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Jubail Mangrove Park

Jubail Island, Abu Dhabi

Escape the city's hustle and explore a haven for avian and marine species native to Abu Dhabi at the serene Jubail Mangrove Park. Along the sprawling boardwalks that meander through the mangroves, you can catch glimpses of the park's inhabitants like turtles, herons and gazelles. Even though the city of Abu Dhabi is just 30 minutes away, you'll feel like you're in a whole new world. The landscape on Jubail Island is dramatic, especially in the park, where the lush Abu Dhabi mangrove forests separate the sea and shore. Birdwatchers, nature lovers and photographers will be in their element here.

The biology

This one-of-a-kind, family-friendly park aims to enhance awareness, appreciation and understanding of the important ecological function of the city's mangrove habitats, which not only support biodiversity and protect the Abu Dhabi coastline but also help prevent climate change by sucking up carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases and trapping them in their flooded soils for millennia. The park is the emirate's first self-contained educational, nature and leisure destination.

A bird's eye view of the wooden bridge at Jubail Mangrove Park

What to do at Jubail Mangrove Park

The park is famous for its boardwalks. Floating just above the water's surface, the mangrove walkways provide the perfect view of the partially submerged mangrove trees and the wildlife living amongst them.

The most popular activity of all is kayaking . There's no better way to soak in the peace of Jubail Mangrove Park Abu Dhabi than gently rowing through the water and trees. Take to the water from dusk to dawn and even at night on a special night glow tour.

Be sure to book ahead via Jubail Mangrove Park's website . The park's ticket price is AED 15 which includes walking the boardwalk.

Three kayaks on the sandy shores at Jubail Mangrove Park

Frequently asked questions about Jubail Mangrove Park

Where is jubail island located.

Jubail Island is just outside Abu Dhabi between Yas Island and Saadiyat Island.

How long is the mangrove walk?

The boardwalk is 2km long.

How do you get into mangrove national park?

The best way to get to Jubail Mangrove Park is to take a taxi. The journey from downtown Abu Dhabi is around 30 minutes..

Complete Guide to Exploring Jubail Mangrove Park Abu Dhabi

A serene sanctuary on the outskirts of the capital

A fabulous addition to Abu Dhabi’s outdoor attraction lineup, the 19-square-kilometre nature park on the outskirts of the city provides visitors with a unique opportunity to engage with the city’s vital mangrove habitats.

From a series of raised boardwalk paths, visitors are invited to spot a wide array of marine wildlife, from turtles to herons and gazelles, which are called the mangroves home.

What to Expect At Jubail Mangrove Park

Jubail mangrove park tickets, jubail mangrove park timing, other activities at jubail mangrove park, where to find jubail mangrove park, more faqs and things to know visiting jubail mangrove park.

This unique, family-oriented mangrove park is designed to increase awareness, appreciation, and knowledge of the crucial ecological role played by the city’s mangrove ecosystems.

These habitats are vital for supporting biodiversity and safeguarding the Abu Dhabi coastline, in addition to their role in combating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, which are then stored in their waterlogged soils for thousands of years.

mangrove boardwlak on jubail island in abu dhabi

Jubail Mangrove Park is privately owned rather than a national park but is open to the public year-round for a small fee. It stands as the emirate’s premier destination combining education, nature, and leisure in one place.

Jubail Boardwalk

This serene urban escape offers visitors three different boardwalk routes through the mangroves; the shortest loop is just 1 kilometre, ideal for little legs.

For those wanting a longer stroll, you can opt for the 1.6-kilometre and 2-kilometre loops. Depending on how much you want to look at and stop along the way, the longer route takes 30 minutes to 90 minutes to complete.

Several rest nodes are conveniently placed along each route, along with viewing platforms and informational signage. An experience not to be rushed; take your time, relax and enjoy one of Abu Dhabi’s most unique new experiences.

We’d encourage visitors to see the park at both high tide and low tide. Whilst it does look much prettier when the tide is high, and the azure waters are flowing beneath your feet, low tide provides many interesting opportunities, too. See the crustaceans and marine life that live beneath the mangroves, which are often more interesting experiences for the little ones.

You can check Abu Dhabi tide times here.

Trained rangers will be on hand to assist you on your journey around the park with history and wildlife information, or better yet, join a guided tour to learn more about marine life.

