A construction crew working on the Riviera Residences project near Al Reem Island recently turned into heroes after spotting an elderly green sea turtle struggling in the shallows. Sahil, a buggy driver at the site, noticed the distressed animal drifting listlessly during his morning shift. Upon closer inspection, the team realized the turtle had suffered a serious neck injury, likely from a boat strike. Acting quickly and compassionately, the workers carefully lifted the turtle, kept her hydrated and shaded, and stayed by her side until experts from The National Aquarium in Abu Dhabi arrived to take over her care.

The team affectionately named the turtle "Riviera" after the site where she was discovered, and they have since maintained contact with the aquarium staff to track her recovery. While the turtle is currently receiving the specialized medical attention she needs to heal from her injuries, the construction crew remains hopeful that she will eventually be healthy enough to return to her natural habitat. Reflecting on the encounter, Sahil emphasized the shared responsibility of protecting local marine life, urging others who come across injured animals to keep a safe distance and immediately reach out to professional wildlife rescuers.