Although the UAE is known for tall skyscrapers and vast deserts, it is also home to a rich mangrove ecosystem. These muddy, brackish waters with entangled trees and diverse wildlife span more than 150 square kilometres.
Their idyllic characteristics make these coastal forests an exciting weekend getaway. Whether you're hopping on kayaks to navigate the scenic Mangrove National Park in Abu Dhabi or escaping to the serenity of Umm Al Quwain's swamps, the natural scenery provides plenty of recreational opportunities.
But eco-tourism isn't the only reason these mangrove forests are important. The UAE's ability to achieve net zero by 2050 partly depends on its maintenance.
By 2030, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment aims to plant 100 million mangroves across the country. Mangroves are known to absorb and capture carbon in vast quantities – up to five times greater than tropical rainforests.
“Mangrove ecosystems offer numerous benefits, including supporting eco-tourism,” says Daniel Mateos-Molina, the head of marine conservation and biodiversity at the Emirates Nature-WWF charity.
“Beyond attracting visitors to coastal lagoons for recreation, mangroves play a crucial role in mitigating climate change impact, protecting shorelines, and enhancing biodiversity. At Emirates Nature-WWF, we understand that spending time in nature is vital for well-being, and mangrove forests contribute significantly to this by providing both environmental and recreational value.”
'Guardians of the coast'
Aside from serving as a “green lung” to counter the carbon emissions in urban centres such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, mangrove habitats also play a key role in protecting coastlines from erosion and extreme disasters such as flooding. This is most evident in communities that live close to coastal lagoons.
“Historically, the UAE has a lot of such areas,” says Mateos-Molina. “Some of them have now been modified, but there are still a lot of communities linked to coastal lagoons and mangrove ecosystems.”
The example he puts forward is Umm Al Quwain, a community that lives close to the mangroves. Citing the socioeconomic surveys of the small northern emirate, Mateos-Molina says local residents recognise the value of the mangrove ecosystem.
“They appreciate, not just its economic benefit to them, but its role in their society and history,” he explains.
Mangrove forests also support biodiversity. They are home to several species of crabs, clams, snails, roving fish populations and migratory birds such as the famous greater flamingo. Mangroves are also used as nursery habitats for commercial fishing, helping the UAE's aim for food security.
“Just because we have vast deserts here, it doesn't mean that we don't have biodiversity,” says Mateos-Molina.
Threats to the mangroves
While efforts are in place to protect mangroves in the UAE, coastal development remains a looming threat around the world. According to the United Nations, more than a quarter of the world's original mangroves have already disappeared because of industrialisation.
Several UAE bodies, from the climate change ministry to the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, are committed to ensuring this doesn't happen in the country, putting in place strict guidelines to balance modernisation with environmental care.
Mateos-Molina, who has been working for Emirates Nature-WWF for more than eight years, praises the UAE government for its “strong commitment” to mangrove conservation and restoration.
"Mangroves are essential for the future of the UAE," he says. "There is reassurance that they will continue to thrive, particularly with the government taking proactive and positive steps in the right direction.
“We work very closely with the government to ensure that the conservation of these ecosystems can support developments that are happening.”
To mark International Day for the Restoration of the Mangrove Ecosystem on Friday, Emirates Nature-WWF is publishing its first guide for mangrove restoration in the UAE.
“Mangrove restoration goes beyond planting, and that is what this guideline is really all about,” says Mateos-Molina. “We cannot push for restoration in the middle of nowhere. We need to make sure that we focus on areas where mangrove restoration will complement the services surrounding ecosystems provide, such as seagrass, salt marshes and coral reefs.”
The guide also aims to help other organisations, especially private companies, who want to participate. “We want to make sure that our decisions are science-based and that everything is done to properly inform restoration efforts that will come later,” he says.
Engaging the community
Public awareness is also critical. Large-scale restoration projects rely on big partnerships, typically between the government and the private sector, while engaging communities can also play a part.
Guided tours on kayaks, paddle-boards and private boats are being offered by several travel and tourism operators. These experiences typically include talks on the importance of coastal habitats.
Such educational points are crucial, says Mateos-Molina, because they help people make informed decisions. “They become aware of the impact of their individual actions, such as throwing a plastic bottle in the ocean and potentially harming these marine ecosystems and contributing to climate change.”
