When we think of coral reefs, we tend to imagine the tropics. But the Middle East is also home to spectacular reef systems – and soon the region will have its first crochet coral reef.  For the past two years, the IFF has been working with the NYU Abu Dhabi Institute to collaborate on a local, citizen-generated Satellite Reef. This unique addition to the worldwide archipelago of crochet reefs is being constructed around a collection of traditional Emirati fishing baskets, attached together in mosque-like mounds. This new reef will be part of a major Crochet Coral Reef exhibition at the NYU Abu Dhabi Institute beginning September 28. The centerpiece of the exhibition is the IFF’s giant new Coral Forest sculptures, which will be shown together for the first time.

Traditional Emirati fishing baskets form the understructure for the “NYU Abu Dhabi Institute Satellite Reef,” seen here in elegant mosque-like mounds. Photo by NYUADI Satellite Reef co-ordinator Michal Teague.

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