Jubail Mangrove Park

Jubail Mangrove Park is one of the easiest ways to see a side of Abu Dhabi that many visitors miss: the mangrove forests that once fringed much of the coastline. The park opened on 30 January 2020 on Al Jubail Island, which sits between Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, and it protects a large area of mangroves crossed by a winding boardwalk.

The boardwalk offers three routes, from a short loop of about a kilometre to a longer walk of around two kilometres, which takes 35 to 40 minutes at a relaxed pace. Along the way, six educational sections explain the mangrove ecosystem. Highlights include a floating platform with a see-through net that lets you look down at marine life, a viewing tower that rises above the canopy, and a platform by the beach. In the clear water you can often see the tangled roots of the mangroves, small fish and crabs, and the trees attract a variety of birds.

There is more to do than walking. The park has offered kayaking through the mangrove channels, viewing terraces and a children's play area, and the visitors' centre has a coffee shop and washrooms. When the park opened, rangers suggested visiting at high tide, when the water around the roots is deepest and marine life is easiest to see. The boardwalk has a capacity limit, so at busy times you may be asked to wait before entering.

The rules are designed to protect the environment. Littering, fishing and eating on the boardwalk are not allowed, and the park closes before dark so that lighting does not disturb the wildlife. Check current opening hours and ticketing on the official website before you go, as arrangements may have changed since the park opened.

The park suits families, nature lovers, photographers and anyone looking for a calm break from the city's malls and theme parks. Children enjoy spotting crabs and fish from the platforms, and the boardwalk is flat and easy to walk. Bring a hat, sunscreen and water, and choose the cooler months from late October to April, or an early morning visit at other times of year.

Because it sits between Yas and Saadiyat, the park is close to Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld on one side and the Saadiyat Cultural District on the other. A taxi is the simplest way to get there, and it pairs well with a morning at the Louvre Abu Dhabi or an afternoon at a Yas Island theme park.