Although so little is known about Dugongs, recent research in the UAE by the Arabian Seas Expedition has resulted in DNA studies and started a satellite tagging programme, both of which should provide useful information for conservation efforts to be started in the near future.  

The number of deaths of dolphins in the UAE is a cause for concern. Fishing nets set for sharks and fish are responsible for accidental catch of hundreds of dolphins.

Coordinating with the efforts to protect the environment and the harmless sea mammals, the General Postal Authority is issuing a special set , of stamps in three denominations with a Souvenir Sheet.

The Humpback Whale:   

Of all the baleen whales, the Humpback Whale is the easiest to recognize with its dark gray back, dorsal fin, diagnostic white undersides of its serrated tail flukes, and distinctive long flippers. Looking close, you will see characteristic fleshy knobs on the head called tuberosites. Humpback whales are known for their plaintive singing which they , use to communicate over great distances, especially during courtship. Humpback whales are known off the UAE's east coast, and were once present in great numbers. Today, sadly they are threatened with extinction. Humpback Whales are also known to undertake fantastic feats of , breaching sometimes heaving two thirds of its body out of the water.

The Dolphins:  

Dolphins are collectively from the order Cetacea, and are intelligent highly social marine mammals. There are thought to be about 6 species of Dolphins in our waters, with the Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops, truncatus), and the Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin (Sousa Chinensis), being the most common. Dolphins are all fish eaters. Often hunting in groups, they locate their prey with a sophisticated natural sonar ability known as echolation. Dolphins have also evolved a method of communicating with each other with what is referred to as dolphin talk. 

The Dugong: 

Dugongs feed almost exclusively on sea grasses which are threatened through human encroachment and industrial development. There are , approximately 3000 to 4000 Dugongs left in the Gulfs waters, with only about 500 to 1000 left in the UAE. Although this is such a small number, it represents the second largest Dugong population in the world. There are only about 50,000 Dugongs left in the world. Du- , gongs can live long lives up to 70 years of age. Female Dugongs may give birth only 3 to 4 times throughout their lives, and the young will remain close to the mother for over 18 months. 

The Dugong is a harmless marine manunal growing up to 2.4 meters in length and reaching over 300 kilos in weight.