A few days ago I got a chance to visit Mangrove Beach in Umm Al Quwain and it was hell of an experience. Hidden away in one of the UAE’s lesser-visited emirates, this is a city beach that feels light years from urban life. Today, I am here to share my experience and some information regarding Mangrove Beach that can help anybody planning a visit.
What is a Mangrove?
To give you a little more detail, Mangrove is a type of tree that grows in coastal areas and salty or brackish water. These trees are special in the respect that they have evolved to thrive where many other plants cannot live. They protect coastlines from erosion, provide habitat for fish, birds and other life forms as well as water filtration services which trap pollutants and sediments.
For instance, at Mangrove beach the tree-line acts as a natural anti-land erosion hedge. They protect shorelines from severe weather and high waves. They are essential to the environment as they house wildlife and act as breeding grounds for many marine species, including crabs.
What is Mangrove Beach?
Mangrove beach is in Umm Al Quwain, an emirate in the UAE remains to be fairly underrated. The beach has mangroves on either side of it which is not something you see often! Picture provided by Maputo Natural History Museum Mangroves are important because they live in the tidal zone, help to trap sediment so that they can protect the coast from erosion and provide habitat for wildlife as well as filter water. This wonderful place is Mangrove Beach, and swim and sunbathe are not the only things you can do there but also enjoy a beautiful beach with mangroves.
Mangrove Beach : Your Break from the Daily Hustle
The first thing that got me when I landed in Mangrove Beach, it was so quiet and calm. Finally, and very unusually for a popular beach in the UAE – this one wasn’t packed out with people. Just perfect to relax! The first thing you notice is your crystal clear water and the beautiful mangrove that lines the coast. The water was clear and shallow, perfect for wading or swimming.
The thing I remember most is walking through the mangroves and along the coast line. I sat on a seat beneath trees, shading me from the sun and creating an un-intrusive atmosphere. Oh, I saw some birds and crabs as well so it was even more fun.
Facilities at Mangrove Beach
Mangrove Beach offers a list of amenities for the comfort of those who visit. These include:
Beach Side Restaurants: Soak in the sea breeze during a meal.
Female Gym & Spa: For fitness and relaxation
Marina & Water Activities: Great for boaters and fishers
Kid’s Zone & Game Center: Ideal for families with children.
Football Field & Bowling Center: A true friend bests all football field has + a few rounds of bowling.
Public bathing & ladies’paddling pools ideal for a dip
Sands Beach & Swim-Up Cabanas: Lay down in luxurious comfort.
Personally I think of Mangrove Beach as a type of “get-away from all” beach, yet our time at there was much more active than one would consider when imagining an escape to the water.
Entry Fee for Mangrove Beach
Mangrove Beach however costs AED 20 per car. The beach is absolutely charming and to enter the area visitors have to pay a small parking fee — there’s no separate charge for tourists. The beach entries have free parking lot so you can park there safely to go and enjoy your day.
Getting There Directions from Major Cities
Dubai to Mangrove Beach: The beach is a 45-55 minute drive from Dubai Drive down the E11 highway, turn off at Umm Al Quwain and simply follow signs to the beach. If public transport is more your thing, you can also catch the E601 bus from Deira Bus Station to Umm Al Quwain and then a short taxi ride pass home of friendly iguanas around the desert palms onto UAQ beach.
Distance from Sharjah: About 32 km to reach Mangrove Beach. From Abu Dhabi, you may tractate the E11 highway — same route as from Dubai. You must take an intercity bus to Dubai first, if you are using public transportation and then follow the latter route from there.
Abu Dahabi: The drive from Abu Dhabi would take 2 hours and it spans over a distance of approximately 198 km. The most convenient way is to take a ride or bus all the way up north from Dubai, but there aren’t any public transport lines that go directly round-trip originating in Abu Dhabi.
What to Expect at Mangrove Beach? (Full-Day Activity)
Enjoy the outdoors, hit some water sports or just chill.
Kayaking as well as Paddle Boarding Lease a kayak or paddle board and also explore the mangroves up close. A great way to appreciate the water and see some of this wildlife who also live here.
Swim and Sunbathe:
The gentle waters are calm for lazy days of swimming. The beach is also great for sunbathing, with lots of room to lay out and soak it in.
Adventure Sports at The Outdoors:
Those who love the great outdoors and needs to get outside. “Camping on the beach is fucking awesome,” says Patterson when asked about places in La Ventana that he loves camping at. Camping is allowed, allowing you to pitch a tent and sleep under the stars. There are no amenities so please pack a set of riding camping gear and equipment.
Picnic and Barbecue:
The beach is the best place for a picnic, also open to barbecuing with your family! Make sure to bring your own attire and of course, clean up after yourself.
Bird Photography:
Mangrove is a habitat for many birds and marine species. Look out for crabs, fish and if you are really lucky dolphins.
Walk and Photos:
A walk at the beach would do, remember to take photos of the amazing mangroves and coastline.
Can You Barbeque at Mangrove Beach?
The perfect place for a family picnic and barbeque, making it one of the convenient weekend getaways. However, don’t forget to follow the rules and pick up after yourself so this beautiful space can remain intact.
Camping at Mangrove Beach
Mangrove Beach is perfect for outdoor lovers who want to camp. Yes Most visitors bring tents and stay overnight beneath the stars. It is the best place for camping as its offers perfect silent, and lonely beach side where you can indulge yourself in a nature.
Bring all of your camping equipment such as tents, sleeping gear and food if you plan on camping; Additionally, practice no trace camping and pack up all of your trash. This not only keeps the beach clean and authentic.
Final Thoughts
It is an ideal place to escape the city and have some peace in nature. The calm environment, serene area and camping facilities make it a perfect place for your destination holiday to relax in the natural beauty of UAE. Though basic in amenities, the beach provides all that is necessary for a good visit. But always be kind to nature, more specifically the mangroves and keep clean of beach in which you visited.
So it would be a good idea to have online while sitting Mangrove Beach and enjoy the relaxation and environmental beauty. From camping to swimming, or just a day out by the water this hidden gem in Umm Al Quwain will not disappoint.
