Tired of the city’s distressing noise? Want to have some peace of mind away from your glamorous yet exhausting world? Well, we’ve got you covered. Abu Dhabi’s Al Jubail Mangrove Park, in this case, will be the perfect fit for you. You might think to yourself, why would I go to a park when I can go somewhere else. Frankly, this is not your typical park; this is your ideal park.
The park is embellished by vibrant mangrove trees that wildlife animals consider as a shelter. It is also bordered on all sides by pure blue-and-green colored water where the aquatic animals float calmly. Walking through those beautifully crafted wooden boards while feeling the breeze of nature will make you truly meditate on the beauty of life. Not to mention that observing flamingos, gazelles, birds, fishes, herons, and crabs is soul-fulfilling. All of that is for a reasonable charge that will make you have the best time while keeping your wallet full of cash.
The Gem of Al Jubail Island: Jubail Mangrove Park
A tour around the Jubail Island, on its own, is once in a lifetime experience, as it is a one-of-a-kind place where nature meets fine architecture, and what a better place to begin exploring inside the island than its hidden gem, Al Jubail Mangrove Park. But let’s take a look back. What makes the island so unique? Well, it’s the fact that it’s minutes away from the crowded city center, offering a breathtaking natural air and landscape with an enormous array of business, cultural and entertainment destinations within easy reach.
The idea behind Jubail Mangrove Park promotes awareness of wildlife and an understanding of the important ecological function of the mangrove forest area. The park act as a protection shield of the Abu Dhabi coastline. It also serves as a nature reserve of biodiversity of its flora and fauna that existed in the area, as it had preserved the plants and trees found in the soil of the UAE when it was a barren desert until it became a green paradise.
Additionally, the park strives to maintain a clean environment of fresh air and a suitable climate for wild and marine animals. Since mangrove park in Jubail is a fun educational destination, you can learn about the types of animals and plants found in the Emirates of Abu Dhabi. From there, there are many recreation options, between fenced hikes and kayak tours that, for an hour, reveal secrets about mangrove facts that the accompanying employee tells. Along with the details about the mangrove plant and how it grows and reproduces.
Location of the Jubail Island and How to Reach the Park:
The park is located on Jubail Island, which is between Saadiyat Island and Yas Island. You can reach it from Yas Island or Dubai, and it will be in the opposite direction of Abu Dhabi Center and Saadiyat Island. From here, you will immediately notice road signs that will help you reach it. To arrive at the Jubail Mangrove Park, it will take about 10 minutes from Saadiyat Beach Club and about 15 minutes from Yas Public Beach. Likewise, if you come from mainland Abu Dhabi, the park is about 20 minutes from Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre. You can also use the Google maps application or other navigation applications to find it by typing Jubail Mangrove Park. You can use the additional location code for Jubail mangrove park: GFWP + 35 Abu Dhabi – the United Arab Emirates to get accurate directions to the park.
You can also search for the nearest station to the Jubail Mangrove Park on Jubail Island. You can see the list of stops closest to your destination: Al Khaleej Al Arabi St / Police CheckPoint.
You can get to Mangrove Park by bus. These are the lines and routes that stop near – Bus: 101, 104, 110, 111, 32, 400, 401.
Jubail Mangrove Walkway
What to expect from Jubail Mangrove Park Walkway?
Jubail mangrove park is a park filled with mangroves trees located outside the bustle of Abu Dhabi city where you can enjoy the stunning views and relax in the fresh air. This park will provide you with the opportunity to walk on the wood walkway shaped like zigzag lines that take you to the mangroves and make you explore the amazing biodiversity of wildlife and marine life, for example birds, turtles, herons, deers and many others.
While walking, you will come across cabanas for relaxation and photography and you will also find two viewing platforms that can help you see the enchanting landscapes. These platforms will also provide an unparalleled experience for those who enjoy bird watching, fresh air, and taking distinctive photographs. Finally, you can see Al Jubail Mangrove Park from the top of the tower. From the top you can enjoy the wonderful and quiet views and take some pictures for sure.
