Eastern Mangroves Park — Hadbat Al Za’faranah

Mangrove National Park, known as the Eastern Mangroves, is a protected mangrove forest on the edge of Abu Dhabi city, on the Eastern Ring Road near Reem Island. It is part of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Protected Areas Network and suits kayakers, birdwatchers and families who want nature inside the city.

What you can see

Visit Abu Dhabi says the park makes up almost 75 per cent of the total mangrove forest area in the UAE, with trees reaching up to 15 feet. It lists more than 60 bird species, including greater flamingos and western reef herons, and says crabs, turtles, fish and dolphins can also be seen. Sightings change with the season. The Environment Agency names the mottled crab among the animals living in the roots.

Ways to visit

• From the shore: the Eastern Mangroves Promenade and boardwalks look over the forest.
• By kayak: the Environment Agency describes a two-hour kayak tour through the middle of the trees, run by private operators from the Anantara Eastern Mangroves Hotel.
• Paddleboard or boat: Visit Abu Dhabi names Seahawk Water Sports, Noukhada and Al Mahara Diving as licensed operators for paddleboarding and private boat tours.
• From above: the Impressions lounge on top of the Anantara hotel overlooks the forest.

Hours, fees and getting there

The Environment Agency says the mangroves are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and are easiest to see in daylight. Looking at them is free. It gave about AED 160 for a two-hour kayak tour at the time of publishing. Visit Abu Dhabi says guided walks or boardwalk access run by eco-tour operators or private venues may cost about AED 15 to 50 per person, and that prices can change.

By car, the area has direct access from Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street (E10), less than 15 minutes from downtown, with parking at Eastern Mangroves Marina and along the promenade. The free Experience Abu Dhabi Shuttle Bus stops at Eastern Mangroves on Route C, and public Bus 56 serves stops on Sultan Bin Zayed Street and Al Muntazah Street nearby.

Good to know

• Kayak at high tide; Visit Abu Dhabi advises checking the tide before you go.
• In some seasons the channels are hard to navigate, so go with a guide if you are unsure.
• Some boat trips last several hours; the Environment Agency advises plenty of sunscreen and water.
• Dolphin Park, next to the promenade, has a children’s playground.
• For park information, Visit Abu Dhabi gives the number +971 2 693 4444.

Description written from official sources, checked 17 October 2026: ead.gov.ae. Confirm details with the business before you go.