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Mangroves in the United Arab Emirates
In the United Arab Emirates, which is country characterized by arid climate, mangrove shrubs and trees of the species Avicennia marina (gray mangrove) occur naturally along several coastal areas and islands in the country. Mangrove colonies, showing signs of healthy growth are present along the near shore islands and lagoons of: Abu Dhabi, Umm Al Qaiwain, Khor Kalba, Ras Al Khaima. The estimated mangrove areas in these localities are: 2500 ha, 200 ha, 150 ha, respectively. With narrow colonies in Ajman ( 20 ha), Ras Al Khaima (20 ha) (Rabanal and Beushell, 1978). In Dubai, efforts to restore the natural mangrove swamps were successfully carried out. For example, Dubai Municipality reported planting over 40000 seedlings in Ras Al Khor area during 1993, with majority of seedlings brought from Abu Al Abiad island in Abu Dhabi. Follow up of these cultivation indicated that the shrubs are growing very well, and they have flowered and produced porpagules. Currently, Ras Al Khor area is considered a flourishing protected mangrove swamp, that hosts a variety of marine and bird ( flamingos) types.
A nursery for mangrove seedling production have been established by Dubai Municipality, and on Abu Al Abiad Island (in Abu Dhabi), which provide a good number of seedlings for cultivation each year.
Embaby (1993) reviewed the geographical distribution of mangrove in UAE, using satellite images and topographic maps. He found that certain environmental aspects characterizes the areas where mangrove colonies are present. He further classified these aspects into four categories: climatic conditions, geomorphological features of the area, water characteristics, and man made modifications. He concluded that the environmental and geomorphological conditions prevailing on UAE coasts are favorable for the growth of A.marina, which can apparently tolerate water of high salinity, and dry weather conditions satisfactorily.
These trees and shrubs have...