Jubail Mangrove Park Ticket Price:
The entrance fee for adults is 15 dirhams, and for those under the age of 18 years, 10 dirhams. Entrance capacity is limited, so it is recommended to book tickets in advance. Book yourself a ticket to the Jubail Mangrove Park here.
Al Jubail Mangrove Park Walking Distance:
There are two boardwalks. One is long, and the other one is short. The longest route is 2 km long. This route will make you have an experience that lasts longer in the Al Jubail mangrove park. However, if you are in a hurry take the second route which is 1 km long. Thus, you can enjoy other activities for a longer time which Al Jubail Mangrove park provides. Both paths allow you to hike and have a remarkable experience of what Al Jubail Mangrove park holds.
Tips: Best Time to Visit Al Jubail Mangrove Park
The breathtaking one million square covered in lively mangrove trees will fill you with joy and happiness. You can see these trees by walking down the wooden boardwalk, where beneath it is the clear water of Abu Dhabi’s sea. All of these little details reflect the essence of Jubail Mangrove Park. Moreover, mangrove trees are known for photosynthesizing and absorbing CO2 through their leaves and dropping them down to the ground afterward. Thus, making the air and breeze in the Jubail Island mangrove walk extraordinarily pure and full of oxygen.
However, to get the most out of this experience. You have to choose the timing of your visit wisely. Choosing the time of your visit must depend on the water tide and whether it’s high or low. Of course, the higher the tide, the better the view. Furthermore, higher tide means that the water level is high, enabling you to see many species underwater, such as tiny fishes and crabs. Contrarily, when the water tide is low, there won’t be any water under you as it would completely dry out, and sadly you won’t be able to enjoy the Jubail mangrove walk at all.
Likewise, the Jubail Mangrove Park offers kayaks to rent and move around Al Jubail Island. However, to enjoy going on the kayak ride, the minimum water level should be 0.90 meters. Lower water levels would make the Jubail Island kayaking organizer stop the kayak rides because there won’t be enough water to kayak in. In addition, calling the place in advance to ask about whether the kayaking is available or not is highly suggested. Hence, that’s why it’s crucial to plan your visit according to the water tide.
Moreover, it’s commonly known that the high tide starts in the afternoon, specifically after 3 pm. However, during the summertime, the sun’s heat in the afternoon is unbearable. Therefore, visiting the walk in the evening just before sunset is advised to enjoy the reflection of sunlight on the clean and pure water. Finally, before planning a visit to al Jubail Mangrove Park it’s recommended to check the daily tide forecast of Abu Dhabi.
Activities at Jubail Mangrove Park
If you think walking between the mangroves is the only activity you can do at Jubail mangrove park, then you are wrong. While you are there, pass by the kayak station and choose your colorful kayak for a chance to get lost between the greenery. Moreover, don’t forget to buy a cup of coffee from the Emirati-owned cafe ‘Crane’ before enjoying the beautiful view.
Kayaking at Jubail Island:
Al Jubail mangrove park offers visitors a chance to book a group or individual kayak trips between the mangroves and an optional short trip to a nearby island, where visitors can enjoy a dip in the water or chill on the beautiful white sands. For one hour of admiring the beautiful nature of your kayak, it will cost you 80 – 99 Dhs per person. Furthermore, the required age to participate is above the age of 5. Therefore, when you pay a visit, don’t forget to book yourself a kayak tour of the Al Jubail Mangroves here, and choose the time that suits you.
Operating times of Mangrove Kayaking:
- 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Depends on water and tide level)
Crane Cafe
Surely after the long walk around Jubail Mangrove Park, you would want to rest and have a bite, and what better place will satisfy your cravings other than ‘Crane cafe’. ‘Crane cafe’ is an Emirati owned business that offers food and specialty drinks with a twist from UAE food culture. Whether seated indoor or outdoor, you will have the privilege of admiring the beautiful nature, especially with the cafe’s huge windows overlooking the ‘al Jubail mangrove park’. In addition to that, the cafe offers an all-day breakfast menu, hot and cold drinks, sandwiches and burgers too. If you ever pass there, don’t forget to try their signature drinks, especially ‘Liwa Latte’, a drink that combines the taste of coffee and dates.
