The Mangrove Walk project, being developed by Modon Properties, is set to launch within the month.
The lifestyle destination, which aims to highlight the importance of mangrove trees, is being built on Al Jubail Island, which is in between Yas and Saadiyat islands in Abu Dhabi. A key feature of the attraction is a long boardwalk that will give residents and visitors the chance to walk through the beautiful natural habitat.
The attraction also includes kayaking, a play area for children, viewing terraces and a visitor's centre.
The aim of the project is to raise awareness about the environmental significance of mangrove trees.
Abdulla Al Sahi, chief executive, of Modon, said that the area "aims to enhance Abu Dhabi's profile in ecotourism. The project, covering more than one million square metres filled with maritime mangroves trees, will be used for tourism, creative and educational purposes for both residents and tourists."
Mangroves are estimated to cover around 150 square kilometres of the UAE's coastline, and act as a 'green lung' for the cities. The woody plants inhabit the intertidal zones of tropical and subtropical coasts all around the world.
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The sunset over Al Reem Island is seen from the Eastern Mangroves area of Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National -
Tourists set off for a kayaking trip through the Eastern Mangroves. Victor Besa / The National -
Flamingos at Al Zorah Natural Reserve in Ajman. Sarah Dea / The National -
Mangroves line the bay near the Anantara Al Yamm Villa Resort on the Sir Bani Yas Island, one of the largest natural islands in the UAE. Visiting guests helped plant mangroves, contributing to the stability of the local ecosystem. Silvia Razgova / The National -
A flamingo wades in the shallow water in front of Mangroves in Abu Dhabi. Sammy Dallal / The National -
Kayakers navigate the cool early-morning waters between mangrove islands in Abu Dhabi. (Silvia Razgova/The National) -
Salt-water crystals are exposed on mangrove trees in Abu Dhabi. Silvia Razgova/The National -
Marine life attaches to a mangrove branch which hangs just above the water in the Eastern Mangroves, Abu Dhabi. Silvia Razgova/The National -
Kayaking in the mangroves, Abu Dhabi. Silvia Razgova / The National
The dominant species in the Arabian Gulf region is the grey mangrove (Avicennia marina). The UAE's mangroves support six different types of crabs, 49 mollusc species and many migratory birds.
Mangroves also have the ability to sequester carbon, and so can reduce harmful greenhouse gases – a major culprit in climate change. Read more about the importance of the UAE's mangroves here.
