The much-anticipated Mangrove Walk on Al Jubail Island in Abu Dhabi opened on Thursday.
A project by Modon Properties, the 1 million-square-metre area is full with mangroves that spread out on either side of a winding boardwalk.
The Qurum Walkway is open to visitors daily from 8am to 6.30pm, and is free to visit at the moment.
The visitors' centre includes a coffee shop and washrooms. Guests can then head out to the boardwalk, which has three routes. The longest is 2 kilometres and the shortest is 1km.
A casual stroll through the longest route takes between 35 and 40 minutes.
Birds, fish and crabs are among the wildlife. The water is clear, giving unblocked views of mangrove roots and marine life, and rangers are on hand to provide more information about the park and its flora and fauna.
“It’s all about nature first,” says a ranger. He says no littering, fishing or eating is allowed.
The park closes by 6.30pm so the wildlife will not be not disturbed by human lighting.
The best time to visit is during high tide, the ranger says.
The walk also has six educational sections, which include a floating platform with a see-through net to catch a glimpse of the marine life underfoot, a viewing tower and a beach platform where you can get your feet wet.
Jubail Mangrove Park aims to enhance the capital’s ecotourism and sustainability efforts, and highlight the importance of erosion-preventing mangroves to the environment.
The attraction features a play area for children, viewing terraces for great photo opportunities and kayaking.
Park will soon host interactive educational lessons and tours for schools.
The boardwalk has a maximum holding capacity. Should visitor numbers exceed this, some will have to exit before others are allowed on.
Al Jubail Island, between Yas and Saadiyat, is close to other Abu Dhabi destinations such as Yas Waterpark, Ferrari World and Saadiyat ’s Cultural District.
More information is available at www.park.jubailisland.ae
