5 UAE mangroves to visit with kids during school winter break

Over 35% of the world’s mangroves have been destroyed and these forests are at risk. The reason for this is coastal development, which leads to habitat loss. Once they are gone, they cannot simply be replanted. It’s difficult—sometimes it’s impossible for mangroves to regrow in their former habitat.

The disappearance of mangroves means less carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are absorbed from the atmosphere. Without them, erosion would accelerate, especially as cyclones and storms increase due to climate change.

There are many centers in the UAE that you can visit with your family. Here is a list of five mangroves and wetlands worth seeing in the UAE. However, remember to keep the place clean and not to litter. While most of these attractions are free to visit, additional activities like guided tours and kayaking cost extra.

Away from the city’s skyscrapers and bustling roads lies a protected area of ​​beauty and biodiversity known as the Mangrove National Park. The park is located on the north shore of the city, near Reem Island. Under the protection of the EAD, this stunning park comprises almost 75% of the total area of ​​mangroves in the UAE. This biodiversity hotspot includes salt marshes, mudflats, algae communities, waterways, dense trees, wildlife and more.

You can walk through the mangroves on a guided tour or on your own. Be careful though, as it can be difficult to maneuver in some seasons, so follow the guide if you’re not sure. The best time to kayak is at high tide, so check before you venture out.

The mangroves are free to visit, but private operators do charge for excursions at Anantara Oriental Mangroves. Kayaking and other tour experiences are available for a fee.

Jubail Mangrove Park is a well-equipped mangrove educational reserve located in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Here you can visit and explore the many bird and marine species native to Abu Dhabi.

Follow the boardwalk through the mangroves. Fees to enter the boardwalk start from AED 5. There is also a trekking experience with a ranger, priced at Dh50 for adults and Dh40 for children.

Named the UAE’s first marine biosphere reserve, the incredible Marawah Marine covers 63% of Abu Dhabi’s marine reserves, with 120 kilometers of immaculate coastline and more than a dozen islands. The 4,255 square kilometer reserve hosts important marine ecosystems including seagrass beds, coral reefs, macroalgal outcrops and mangroves. Marawa is also home to an abundance of wildlife including the world’s second largest dugong colony, 70% of the UAE’s migratory birds and more than 150 species of fish.

It hosts a wide range of marine and coastal ecosystems, including seagrass beds, coral reefs and mangroves.

Historically, Marawa has had significant cultural and archaeological significance in the UAE.

Apparently, a brochure on the island says “Take only pictures, leave only footprints,” according to a visitor’s comment.

Entrance to the reserve is free, but requires coordination with EAD. You can contact the EAD at 800555.

Kalba Conservation Reserve has remarkable landscapes, diverse ecosystems and activities for every nature lover. It is located on the east coast of Sharjah, about a 90-minute drive from the center of Sharjah. It has pristine waters for kayaking close to the mangroves. For families, there are also plenty of spots by the water to pitch a tent and enjoy the Kalba weather under star-studded skies.

Admission to the Mangrove Center is AED 15 for adults and free for children under 12.

Regular hours: Sunday-Thursday 9am-6:30pm, Saturday 11am-6:30pm. The center is closed on Mondays.

The thriving biodiversity of the Al Zorah Nature Reserve is a welcome sanctuary for some 58 species of native and migratory birds. This ecotourism destination in Ajman, UAE is a great place for bird watchers to see egrets, herons and pink flamingos, among other bird populations.

The Al Zorah area, where the nature reserve is located, is located on the north side of Ajman. The area is directly accessible from Al Ittihad Street in Ajman. Those traveling from Sharjah or Dubai can take the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road to the Al Zorah Nature Reserve.

One of the biggest tourist attractions in the Al Zorah Nature Reserve is the mangrove tour. You can sign up for one of the guided mangrove kayak tours that take you through natural mangroves.

Entry to this nature reserve in Ajman is free for all. However, all activities are charged separately.