<strong>Beautiful escape:</strong> Kayak tours of Abu Dhabi's Jubail Mangrove Park offer a peaceful break from the hot deserts and cityscapes of the emirate.
Beautiful escape: Kayak tours of Abu Dhabi's Jubail Mangrove Park offer a peaceful break from the hot deserts and cityscapes of the emirate.
Barry Neild/CNN
<strong>Wooden way:</strong> Several kilometers of wooden boardwalk weave their way through the mangrove forest, offering close-up views of the flora and fauna.
Wooden way: Several kilometers of wooden boardwalk weave their way through the mangrove forest, offering close-up views of the flora and fauna.
Barry Neild/CNN
<strong>Salty leaves:</strong> The mangroves are a fascinating plant. They thrive in intensely salty waters that would be toxic to other species. They exude excess salt through their leaves.
Salty leaves: The mangroves are a fascinating plant. They thrive in intensely salty waters that would be toxic to other species. They exude excess salt through their leaves.
Barry Neild/CNN
<strong>Root maneuvers: </strong>Mangroves lay down extensive root networks, including these pneumatophores which act as a kind of snorkel, poking above water level.
Root maneuvers: Mangroves lay down extensive root networks, including these pneumatophores which act as a kind of snorkel, poking above water level.
Barry Neild/CNN
<strong>Sea marsh samphire: </strong>Another plant which grows alongside the mangroves is sea marsh samphire. Local Bedouins traditionally use it for treating gassy camels or horses.
Sea marsh samphire: Another plant which grows alongside the mangroves is sea marsh samphire. Local Bedouins traditionally use it for treating gassy camels or horses.
Barry Neild/CNN
<strong>Desert hyacinth:</strong> This parasitic plant which grows on the roots of samphire is said to have aphrodisiac qualities, alongside numerous medicinal benefits.
Desert hyacinth: This parasitic plant which grows on the roots of samphire is said to have aphrodisiac qualities, alongside numerous medicinal benefits.
Barry Neild/CNN
<strong>Pincer movements:</strong> Legions of tiny black crabs live symbiotically with the mangroves, munching on leaves and helping break up the dense sediment to enable root growth.
Pincer movements: Legions of tiny black crabs live symbiotically with the mangroves, munching on leaves and helping break up the dense sediment to enable root growth.
Barry Neild/CNN
<strong>Low lights:</strong> They're beautiful at any time, but visiting the mangroves during sunrise or sunset is highly recommended. For the best boat trips, it's also advisable to check when high tide is due.
Low lights: They're beautiful at any time, but visiting the mangroves during sunrise or sunset is highly recommended. For the best boat trips, it's also advisable to check when high tide is due.
Barry Neild/CNN
<strong>Viewing tower:</strong> A platform built above the trees offers the perfect spot to enjoy green vistas.
Viewing tower: A platform built above the trees offers the perfect spot to enjoy green vistas.
Barry Neild/CNN
<strong>Evergreen: </strong>The forest is one of the few evergreen landscapes in Abu Dhabi. Scientists say it has huge significance
Evergreen: The forest is one of the few evergreen landscapes in Abu Dhabi. Scientists say it has huge significance
Barry Neild/CNN
<strong>Carbon sink: </strong>John Burt, associate professor of biology at New York University Abu Dhabi, says the mangroves can help soak up and sequester CO2 from the atmosphere.
Carbon sink: John Burt, associate professor of biology at New York University Abu Dhabi, says the mangroves can help soak up and sequester CO2 from the atmosphere.
Barry Neild/CNN
<strong>Wildlife habitat:</strong> The mangroves also create the perfect habitat for many different species of bird, including some on the endangered list. Many use it as a way-stop on migration routes between Africa and Eurasia.
Wildlife habitat: The mangroves also create the perfect habitat for many different species of bird, including some on the endangered list. Many use it as a way-stop on migration routes between Africa and Eurasia.
Barry Neild/CNN
<strong>Way in: </strong>A wood-clad reception center stands at the entrance to the mangroves.
Way in: A wood-clad reception center stands at the entrance to the mangroves.
Barry Neild/CNN