A reserve showcasing the UAE's rich flora and fauna has opened in Al Ain. The Al Batha Nature Reserve is an ecotourism project dedicated to wildlife such as ducks and birds. It features a lake, playgrounds and shaded areas for visitors set against the backdrop of undulating golden dunes and green ghaf trees. The area has undergone a comprehensive redevelopment before its opening. The reserve is located close to Hili in Al Ain city and is open daily from 9am to 10pm, Abu Dhabi Media Office said. The UAE, meanwhile, has been expanding its ecotourism footprint over the past few years. The National Ecotourism Project was unveiled in 2018 by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment to position the UAE as a major global centre. It is designed to raise awareness of the UAE’s stunning landscapes and wildlife that are uniquely adopted to one of the planet’s most extreme climates. Among these landscapes are the mangroves of Abu Dhabi. People can now enjoy kayak trips through Mangrove Park - located close to the city - or <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/lifestyle/family/jubail-mangrove-park-everything-you-need-to-know-from-parking-to-location-1.972801">take a stroll</a> on a boardwalk over the mangroves at Jubail Mangrove Park.
