• Visitors look out over the mangroves at Jubail Island, Abu Dhabi. All photos: Khushnum Bhandari/ The National
    Visitors look out over the mangroves at Jubail Island, Abu Dhabi. All photos: Khushnum Bhandari/ The National
  • Mangroves play an important environmental role in the the UAE.
    Mangroves play an important environmental role in the the UAE.
  • The sun sets over Jubail Mangrove Park.
    The sun sets over Jubail Mangrove Park.
  • Jubail Mangrove Park reopened to visitors in October 2020, after it was closed to curb the spread of Covid-19.
    Jubail Mangrove Park reopened to visitors in October 2020, after it was closed to curb the spread of Covid-19.
  • The park first opened in January 2020 with the aim of raising awareness of the importance of mangroves in the UAE.
    The park first opened in January 2020 with the aim of raising awareness of the importance of mangroves in the UAE.
  • Residents take an evening stroll through the mangrove park at Jubail Island.
    Residents take an evening stroll through the mangrove park at Jubail Island.
  • The one million-square-metre site features a winding boardwalk.
    The one million-square-metre site features a winding boardwalk.

Gulf

An evening summer stroll at Abu Dhabi's Jubail Mangrove Park - in pictures

Residents take an evening stroll on the boardwalk of the attraction

The National

June 21, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

More from The National:

Saudi wildlife centre releases endangered mountain goats in Al Baha

Dubai Police's supercar collection – in pictures

Four years after ISIS, reconstruction of Mosul sites a priority

Lebanese woman works as deminer to provide for her family - in pictures

Key developments in maritime dispute

2000: Israel withdraws from Lebanon after nearly 30 years without an officially demarcated border. The UN establishes the Blue Line to act as the frontier. 

2007: Lebanon and Cyprus define their respective exclusive economic zones to facilitate oil and gas exploration. Israel uses this to define its EEZ with Cyprus

2011: Lebanon disputes Israeli-proposed line and submits documents to UN showing different EEZ. Cyprus offers to mediate without much progress.

2018: Lebanon signs first offshore oil and gas licencing deal with consortium of France’s Total, Italy’s Eni and Russia’s Novatek.

2018-2019: US seeks to mediate between Israel and Lebanon to prevent clashes over oil and gas resources.

How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

Know before you go
  • Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
  • If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
  • By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
  • Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
  • Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.

 

The biog

Name: Abeer Al Shahi

Emirate: Sharjah – Khor Fakkan

Education: Master’s degree in special education, preparing for a PhD in philosophy.

Favourite activities: Bungee jumping

Favourite quote: “My people and I will not settle for anything less than first place” – Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid.

UAE