September 29, 2024: In a major development for nature tourism, the Umm Al Quwain Department of Tourism and Archaeology has announced the launch of its first-ever ecotrail within the Umm Al Quwain Mangrove Reserve, scheduled to open in early 2025. The announcement, made on World Tourism Day (September 27), signals a new opportunity for both residents and tourists to explore the rich biodiversity of the UAE’s coastal ecosystems.

Connecting People with Nature

The ecotrail aims to provide an immersive and educational experience, highlighting the diverse marine life, wildlife, and ecosystems in the area. Visitors will learn about the rich biodiversity of the region, including geckos that glow in the dark, green turtles weighing over 100kg, and guitar-shaped rays. Informative signage along the trail will engage visitors of all ages, offering insights into the coastal dunes, lagoons, and other unique ecosystems.

The project will be developed in collaboration with Emirates Nature-WWF, ensuring that conservation efforts go hand-in-hand with sustainable tourism development.

Sustainable Design and Features

According to Haytham Sultan Al Ali, Director-General of the Department of Tourism and Archaeology, the ecotrail will be constructed using eco-friendly materials and will include:

A 250m wooden boardwalk.

A 1.8km guided dune-based path.

A shaded observatory majlis, illuminated by energy-efficient solar red lights to reduce light pollution.

Boosting Sustainable Tourism

Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director General of Emirates Nature-WWF, highlighted that healthy coastal ecosystems are essential for sustainable tourism. Their assessment of the Umm Al Quwain lagoon’s natural capital revealed that combining conservation and ecotourism can significantly increase tourism benefits, with a potential boost of up to 50% in footfall and visitor spending.

The Umm Al Quwain ecotrail is expected to be a unique attraction that supports both the environment and the local economy, positioning the emirate as a key player in the UAE’s eco-tourism sector.

Stay tuned for more updates on the opening of this exciting new destination.

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