Subscribe to Explore With Finesse!
Get access to subscriber-only travel resources, giveaways, and blog updates that will transform the way you plan and experience your adventures.
*We keep your data confidential!
Subscribe to Explore With Finesse!
Get access to subscriber-only travel resources, giveaways, and blog updates that will transform the way you plan and experience your adventures.
*We keep your data confidential!
Abu Dhabi is the largest Emirate of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). If you close your eyes and think of Abu Dhabi, you will probably think of a sprawling desert with sand dunes, or perhaps the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque lit up at night.
The city of Abu Dhabi, which is also the capital city of the UAE, is actually located on an island off the coast of the rest of the country. This island is surrounded by over 40 sq m (110 sq km) of mangrove forests.
While I was walking around the city, I was lucky enough to stumble upon a kayaking company. I paid about $30 to rent a kayak for two hours. I didn’t realize how much I was going to enjoy paddling through Abu Dhabi’s Mangrove National Park.
Table of Contents
Where is Abu Dhabi's Mangrove National Park?
Abu Dhabi’s Mangrove National Park is located off the northern coast of the island of Abu Dhabi. It is south of Al Reem Island and Umm Yifenah Island.
Abu Dhabi’s Mangrove National Park is located just a few blocks north of the Al Bateen Executive Airport and a few minutes drive from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Importance of Mangrove Forests
Mangroves are unique plants that offer numerous ecological and environmental benefits. These shrubs can grow in salty coastal waters and withstand the constant barrage of waves and changing tides. They also protect the coastline from erosion and natural disasters, such as tsunamis. In addition to these environmental benefits, they also serve as a home to various species of birds, fish, and reptiles.
Mangrove forests play a very important role in protecting islands and coastal regions. They are found around the world, such as in Bocas del Toro in Panama, Ambergris Caye in Belize, and Benjakitti Park in Thailand.
Animals in Abu Dhabi's Mangrove National Park
I immediately noticed how many birds were present around the mangroves, especially compared to the rest of the city. I was amazed to see flamingos there as well! I passed by a group of kayakers who asked me if I had seen the dolphins that recently swam past. I kept an eye out for them but unfortunately never saw them.
There were dozens of crabs hanging around the shallow waters of the park, as well as small fish. I did see quite a few large fish jumping out of the water where it was deeper as well.
Exploring Abu Dhabi's Mangrove National Park
There were narrow waterways that cut through the mangrove forests, which served as an incredible way to explore the forests. The kayak was able to pass under low-hanging branches while easily maneuvering over just a few inches of water.
The forests were teeming with more wildlife than I expected to find in Abu Dhabi. Crabs were climbing up the trees, fish were visible through the water, and many different species of birds were singing.
Contrasting Landscapes
I will never forget the scene that lay before me when I emerged from the mangroves: across the water sat the towering buildings from the city of Abu Dhabi, marking a different world from the calm and quiet area that I found myself in.
Shifting my gaze to west of the city, I could see vast desert that characterized much of the Arabian peninsula. The dry, sandy landscape was a stark contrast from the ecologically diverse mangrove forests just a few kilometers away. I was amazed to see how these three environments could be so close in proximity but couldn’t be more different.
Abu Dhabi Kayaking Companies
The two main kayaking companies available are Husaak Adventures and Noukhada Adventure Company. Both companies offer various tours, packages, and locations for kayaking.
Tour Options
There are also several tours that will take you around the mangroves in Abu Dhabi. If you would prefer to see the mangroves on a speedboat, you can take a self-driving guided speedboat tour. You can also check out this 75-minute speedboat tour of the mangroves around Yas Island.
You can also take a kayak tour of the nearby Louvre Museum. You will see Mangrove National Park in the distance.
