UAE: Why you must visit the Umm Al Quwain 'Mangrove Beach'

Despite glittering skylines and towering buildings, UAE is a nation that gives equal important to conservation and promotion of its natural gems. From Jebel Jais mountains to Jubail Mangrove Park to Hatta, the UAE has a lot to offer for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

If you haven’t been yet, why not visit the the Mangrove Beach in Umm Al Quwain in view of the beautiful mangroves. The beach opened to public visitors in 2020. There are also several restaurants and cafes that offer beautiful views of the beach and the mangroves.

Nestled in Khor Al Yeefrah, Umm Al Quwain, the beach is around 55 minutes away from Dubai and is perfect for a weekend outing. In addition to enjoying the views of mangroves, you can chill on the beach at one of the cafes or swim, kayak and partake in other water-based fun activities.

Mangrove forests protect the UAE’s coasts from rising sea levels and storm surges, and provide critical habitats for biodiversity. They also serve as powerful carbon sinks. The country is home to 60 million mangroves that form forests spanning 183 square kilometers and capture 43,000 tonnes of CO2 annually.

The UAQ beach also offers a great sport for overnight camping. The location is easily accessible by any car after a 10-minute off-road drive on soft sandy terrain.

While in Umm Al Quwain, you can also visit UAE's oldest island, Siniya Island, which is located east of Umm Al Quwain. The eight-kilometer-long island provides a fascinating glimpse into the emirate's history and natural beauty. Umm Al Quwain residents first resided on the island 200 years ago before relocating to the mainland. The island is known for its mangroves, ghaf trees, and desert flora and fauna, and tourists can see a diverse range of wildlife, including the Socotra Cormorant and Arabian Gazelle. On the island, there are 65 archaeological sites, including tombs, structural remains, and towers.