While Abu Dhabi is famed for its grandeur, from the regal presidential palace and the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to the adrenaline-fueled Formula 1 Grand Prix, it also boasts numerous hidden gems just waiting to be explored. Tucked away along its northern coastline is a mangrove forest, where a newly constructed boardwalk invites visitors to glimpse a fragile ecosystem, one that plays a crucial role in our planet’s fight for survival.
By: Omri Westmark
Date: 11:25 02.04.25
Last Update: 11:29 02.04.25
Mangroves rank among the most resilient ecosystems on Earth, thriving where few other trees can. These salt-tolerant plants stabilize shorelines, filter pollutants, and provide shelter for marine life. Perhaps most critically, they function as carbon sinks by locking away atmospheric carbon in their roots for centuries. Yet despite their sheer importance, mangroves worldwide are under constant pressure from human encroachment.
Be that as it may, one refuge on the northern outskirts of Abu Dhabi defies that trend, as its water-drenched trees are carefully protected for generations to come. Situated on Al Jubail Island, northeast of the Emirati capital, Jubail Mangrove Park is home to the gray mangrove (Avicennia marina), the region’s only native species.
This ecosystem supports a range of wildlife, from green herons and flamingos to the elusive Arabian gazelle. Below the surface, fish dart among the roots, while black crabs patrol the sandbanks, playing a key role in nutrient cycling.
In fact, scientists are particularly interested in the mangroves that grow across the region due to their ability to withstand extreme heat and salinity. Researchers are studying the genetic traits that allow these trees to thrive in harsh conditions in the hope of applying their findings to global conservation efforts.
The designation of the site as a nature reserve is part of a nationwide endeavor in which the UAE has recognized the value of mangroves in mitigating climate change, culminating in large-scale afforestation efforts to expand these forests. For this reason, in protected areas like Jubail, lost trees are replaced by newly planted saplings.
The visitor center and main entrance to the park
photography by: Omri Westmark
photography by: Omri Westmark
photography by: Omri Westmark
photography by: Omri Westmark
photography by: Omri Westmark
One section along the walkway where visitors can have a warm dip
photography by: Omri Westmark
photography by: Omri Westmark
photography by: Omri Westmark
Beyond its conservation purpose, the park also serves as an educational site. Meandering through the dense vegetation, a series of elevated boardwalks offer visitors the chance to explore the ecosystem without ever disturbing it. During high tide, kayakers glide through narrow waterways, where they can get a close look at the mangroves’ intricate root systems.
The stilted walkways winding through the mangrove forest feature several scenic lookouts and shaded spots, perfect for escaping the intense sun. Two even include lowered sections where visitors can dip their feet into the warm, inviting water.
Access to the park is available for a fee of AED 15 per adult. The visitor center houses a convenience store and a café with sweeping views of the mangroves. In addition to strolling along the boardwalks, visitors can also partake in guided tours or kayaking excursions.
Unlike other coastal areas in Abu Dhabi, where motorized watercraft are restricted, the park’s natural environment remains unspoiled. Whether watching the sunset from the park’s viewing tower or paddling through its calm waters, anyone who comes here leaves with a deeper appreciation for the silent, vital work these trees perform in protecting the planet.
photography by: Omri Westmark
photography by: Omri Westmark
photography by: Omri Westmark
photography by: Omri Westmark
Shaded areas along the boardwalk
photography by: Omri Westmark
photography by: Omri Westmark
The pier from which kayaks embark
photography by: Omri Westmark
