25 January 2011: The Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention) has reported that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has designated its second Wetland of International Importance.

The Wadi Wurayah National Park is a unique hydrogeological system that allows run-off water to emerge between impermeable and permeable rock, creating freshwater streams, pools and waterfalls, all of which are uncommon in an arid region. The diversity of freshwater habitats provides important spawning ground for fish species that are threatened and endemic to the Arabian Peninsula, including seven newly discovered insect species. [Ramsar Press Release]