously labelled “sparse” environment.
“In the last two decades, the insect biodiversity of the UAE has been intensively researched,” said Mr Roberts of UAE University, who along with scientists Roland Dobosz and Levente Abraham has published an article about the findings.
Despite intensification of fieldwork, the knowledge of Neuroptera in the UAE is incomplete.
The insects– known as lacewings in English – were collected by Mr Roberts during detailed fieldwork in the mountain area.
“The results of these studies in two relatively small areas provide further evidence that there is still much to learn about the UAE’s biodiversity,” Mr Roberts said.
Specimens of several other groups of insects are still being studied, he said.
Lacewings have only recently attracted academic attention in the UAE.
The specimens were collected by light trapping, when netting is placed over vegetation.
The importance of genetic diversity and the discovery of species is an integral component in conservation efforts, said Dr Shaikha Al Dhaheri, executive director, terrestrial and marine biodiversity sector at the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi.
“There is more to discover, and that’s important to conservation efforts.
“With Huw’s discovery, it highlights the importance of protecting Jebel Hafeet, because the more we study that environment, the more we understand that there is a lot to be discovered.”
Dr Al Dhaheri said that the surge of discoveries is both a combination of the UAE’s untapped scientific potential and an measure of commitment to conservation and science.
“The community has put more efforts now than in previous years, and it’s a healthy indication of the environment. There are more people going out to study the UAE’s environment,” she said.
Last year, the EAD's scientists were able to discover two species of insects in Al Wathba, the gasteruptiid wasp (gasteruption alwathbaense) and the dance fly (drapetis wathabiensis).
Earlier this year, Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said: “Conservation of the ecosystem is one of the most important responsibilities we have as a nation and as human beings. Unfortunately, we still see certain harmful practices.”
Other discoveries include the damses fly in Al Wathba, a spider species in Ras Al Khaimah and insect species found around Abu Dhabi.
Mr Roberts’ studies were partially funded by the Mohammed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund.
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Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
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Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
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Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
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Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
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Producer: Ronnie Screwvala
Director: Akarsh Khurana
Starring: Irrfan Khan, Dulquer Salmaan, Mithila Palkar
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Range: 400km
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Ms Yang's top tips for parents new to the UAE
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In Britain, heart disease, lung cancer and Alzheimer’s remain among the leading causes of death, and people there are spending more time suffering from health problems.
The UK is expected to spend $421.4 billion on healthcare by 2040, up from $239.3 billion in 2014.
And development assistance for health is talking about the financial aid given to governments to support social, environmental development of developing countries.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
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- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
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- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
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- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
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Rating: 3/5
Directors: Ramin Bahrani, Debbie Allen, Hanelle Culpepper, Guillermo Navarro
Writers: Walter Mosley
Stars: Samuel L Jackson, Dominique Fishback, Walton Goggins
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates flies direct from Dubai to Rio de Janeiro from Dh7,000 return including taxes. Avianca fliles from Rio to Cusco via Lima from $399 (Dhxx) return including taxes.
The trip
From US$1,830 per deluxe cabin, twin share, for the one-night Spirit of the Water itinerary and US$4,630 per deluxe cabin for the Peruvian Highlands itinerary, inclusive of meals, and beverages. Surcharges apply for some excursions.
Fixtures
50-over match
UAE v Lancashire, starts at 10am
Champion County match
MCC v Surrey, four-day match, starting on Sunday, March 24, play starts at 10am
Both matches are at ICC Academy, Dubai Sports City. Admission is free.
ICC men's cricketer of the year
2004 - Rahul Dravid (IND) ; 2005 - Jacques Kallis (SA) and Andrew Flintoff (ENG); 2006 - Ricky Ponting (AUS); 2007 - Ricky Ponting; 2008 - Shivnarine Chanderpaul (WI); 2009 - Mitchell Johnson (AUS); 2010 - Sachin Tendulkar (IND); 2011 - Jonathan Trott (ENG); 2012 - Kumar Sangakkara (SL); 2013 - Michael Clarke (AUS); 2014 - Mitchell Johnson; 2015 - Steve Smith (AUS); 2016 - Ravichandran Ashwin (IND); 2017 - Virat Kohli (IND); 2018 - Virat Kohli; 2019 - Ben Stokes (ENG); 2021 - Shaheen Afridi
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Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
