Species-Level Coral Inventory of Abu Al Abyad and Al Yasat Islands, United Arab Emirates

Coral reefs in the Arabian Gulf are among the most thermally and saline-tolerant ecosystems globally, yet they face increasing pressures from climate change and coastal development. Coral colonies were surveyed using belt transects and photo quadrats, while environmental parameters such as depth (6-10m), water temperature (20.4-36.7 °C), salinity (40.76 PSU), and substrate type (rocky, sandy, or rubble) were recorded. A total of 13 coral species belonging to 10 genera and 8 families were identified by the measurements of the colony and corallites, including Acropora pharaonis, Porites lutea, Psammocora stellata, Siderastrea savignyana, Cyphastrea serailia, Leptastrea transversa, Dipsastraea matthaii, Platygyra daedalea, Plesiastrea versipora, Coscinaraea monile, Turbinaria reniformis, Cyphastrea microphthalma, and Pseudosiderastrea tayamai. Species distributions were influenced by environmental conditions, particularly substrate type and depth. This study presents a comprehensive species-level assessment of coral communities in Abu Al Abyad and Al Yasat Islands, western Abu Dhabi, conducted between July 2023 and October 2025 and is the first comprehensive species-level coral inventory for these islands, incorporating photographic evidence to support future taxonomic verification and comparative assessments. The findings serve as essential baseline data for long-term monitoring, reef conservation, and ecological management in the UAE.