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Among the lavish, glittering shorelines and rugged desert offerings of the United Arab Emirates, it also houses one of the most important habitats; Mangroves. Also called the “Guardians of the Coast” and known as “Qurm”, mangroves are a group of shrubs and trees that create a unique ecosystem – generally found in the coastal intertidal zone, which correlates to living in both land and sea. Abu Dhabi, the Emirate capital, is encompassed by 110sqkm of mangrove forests. Rich and dense, it is home to a wealth of wildlife like fish, turtles, and more than 50 species of birds — such as flamingos, where it provides them a safe breeding ground.
As a natural coastal guardian, the mangrove forests protect nearby homes and sustain the climate by absorbing high amounts of carbon dioxide and blue carbon — other greenhouse gases. The mangroves occur in the waterlogged, salty soils of subtropical and sheltered shores. The mangrove ecosystem covers thousands of hectares along the UAE and stands as an integral part of the coastal ecosystem. Grey mangroves — Avicennia marina, are crucial since they prevent erosions caused by ocean currents.
However, mangroves in the UAE are under constant threat by industrial development, pollution, and changes in tidal flow. Hence, restoring and securing the mangrove forests is a necessity by promoting awareness and ensuring it remain low impacted by human activities and the surrounding environment.
The Mangrove Forest: What to Expect
Far from Abu Dhabi’s skyscrapers and city lights, the densely tangled roots and sandy tidal flats dominate the region. To visit and explore these wetlands, navigating it through a canoe is the recommended way. Along the way, you might encounter humpback dolphins, nesting birds, and occasional manatee.
Pink Flora
Aside from thousands of varied crabs and sea snakes, turtles, bream, and wild foxes, it also inhabits large flocks of flamingos. They live year-round in the mangroves and migrate to other coastal regions. Amidst the pink herd, rare spotted eagles and sooty falcons also migrate annually to the mangroves.
The UAE inhabits several mangrove centers which are frequented by tourists all year round. The mangroves are a reflection of the UAE’s plethora of diverse cultural heritage due to its geographical advantage.
Abu Dhabi Eastern Mangrove National Park
Lying distance away from bustling roads is an enticing biodiversity named Mangrove National Park. Being near Reem Island, the park on the northerly shores covers almost 75 per cent of the total mangrove forest area in the UAE. It abodes salt marshes, mudflats, algal communities, water channels, and inhabitation of dense trees and wildlife.
To manoeuvre this mangrove park, it is highly suggested you traverse with a tour guide on your tail since it is difficult to navigate during some seasons. During high tide, kayaking is the best activity to do hence it is best to check before visiting.
Jubail Mangrove Park
Unlike the other mangrove parks, Jubail Mangrove Park is a self-contained mangrove educational sanctuary in the Emirate. It houses numerous avian and marine species native to Abu Dhabi. While exploring, you are met with glimpses of the inhabitants like turtles, herons, and gazelles, along the boardwalk that strolls through the mangroves. Aleit being 30 minutes away from the city of Abu Dhabi, this mangrove park encapsulates its time frame where the lush forest separates the sea and shore.
Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve
The wondrous Marawah Marine was renowned as the first marine biosphere in the UAE. covering 63 per cent of Abu Dhabi’s largely protected areas, it boasts 120km of unspoiled coastline with over ten islands. The reserve stretches 4,255sqkm and is home to indispensable marine ecosystems including seagrass beds, coral reefs, macroalgae outcrops, and mangrove forests.
Surging with abundant wildlife, Marawah is also home to the world’s second-largest dugong community — migratory birds of 70 per cent and over 150 species of fish. Holding significant cultural and archaeological monuments, Marawah is a rumination of UAE’s range of habitats.
Sharjah Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre
Home to stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and a wide range of ventures, Kalba Conservation Reserve is situated on the east coast of Sharjah. Kayaking is popular among visitors since it is close to the mangrove forest. Most enjoy the star-studded sky it offers with tents perched near the water.
Restoring Mangrove Ecosystem
As rapid decline and coastal development remain a looming threat to the Mangroves ecosystem, restoring efforts are put into play by the UAE. As stated by the United Nations (here), more than a quarter of the world’s mangrove ecosystem has already ceased to exist due to industrialization. Hence, the UAE’s most focused goal is to plant 50,000 mangrove trees and regenerate coastal ecosystems.
Mangrove Beach: Umm Al Quwain
The picturesque Mangrove Beach is an unprecedented project in the Emirates. Located at Khor Al Yeefrah in Umm Al Quwain, it aims to promote the importance of mangroves and eco-tourism in the region. Being 55 minutes away from Dubai, the beach has been in operation since 2020, and several tourists flock to enjoy the wetlands.
The primary attraction of the beach is the luxuriant mangrove tree forest which is preserved and aimed to restore. Known for its serenity, the mangrove beach equips a white sandy beach surrounded by blue waters, encompassed by vibrant green mangrove trees, adding to its allure. By visiting the beach, tourists can partake in several activities such as exploring the mangrove forest, setting picnics on the beach, camping under the stars, and indulging in water sports.
Al Zorah, Ajman
The natural reserve of Al Zorah has been aimed at efficiently planting mangrove trees. In 2023, 6,600 saplings were planted, which is equivalent to 0.9 ha. The primary goal is to implement a combination of planting and assisted natural regeneration (as referenced here) by enhancing the hydrological flow in the area.
In Brief
The evergreen historical experience of the mangrove ecosystem is a sense of gratification to the natives of the Emirate. It holds a significant value to the nation’s cultural heritage and habitat. Among the illuminated and bustling city of the Emirate, while on the verge of threats,
the mangrove forest stands large and proud in its habitat.
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