A new ecotrail showcasing geckos that glow in the dark, green turtles weighing over 100kg, and other remarkable species is set to open early next year at the Umm Al Quwain Mangrove Reserve, authorities announced on Friday, coinciding with World Tourism Day.
The UAQ Department of Tourism and Archaeology highlighted that this new destination "will provide a distinctive and appealing opportunity for both UAQ residents and visitors to engage with nature. It will also offer an immersive experience aimed at raising awareness about the abundant biodiversity and ecological significance of the UAQ coastal lagoon."
Scheduled to open in early 2025, the ecotrail will be developed in collaboration with Emirates Nature-WWF. "Inspired by the lagoon's natural beauty, the ecotrail will be built using eco-friendly materials," stated Haytham Sultan Al Ali, director general of the UAQ Department of Tourism and Archaeology.
He further explained, "The ecotrail, designed with sustainability in mind, will include a 250m wooden boardwalk and a 1.8km guided path through dunes. It will feature a shaded area and an observatory majlis, illuminated by energy-efficient solar red lights to minimize light pollution." As visitors stroll along the trail, they will learn about various species, including geckos that glow in the dark, green turtles, stingrays shaped like guitars, and other fascinating creatures.
Informative signages will also be installed to educate visitors about the lagoon's unique ecosystem, coastal dunes, and biodiversity. Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, director general of Emirates Nature-WWF, emphasized, "Healthy and diverse coastal ecosystems are crucial for sustainable tourism. Our evaluation of Umm Al Quwain lagoon indicates that integrating conservation with ecotourism is vital for maximizing ecosystem services. Conservation can enhance tourism and recreational benefits by up to 50 per cent."
Mohamed Al Marzooqi, CEO of HSBC Middle East-UAE, added, "It is a wonderful enhancement to the natural attractions that tourists and UAE residents can enjoy in our country." Authorities noted that the UAQ lagoon is pivotal in achieving environmentally sustainable economic growth and supporting the emirate's expansion. The emirate aims to leverage ecotourism to create new revenue streams that support the natural regeneration of the marine and coastal environment, in alignment with the UAQ Sustainable Blue Economy Strategy 2031.
