The United Arab Emirates is a country recognized for its over-the-top luxury, mind-blowing architecture, and extreme experiences. The UAE, especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has created this image to promote tourism. The country has also been in the forefront in technology and innovation. In recent times, the UAE has been setting an example to the world by integrating eco-tourism. Several projects have been undertaken to promote eco-tourism in the country. Some of these include opening or restoring wildlife parks and nature reserves, conserving desert areas, and preserving beaches and other natural landscapes. The Mangrove Beach in Umm Al Quwain (UAQ) is the prime example for the same. Here is a complete guide for Mangrove Beach UAQ.
About Mangrove Beach
Umm Al Quwain is a costal Emirate of the UAE, located in the country's eastern side. Being a coastal town, Umm Al Quwain is home to several beaches. The best part about visiting the beaches here is that it is a lot less crowded than the beaches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Just like all the other beaches in the Emirates, Mangrove Beach is also known for its serene beauty and peaceful vibes. But what makes this beach unique is the presence of hundreds of mangroves. Mangrove Beach Umm Al Quwain is a small part of the 60 million mangrove forests in the UAE.
The white sand beach surrounded by blue waters and green mangrove trees adds to its allure and beauty. But the mangroves are not just for aesthetics. The UAE government is trying to preserve this place because the mangroves absorb over 45000 tons of carbon dioxide every year. As the country aims to become a carbon-neutral country soon, mangroves have become an essential part of their sustainability plan. These forests are also important because they are home to many birds, animals, and marine species. Different types of plants also exist in these mangrove forests. Mangrove forests are also integral to keeping storms at bay and preventing sea levels from rising. A visit to Mangrove Beach is not just fun but also a lesson in the importance of nature and natural landscapes for our planet.
Timings of Mangrove Beach
Mangrove Beach is a public beach open 24/7. Early mornings are a great time to visit and explore the mangrove forest. Daytime can be extremely harsh, especially during the summer months, and should be avoided. The beach is equipped with neon lights and solar-powered lanterns, making it possible to visit even after sunset.
Location of Mangrove Beach
Mangrove Beach is part of Umm Al Quiwan, one of the seven Emirates of the UAE. It is located in the emirate’s Khor Al Yeefrah area (E11).
How to Reach Mangrove Beach
How you reach Mangrove Beach in Umm Al Quwain will depend on your transport system and from where you are traveling.
Dubai: If you are traveling from Dubai, you can choose to take a taxi or a bus. You can also drive down in your own car or a rented one. If you are opting for the bus service, you can take lines 102, 103, or 24 from the Deira bus station to the Umm Al Quwain roundabout. From here, you will have to take a taxi to reach the beach. The distance between Dubai and Mangrove Beach is 67 km, and the travel time is 45-55 minutes.
Sharjah: Sharjah is the closest emirate to Umm Al Quwain. The distance between Sharjah city center and Mangrove Beach is 32 km. It will take around half an hour to reach the beach from Sharjah. As there are no direct buses, you must either take a taxi or a car.
Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi is 198 km away from Umm Al Quwain’s Mangrove Beach. There are no direct buses connecting the two emirates. You can go to Dubai and get on the bus to reach Mangrove Beach. Alternatively, you can hire a car and drive down to the beach. The traveling time between these two emirates is 2 hours.
Things to do in Mangrove Beach
Mangrove Beach is where you can relax and enjoy many activities and adventures. Here are some of the best things to do on this beach in Umm Al Quwain.
Exploring the Forest: One of the best things to do in Mangrove Beach is walk around and explore the lush green mangrove forests. Early morning is the best time to wander around the forests. One reason is that the weather is cooler during this time of the day, and the chances of seeing birds and amphibians are higher in the morning. Along with mangrove trees, you will also get to see different types of trees and plants here. Even if you are not interested in knowing about the flora and fauna of the place, just walking around the area, listening to the waves and breathing in the fresh air, will calm your mind and help you relax.
Enjoying a Picnic on the Beach: With so many attractions and distractions, most of us have forgotten the joy the simple pleasures of life can bring. You can enjoy some quiet moments of your life with a picnic on Mangrove Beach. The place is perfect to spend quality time with your family and friends. While you take a nap or relax on the sand with a good book, your children can play in the water and make sandcastles. You and your friends can indulge in some fun beach games. The beach also has barbecue areas for those who want to enjoy a barbecue party while picnicking on the beach. Alternatively, there are food kiosks and restaurants in and around the beach where you can grab some delicious food. Do not forget to take blankets, water bottles, and a first aid kit while enjoying your picnic on the beach.
Camping Under the Stars: As the beach is open all day long, it is perfect to enjoy a camping experience. There are camping areas in Mangrove Beach, where you can set up your tent and watch the waves. You can also set up bonfires and have a fun time with family and friends. The best part about Mangrove Beach is that the entire area is lit with solar-powered and LED lights, making it safe to stay on the beach during night. Spending a night on this beautiful beach will be an adventure like no other.
Indulging in Water Sports: A trip to Mangrove Beach is not complete without indulging in some water sports. Kayaking along the mangroves is one of the best water sports to try here. Both beginners and experts will have a great time kayaking in the tranquil waters of Mangrove Beach. Apart from kayaking, you can also enjoy windsurfing, canoeing, waterskiing, surfing, knee boarding, wakeboarding, banana boat riding, SUP, etc., here. It is also a great place to swim.
Restaurants Near Mangrove Beach
Barako Grill & Barbeque: If you are not keen on having your own barbeque party on the beach, the Barako Grill & Barbeque would be the perfect place to head to. The restaurant offers dishes and flavors of Philippine and Asian cuisines. In addition to food, this restaurant also offers alcoholic drinks.
Uncle Frank: Uncle Frank is perfect for those who want to grab a quick snack or a refreshing drink while spending the entire day on the beach. It is a small cafe right on the beach where you can enjoy sandwiches, hotdogs, ice-creams, cold coffees, and milkshakes.
Crab and Crack: As the name suggests, Crab and Crack is a seafood restaurant where crab dishes are the main delicacies. Apart from crabs, you will also find a variety of seafood dishes like baked mussels, cajun lobster, chilli prawn bao, etc., on this restaurant’s menu.
FAQs About Mangrove Beach
1. Are there washroom facilities on Mangrove Beach?
Yes, there are washroom facilities for both men and women on the beach.
2. Are there lifeguards on Mangrove Beach?
No, there are no lifeguards on the beach, so you must tread carefully on the waters and take care of your belongings.
3. What is the entry fee for Mangrove Beach?
The entry for per car in Mangrove Beach is AED 20. If you are planning on overnight camping on the beach, the cost for the same is AED 100/per tent.
4. Is it ok to drink alcohol on the beach while camping?
No. Although Umm Al Quwain is a place where you can drink alcohol in designated places like restaurants, drinking in public places is a strict no-no.