Originally free to the public when it first opened in January 2020, there is now a small service charge to enter the park and use the boardwalk. Tickets can be purchased online here or at the venue.

Adults (7 years+) 15 AED
Children 3 to 6 years old 5 AED
Under 3’s and People of Determination Free
The boardwalk fee is waived when taking part in other activities (see more below!)

Enquiries can be directed to 056 303 2423.

ticket office and cafe at Jubail Mangrove park

The park is open daily from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm, year-round.

Sunset can be an excellent time of day to enjoy the park as the day cools.

We would strongly recommend against trying to tackle the boardwalk in the middle of the day during the hottest summer months , broadly from May to October.

In addition to the boardwalk, you will also find a coffee shop , information centre and washroom facilities aty Jubail Mangrove Park.

New additions to Jubail Mangrove Park since opening (which we would recommend pre-booking) include;

A 20-minute scenic tour of the mangroves by an eco-friendly electric car (AED 30 – includes your boardwalk entrance)
Jubail Boardwalk Experience with a Ranger (Kids AED 40/ Adults AED 50)
Sunset Cycling – a spinning exercise class beside the Mangroves (AED 136 per person)
Kayak Tours – Daytime, sunrise and special night glow options (Kids 3-12 AED 110/Adults AED 140)
Electric Dragonboat tours – hop aboard for a 1-hour experience through the Mangroves, suitable for children three and up (Kids 3-12 AED 100/Adults AED 110)

You can learn more about these additional activities and book them online here (noting some require a minimum number of participants before the activity will go ahead).

There also used to be a glamping Pura Eco Retreat located adjacent to the Mangrove Park on Jubail Island. This looks to have closed as of Winter 2023/24.

You will find the park on Al Jubail Island, just off the E12 Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Highway. Coming from Dubai direction, the exit is signposted, after Yas Island and just before Saadiyat Island; it is around a 60-minute journey from Dubai Marina.

From Abu Dhabi city, Jubail Island is just after you pass Saadiyat Island. Look for a small slip lane on your right that will take you back under the freeway to where the park is located on the island’s northeast.

There is free parking and an electric vehicle charging station.

You can also use the free Visit Abu Dhabi shuttle bus (Route D: Yas to Saadiyat) to access the park, though be mindful of the infrequent timing of services; you may need a taxi or ride share to pick you up later.

Map where to find key mangrove locations open for visitors in Abu Dhabi city

It is important to note that Jubail Mangrove Park is different from the Mangrove National Park Abu Dhabi . The latter is found off the eastern coast of Abu Dhabi island, adjacent to the area known as Eastern Mangroves – as marked on the map above.

You will find no boardwalk in the national park, but the mangroves are accessible by kayak and small motorised eco crafts.

Both are fascinating places to connect with nature close to the city.

Happy snaps with your own personal camera or phone, absolutely! This place is a photographer’s delight, no matter your skill level! Those wanting to do professional photography or arrange personal photo shoots, however, must apply for permission from management in advance. This can be initiated via an online form here or contact [email protected] for further information. There is an AED 200 application fee.

No, visitors are requested to stick the the designated pathways at all times and not enter the water or disturb the marine life in any way.

No, the only wheeled items allowed on the boardwalk are strollers, wheelchairs and medically necessary walking aids. Kids cannot bring their scooters or bikes into the mangrove park.

No, guests are kindly asked not to bring any food and drinks into the mangrove park. You can grab snacks and meals before or after your walk at the cafeteria attached to the visitor centre.

The dress code for Jubail Mangrove Park is respectful clothing. This is a step up from what you’d wear around a beach resort, but not as extreme as what you’d need to wear to the Grand Mosque. Follow the sensible rule of thumb: knees and shoulders covered, and you’ll be fine – we have more Abu Dhabi dress code advice over here . We’d also suggest you wear comfortable, flat-soled shoes on the boardwalks.

If you are partaking in any of the group activities, we strongly recommend you book ahead, especially those that require a minimum number to run. For the Boardwalk, you shouldn’t have an issue turning up and buying tickets on the spot (but do note that weekend evenings are the busiest time, particularly if it coincides with high tide).

No, only licensed operators conducting tours can launch kayaks from this location. You can learn more about kayaking in Abu Dhabi over here .

