Forest restoration in Jubail Mangrove Park

Positive impact generated

Context

Al Jubail Island is home to Jubail Mangrove Park, the first educational park dedicated to mangroves in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The project aims to restore and protect the ecosystem, supporting coastal security and contributing to decarbonization.

The project is part of the UAE’s national strategy to plant 100 million mangroves by 2030. Al Jubail Island aims to contribute with one million new trees over the next decade and has already planted more than 350,000 trees. Acting as natural carbon sinks, mangroves protect the coastline while supporting local wildlife and plant species. Jubail Mangrove Park plays a central role in raising awareness of the vital importance of mangroves for biodiversity and climate change mitigation, offering immersive boardwalks, guided kayak tours - a unique educational experience that blends nature with local culture.

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Stakeholders and local partners

Who are the key stakeholders?

The project is led by the Jubail Island Investment Company (JIIC) in collaboration with the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi (EAD). It is part of the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative, which established the Jubail Mangrove Innovation Centre - a hub dedicated to mangrove research, training, and restoration. Between October 2022 and March 2023, Jubail Mangrove Park welcomed more than 150,000 visitors, quickly becoming a landmark on Al Jubail Island. It stands as a key destination for guided tours, eco-activities, edutainment, and environmental awareness.

Project Developer:

Objectives and approach

The goal is to develop a resilient mangrove forest on Al Jubail Island, enhancing CO₂ capture, protecting the coastline, and providing an immersive educational center.

The project aims to plant one million mangroves, contributing to the UAE’s national plan for expanding coastal forests. The goal is to protect the shoreline and sequester CO₂ while enhancing biodiversity. Jubail Mangrove Park serves as both an educational and recreational hub, offering activities such as boardwalk trails, kayak tours, and engaging edutainment programs. The initiative also includes the Jubail Mangrove Innovation Centre, dedicated to advancing marine research, restoration techniques, and public awareness. Supported by institutional and corporate partnerships, the project is designed to become a sustainable and replicable model where nature, communities, and knowledge converge to create lasting impact.

The approach is synergistic, combining infrastructural, educational, and scientific elements. Channels and buffer zones (“Biodiversity Genesis Zones”) are created to improve water flow and provide additional habitats. Planting is carried out in collaboration with the EAD and private partners, ensuring scalability and sustainability. The Innovation Centre supports research, training, and technical coordination, while the park offers immersive experiences for the public, connecting environmental vision with collective participation. Continuous monitoring and dedicated events strengthen transparency and reinforce the commitment to delivering tangible and lasting climate, ecological, and social outcomes.