Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s capital city, has many man-made wonders, but one shouldn’t overlook the various natural wonders the capital, and the nation at large has to offer.
The Mangroves of Abu Dhabi
The capital city of the UAE has an incredible 110km2 of mangrove forests. These forests consist of naturally occurring ones as well as man-made mangrove forests as well. Abu Dhabi’s Mangrove National Park is protected under the government.
The Significance of Mangroves
These are some of the most remarkable species of flora on Earth and are incredibly beneficial as well. They grow on salty or brackish water, which remarkable in itself, but they also purify the water in their vicinity, which fosters an abundance of marine life. They also help break down carbon dioxide.
Birdlife
Over 75% of the bird species in the UAE can be found in Abu Dhabi, and the best place to see them would be where the mangroves are. Of the 400 or so bird-species of the UAE, over 50 of them can be found within the National Mangrove Park itself.
How to Explore the Mangrove National Park
There are many tour operators who can take you on a kayaking or stand-up paddle-board adventure through the mangrove forests. If you’re staying at an Abu Dhabi hotel or resort situated near the reserve, such as Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara, the resort will easily arrange an excursion for you.
Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+