Technology and nature team up in Dubai’s latest green initiative.
From 25 to 28 April, Dubai will be joining hundreds of cities around the world in the City Nature Challenge, a global biodiversity event powered not by scientists in laboratories, but by everyday people with smartphones. This is where tech for the environment truly shines.
By using the free iNaturalist app, residents across the city are encouraged to photograph plants, birds, insects and other wildlife in their surroundings. Whether you’re in your garden, at a local park or simply walking down the pavement, each photo you upload contributes to a global database. This data is invaluable to researchers, conservationists and city planners working to protect nature.
Here in the UAE, the initiative is being led by Terra at Expo City Dubai, in collaboration with Emirates Nature–WWF. As the nation’s hub for sustainability and environmental innovation, Terra is inviting the public to reconnect with nature in a fun, simple and rewarding way.
Here are seven brilliant reasons to take part in this exciting citizen science movement, where Dubai and tech for the environment come together to make a real impact:
1. Turn Photos into Biodiversity Data
Each image you upload becomes part of a valuable record of Dubai’s natural environment. This information helps guide conservation efforts and environmental planning.
2. Help Shape Greener Cities
The data gathered from your observations can be used to plan nature-friendly spaces, such as green corridors and pollinator pathways across the city.
3. Discover More Nature-Focused Apps
In addition to iNaturalist, explore tools like eBird for tracking birds or ObsIdentify for quickly identifying plants and insects on the go.
4. Join a Global Community
This is far more than a local project. You’ll become part of a worldwide network of nature lovers, citizen scientists and curious minds working together.
5. Raise Your Environmental Awareness
Taking part helps you learn more about Dubai’s diverse ecosystems and appreciate the natural world just outside your door.
6. Spend More Time Outdoors
The challenge is a great excuse to leave your screen behind and enjoy a purposeful adventure in nature.
7. Support Global Scientific Research
Your contributions aid real-world studies on climate change, species movement and habitat preservation, supporting scientists around the globe.
Ready to take part?
Download the iNaturalist app, step outside and start exploring your surroundings. From 25 to 28 April, every photo you submit will help map Dubai’s wild side.
Tag @visitterra.ae on your discoveries for a chance to be featured in Terra’s City Nature photo showcase. You could also win four tickets to Terra at Expo City Dubai, where sustainability and innovation come to life.
