Date of Declaration: 2012

It was declared as a protected area by the Emiri Decree No. (27 ) issued by His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah on the establishment of Alqurm wa Lehhfaiiah protected area in Kalba.

Geographical Location:

Khor Kalba/ Kalba/Sharjah city, where the lowest point in the protected area is located two miles from the sea, and has an estimate area of  23 meters.

Total Area:  4.997 km²

Ecosystem Features

It is consisted of two parts:

1. Very high Mangrove tree forests (about 8 meters high), this hard tree grows in areas with low-oxygen soil, and it is known for its resistance to salinity. It is also help in stabilizing the coastline by reducing erosion from storm, surges, currents, waves, and tides.
2. The artificial lake, which has massive algae concentration necessary to photosynthesis, to provide food resources for marine species.

Environmental Significance:

Alqurm protected area is located in the coastal areas of Kalba city, and it is characterized by having diverse ecosystems, such as sea water mangroves (Avicennia marina), swamps and salt marshes (sabkhas) and mudflats, which play a key role in providing a suitable environment for breeding several types of species.

Alqurm protected area  has been recognized by The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar) in 2013, as it is a suitable environment for endangered species. It also has a global importance of being an important habitat for breeding many rare birds like the local Arabian Collared Kingfisher (Todiramphus chloris kalbaensis)