Al Bateen Beach: Sea worms are harmless, says Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi: Sea worms spotted on Abu Dhabi’s popular Al Bateen Beach is no cause of concern, local authorities have confirmed.
Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) issued an advisory after videos showing sea worms at the beach went viral on social media platforms and sparked public curiosity.

EAD regulates and enforces Abu Dhabi's environmental laws to protect biodiversity and preserve the quality of life for a sustainable future.

EAD has observed the situation and reached a conclusion that the marine creatures seen wriggling in the sand are “harmless” sea worms, naturally found in the region's coastal ecosystem.
“Observations confirmed that this is a natural phenomenon,” EAD said in a social media post.
“Initial analysis shows that these are harmless marine creatures that live deep in the sand. They play a vital role in the marine ecosystem by recycling organic matter and serving as food for fish.”

Their sudden appearance, according to the EAD, could be due to changes in temperature affecting their activity and breeding patterns.

EAD reassured the public that this is a normal part of the UAE’s rich marine biodiversity.

Al Bateen Beach is Beach overlooks Hudayriat Island and its bridge to the west of Abu Dhabi. It is popular with both residents and tourists for its family-friendly vibe, safety, and wide variety of cafés. It has also been awarded the Blue Flag award – a voluntary global programme that recognises beaches and marinas for meeting high standards of environmental sustainability, water quality, and safety.

Abu Dhabi holds the distinction of being the first Arab capital to adopt the Blue Flag standards across its beaches, successfully earning this prestigious international recognition.