• Mangrove Beach in Umm Al Quwain. All pictures courtesy Wam
    Mangrove Beach in Umm Al Quwain. All pictures courtesy Wam
  • The new beach is now open to visitors from all emirates.
    The new beach is now open to visitors from all emirates.
  • The one-of-a-kind destination will promote environmental tourism and the importance of the mangroves.
    The one-of-a-kind destination will promote environmental tourism and the importance of the mangroves.
  • Facilities including swings and thatched sun shades have been constructed, and sporting activities will also be available.
    Facilities including swings and thatched sun shades have been constructed, and sporting activities will also be available.

Stunning Mangrove Beach opens in Umm Al Quwain


Janice Rodrigues
  • English
  • Arabic

With travel plans put on pause for many, this seems to be the year to really explore the country in which you live. And, just in time for the cooler weather, UAE residents now have a new beach to check out in Umm Al Quwain.

Located in Khor Al Yeefrah, about an hour’s drive from Downtown Dubai, Mangrove Beach is the first of its kind in the emirate and will promote environmental tourism and the importance of mangroves.

The Department of Tourism and Antiquities of Umm Al Quwain is currently preparing for the official inauguration of the beach. Public facilities are being constructed, including swings and thatched sun shades, while there will also be sporting activities available at the site.

The beach offers gorgeous vistas of mangrove trees and biodiversity in the region, which authorities are keen on preserving.

This will be the second mangrove destination to open in the UAE this year, following the launch of Abu Dhabi's Jubail Mangrove Park in January.

Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi residents also have another beachfront destination to look forward to this month. Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi Corniche has recently announced the opening of The Cove – a laid-back restaurant and lounge located to the west of the Corniche at West Bay Abu Dhabi – that will open to the public on Thursday, December 24.

Beachfront destination The Cove is set to open in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, December 24. Courtesy of The Cove
Beachfront destination The Cove is set to open in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, December 24. Courtesy of The Cove

The venue, set on the beach, boasts hammocks, swings, and panoramic views of the water and the Abu Dhabi skyline.

And, since Christmas marks the official opening of The Cove, the venue has already put together a set menu for those wanting to spend Christmas Eve or Christmas Day at the outdoor spot, with prices starting at Dh495 and Dh395 for respective brunches.

The venue will also host a New Year’s Eve party with a three-course meal and DJ, priced at Dh1,421 per person.

The laid-back venue is set on the beach, and features hammocks, swings and panoramic views. Courtesy The Cove
The laid-back venue is set on the beach, and features hammocks, swings and panoramic views. Courtesy The Cove
Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
CREW
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Power: 271 and 409 horsepower

Torque: 385 and 650Nm

Price: from Dh229,900 to Dh355,000

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The specs: 2018 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Price, base / as tested Dh99,000 / Dh132,000

Engine 3.6L V6

Transmission: Six-speed automatic

Power 275hp @ 6,000rpm

Torque 350Nm @ 3,700rpm

Fuel economy combined 12.2L / 100km