UAE is filled with hidden gems, and our topic today might be a diamond in the rough awaiting your presence. What do you imagine when we say UAE? Sky-touching buildings, desert safaris, Burj Khalifa, etc. right? But what if we told you there is a beautiful, lush green park nestled in Al Jubail Island, Abu Dhabi that might look like a piece of paradise? A lesser-known place that might become popular soon should be your next stop.
Jubail Island Mangrove Park, built to be a mangrove sanctuary, is a 2.6-kilometer-long park that also houses local avian and marine species of the region. It is a very important spot for Abu Dhabi, keeping in the words of a visitor, ‘The park acts as the Abu Dhabi coastline’s protective shield and strives to keep up a pristine environment of suitable climate and fresh air for marine and wild animals’.
The Jubail mangrove park tickets are as affordable as our economy cars so make sure to rent a car in Abu Dhabi with us for extremely comfortable and seamless journeys. For days when the city noise is too loud and the crowd is too much, take a stroll here to experience the bliss of serenity.
The best 9 reasons to visit this iconic park
Find below some things to do while you visit this fairytale park:
1. Walk with a Park Ranger: We highly recommend taking a guided tour with a Park Ranger who will enlighten you with a deeper knowledge of the ecosystem, marine life, wildlife, and much more in this mangrove park, complemented with site seeing of the salt collector, the view tower, etc. The best part is that tours are designed in such a way that kids as small as 5 can also be in attendance.
2. Something that nature gifts us daily is when it paints the sky in beautiful colors during sunset, and to witness this while already at a scenic place will just add more charm to the experience, so this is highly encouraged if you are there. Do find a spot and turn off your phone; you might feel like you are very much inside Claude Monet’s painting, and just witness the dancing of colors in the sky as the sun lays down to rest.
3. Why walk when you can float? This beautiful activity of kayaking in the park is designed so you can get an immersive experience on the water while exploring the park. You will encounter various friends from Animal Kingdom, and if planned at the right time, you might get lucky and even see rare Western Reef herons, mollusks, crabs, and flamingos who migrated to the park seasonally and cheery on the top that the park offers night glow kayaking which is one of a kind experience.
4. For all our nature enthusiasts, this activity might be one of the best things ever done, as this mangrove park in Abu Dhabi offers a visitor's center where you can learn about the ecosystem of the country and provides specific terraces so you can witness ecology up close!
5. Jubail Mangrove is also a walking park as you can watch marine animals float by as you pass through wooden walk boards in the park. As you move through the park, the rhythmic flow of water and the sight of these marine creatures and tall, beautiful mangrove trees will make for an unforgettable, serene experience, connecting you with nature in the most mesmerizing way.
6. Soak in unfiltered and pure air, which is now nothing less of a luxury. In a time when fresh, clean air is becoming increasingly rare due to urbanization and pollution, experiencing such natural purity is a true privilege. Park offers a refreshing escape from everyday life, allowing you to connect with nature in its most authentic form.
7. Jubail Mangrove Park is huge, so it would be natural if you are tired, but don’t worry and catch a bite at a nearby café serving baked goods, tea, and coffee. Take a break and recharge at the café, where you can enjoy freshly baked goods, a hot cup of tea, or a comforting coffee. It’s the perfect spot to relax and refuel, allowing you to continue your adventure feeling refreshed and energized.
8. Nothing beats contact with fresh, natural water. The park has low platforms, so if you are traveling with kids, drench your feet in the pure water and feel aquatic life up close. Feel the soothing touch of the water as you explore this tranquil environment, and enjoy the opportunity to engage with nature in a way that feels both calming and invigorating.
9. When in doubt just stretch it out with yoga! With sunrise and full moon yoga (ladies only) available this should be on your to-do list while visiting the park.
Jubail Mangrove Park timings
A mangrove walk in Abu Dhabi couldn't be done better than this. The park is open every day from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m., with Friday and Saturday closing doors at 11 p.m., so make sure you are planning your trip accordingly.
We have in the past recommended a lot of places for you to try, but this might be among the top. To find such preserved natural beauty is rare where everything around us is constantly being remodeled or under the shadow of urbanization. This spot is a rare gem so make sure to check it out.
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