Opening hours of Crane Cafe:
- 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Contact Information:
- Telephone: +971 54 586 0585
- Instagram: @crane.ae
About Al Jubail Island
Although Al Jubail Island is considered relatively new, and while Al Jubail Mangrove Park represents the island heart, a new eco-glamping location that embraces the beauty of nature and shapes the island is also available. Pura Eco Retreat is currently open to the public and is neighboring the mangrove park. This luxury camping site offers entertaining activities such as yoga, kayaking, biking, bird watching, private dinners, and private and corporate events. Not to mention their delicious cuisine and food made with fresh locally grown ingredients that will make you luxuriate in every bite.
All the now-open places in Al Jubail Island cuddle mother nature without draining its strength as they are filled with mangrove trees and surrounded by estuaries on the coast. Let alone the fact that they protect a wide variety of marine and wildlife organisms. You can indeed enjoy a night abounding with peace and serenity away from the hustle of the crowded city on that island. If you desire to do so, you can find this heavenly island in Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s capital, particularly between Yas Island and Saadiyat Island. Additionally, the island stretches out over 4000 hectares with almost 30 km of the seafront, and the utilization of this space will take place through well-thought-out plans. Currently, the construction companies have already completed about 60% of the island’s infrastructure and roadways.
Future Plans of Al Jubail Island:
Could Al Jubail Island be the new hotspot of Abu Dhabi or even the UAE someday? The answer is yes, most likely. This 5-billion-dirham Jubail project is already succeeding as most of the residential areas are sold out.
Al Jubail Island is setting plans and implementing strategies to generate attractions in that area by providing engaging community facilities and luxurious places of residence for people who wish to relish the breathtaking atmosphere. Al Jubail Island will offer its residents a broad range of beautifully constructed villas, apartments, and townhouses to be finalized during the 4th quarter of 2023 if nothing interrupts the plan. All these properties will be situated far apart to ensure privacy and comfort, and it will be able to accommodate 5,000 to 6,000 people. You can choose the design you prefer to have your perfect dream home and decide the number of bedrooms you want. Over and above, the island will have six unique village communities, and they are as follows:
- Marfaa Al Jubail.
- Nad Al Dhabi.
- Seef Al Jubail.
- Ain Al Maha.
- Souk Al Jubail.
- Bed’a Al Jubail.
These villages will have private schools, beaches, marinas, retail shops, entertainment facilities, restaurants and cafes, eco-resorts, boardwalks, and many more. Not to mention that the fun will never stop there as they will organize frequent festivals and events featuring music, poetry, theatre, sports, celebrations, holidays, and outdoor markets. These festivals are arranged by season to ensure that activities are available throughout the year. In addition, since the Island is heading towards being greener, it will make most of its roadways carbon-neutral by making residents walk or bike between neighborhoods rather than driving cars.
More Information About Al Jubail Mangrove Park:
- Opening hours: From 7 AM to 9 PM daily.
- Contact number: +971 56 3032423/ 02 546 8341
- Parking zone: Free parking. Full during winter, half-full during summer.
- Email: mangrove@jubailisland.ae
- Website: https://park.jubailisland.ae/
- Instagram: @jubail_mangrove_park
- Facebook: @Jubailmangrove
- Whatsapp contact number: +971 56 303 2423
If you enjoy spending time in the open-air, make sure to check out ‘How to Hold a Picnic in Abu Dhabi’, this review gives you a complete guide for holding a picnic in several picnic spots in Abu Dhabi. To receive the latest reviews on places in the UAE, don’t forget to subscribe to ‘ReviewAE’.