Jubail Mangrove Park
Jubail Mangrove Park is a protected natural area located on Al Jubail Island, between Yas Island and Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. The Park was opened to the public in 2020 and covers approximately 100 hectares. Its territory consists of natural mangrove forests that play a key role in the region`s coastal ecosystem.
The Jubail Park is primarily composed of grey mangrove trees. These plants are adapted to survive in saline water and perform important ecological functions: they stabilize the shoreline, prevent soil erosion, act as natural water filters, and absorb carbon dioxide. Mangrove forests also provide habitat for numerous species of birds, fish, and crustaceans.
Jubail Park is designed for ecotourism and introducing visitors to the natural heritage of the UAE. Its infrastructure is built to minimize environmental impact and allow visitors to observe flora and fauna in their natural habitat.
The Walking Route in Jubail Mangrove Park
The main feature of Jubail Park is its network of wooden boardwalks, elevated on stilts above the water. Architects designed them to avoid damaging the trees` root systems, allowing visitors to walk above the thickets.
Three scenic trails of different lengths are available for guests: the shortest is 1 km, the middle is 1.6 km, and the longest is 2 km. A leisurely walk takes between 40 minutes and an hour and a half.
Several observation points are located along the boardwalks:
• Observation Tower: Offers a panoramic view of the green mangrove forest and winding blue channels — an ideal shot at sunset.
• Floating Platform with Mesh: The most interesting stop. Here, instead of wooden planks, there is a mesh floor through which you can observe the underwater world: fish darting about and crabs scurrying among the roots.
• Beach Platform: A spot where the boardwalk meets the water`s edge, allowing for beautiful photos with reflections.
Flora and Fauna of Jubail Mangrove Park: What You Can See
The mangroves are home to an amazing diversity of living creatures. Bring your binoculars and keep quiet.
Flora: The Jubail park is primarily composed of grey mangroves. These are unique plants with "breathing roots" that stick out of the water like straws. If you look closely at the leaves, you might see salt crystals — this is how the tree gets rid of excess seawater.
Birds: The Jubail park lies on an important migration route between Africa and Eurasia. Here you can encounter herons, egrets, graceful flamingos, plovers, terns, and kingfishers.
Marine Life: In the clear water between the roots, dozens of crab species (including brightly colored mangrove crabs), small fish, and even upside-down jellyfish drifting with the current hide.
Rare Guests: With luck, you might see sea turtles that visit these rich feeding grounds.
Activities in Jubail Mangrove Park: Routes for Boats
If walking the boardwalks isn`t enough for you, head out to explore the park from the water.
Kayaking is the most popular way to get acquainted with Jubail Park. You can rent a single or double kayak. Paddling through narrow channels allows you to look into the very heart of the mangrove forest, where you find yourself at eye level with the roots and birds. There are daytime tours, as well as magical night tours when your kayak is illuminated, creating a surreal picture under the stars.
Electric Boat is for those who want to enjoy the views without physical effort. A quiet guided boat will take you along scenic channels. This is an excellent option for families with children.
SUP (Stand-Up Paddling) is available in some areas of the park, allowing you to glide silently across the water`s surface.
Important to Know: The Question of Tides
Swimming is strictly prohibited in Jubail Mangrove Park for safety reasons and to preserve the ecosystem. The water is home to animals, and entering it is not allowed.
Regarding navigation on boats and kayaks, it directly depends on the time of day and water level:
During high tide — this is the ideal time for any activity. The water rises to the tree canopies, and the forest looks fabulously beautiful. The channels become full, and kayaks or boats can freely navigate all routes, even over those places where the bottom is visible at low tide.
During low tide, the water recedes, exposing the sandy bottom and roots. At this time, you can see crabs emerging from their burrows and birds arriving for a feast. However, kayaks and boats cannot go far during low tide — the channels become shallow. At this time, only walking on the boardwalks is possible, observing the exposed life.
Tip: Before visiting Jubail Mangrove Park, check the tide table for Abu Dhabi. It is best to arrive either at high tide (for kayaking) or an hour before sunset — for beautiful photos at any water level.
Practical Information
• Address: Al Jubail Island, between Yas Island and Saadiyat Island.
• Opening Hours: Daily from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM (last entry at 8:00 PM).
• Entry Fee: 15 AED for adults, 10 AED for children. Tickets for excursions (kayaking, boats) are purchased separately.
• Getting There: By taxi or rental car. It is about a 20-minute drive from central Abu Dhabi. Free parking is available. No direct public transport goes there.