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5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star 0.00/5 - (0 Votes) Nyana Local tour guide "Visit Mangrove National Park during the weekdays to avoid the crowds and have a more serene experience kayaking through the mangroves. For the best chance of spotting wildlife like flamingos and herons, plan your visit during the low tide when many species come closer to the shores to feed."

What is Mangrove National Park?

Nestled between the bustling cityscape of Abu Dhabi and the sparkling waters of the Persian Gulf lies the lush expanse of Mangrove National Park. This natural oasis provides a haven for wildlife and a refreshing green space for residents and visitors alike. Amongst its twisting waterways and towering mangroves, one can find a serene escape from the high-paced life of the city.

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It's a unique ecosystem that covers roughly around 19 square kilometers, harboring a diverse range of marine and bird species. Many don't realize that this park is not only a picturesque location but also an environmental powerhouse, filtering pollutants, protecting the city shoreline from erosion, and offering critical breeding grounds for fish and other marine life.

History of Mangrove National Park

Mangrove National Park is relatively young in its status as a protected area but the mangrove forests themselves are guardians of the coast that have prevailed for centuries. Ironically, as Abu Dhabi morphed from a quiet fishing village to a booming metropolis, these very mangroves were undervalued and faced threats due to urban expansion. Only in recent decades has there been a collective effort to recognize the importance of mangroves and invest in their conservation.

For generations, the local population has utilized the mangroves for building materials and as a crucial resource for fishing. This sustainable relationship highlighted the mangroves' resilience, which helped to foster a growing environmental awareness. In a bold move towards ecological preservation, the Mangrove National Park was officially designated and has since become a beacon of biodiversity and ecological education within the region.

Why is Mangrove National Park Important?

Mangrove National Park is much more than a scenic backdrop for a leisurely paddle through the streams. It plays an important role in Abu Dhabi's ecological and environmental landscape, something quite uncommon in arid regions like the United Arab Emirates. These mangroves serve as a bulwark against climate change effects, storing carbon in their dense biomass and roots—often referred to as 'blue carbon' storage.

Their thickets provide vital nursery habitats for fish and crustaceans, essentially supporting the local fishing industry. It's also a crucial sanctuary for avian enthusiasts, as the park is a stopover and habitat for over 60 bird species. The park facilitates environmental education and awareness as well, by allowing people to witness firsthand the benefits of preserving natural habitats.

Things to Do & See at Mangrove National Park

There's a treasure trove of activities to immerse yourself in at Mangrove National Park. Exploring the waterways by kayak is a favorite pastime, offering a tranquil experience and the opportunity to observe the mangrove ecosystem up close. Guided tours offer insights into the local flora and fauna, and for those seeking to truly embrace the calm, stand-up paddleboarding is increasingly popular.

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Bird watching here is exceptional; the avid birdwatcher can spend hours spotting species from flamingos to herons. The park also has several walking paths for those who prefer to explore on foot, punctuated by informational signs detailing the park's wildlife and ecosystem. Not to mention, the park's conservation center where you can learn about the ecological significance of mangroves and ongoing efforts to protect this vital environment.

Guided Kayak Tours
Bird Watching Excursions
Eco-Educational Walks
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Photography – capturing the landscape and wildlife

Regardless of how you choose to experience Mangrove National Park, you will undoubtedly come away with a deeper appreciation for the crucial role that such ecosystems play in our world, and a fresh perspective on the beauty of nature within a city's bounds.

Frequently asked questions

Mangrove National Park is a protected area in Abu Dhabi, UAE, that features a dense mangrove forest and is a haven for a variety of wildlife, including birds, marine species and provides a natural barrier against coastal erosion.

Visitors can explore Mangrove National Park by kayaking, paddle-boarding, or participating in guided tours that offer an up-close look at the mangrove ecosystem and its inhabitants.

Mangrove National Park is home to various species such as herons, flamingos, foxes, and even turtles, alongside a rich diversity of fish and invertebrate species that thrive in the mangrove roots.

The entry policies and fees for Mangrove National Park may vary, and it is recommended to check with the official park resources or tourism websites for the most current information.

The best times to visit Mangrove National Park are during the cooler months from October to April, and for bird watching, early morning or late afternoon hours are ideal to see the wildlife at its most active.