Mangrove Mayhem & Kayak Adventure - Abu Dhabi Mangrove Week 2026

📍 Jubail Mangrove Park, Abu Dhabi

📅 November 20th 2026

⏰ 2:30 to 5:00 pm

Spend an afternoon in the mangroves with Emirates Nature–WWF. You’ll start by solving a conservation mystery, then take to the water to help scientists track the waste entering our marine environment.

2:30 to 3:30 pm | Mangrove Mayhem

A lost kayaker has found an audio recorder used to study rare birds and bats, and sent out an SOS. Your job is to track the device, follow the clues and rescue the kayaker in time. As a citizen scientist, you’ll discover how technology supports wildlife research, what makes mangroves so valuable, and how you can take action for nature.

4:00 to 5:00 pm | Kayaking the Mangroves

Paddle through Abu Dhabi’s mangrove forest and learn about its cultural and ecological importance, the threats it faces, and how we can work together to keep it resilient. Along the way, you’ll record the amount and type of single-use plastics and other waste you find. This data goes directly to the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and into a global database, giving researchers and policymakers the evidence they need to shape new regulations and recommendations.

What you’ll gain

• A deeper understanding of the ecological and cultural value of mangroves, and the threats they face
• A hands-on role in real research that informs policy on single-use plastics in the UAE

Your impact

This activity supports the goal of cutting plastic leakage into nature by 50% by 2030. Your data feeds into the analysis of 2,000 kg of litter, helping build a policy on single-use plastics and a thriving circular economy in the UAE.

Who can join?

Anyone who’s curious, adventurous and keen to make a difference for nature. Students, professionals, and nature lovers are all welcome. No experience needed, just curiosity and a team spirit. 

What to bring

Comfortable clothes that can get wet, a hat, sunscreen, reusable water bottle, change of clothes - note: swimming is not allowed. 

Before the event (required)

Every participant must complete and sign the liability form before the event: https://form.jotform.com/251672330564051

• 18 and over: fill in and sign the form yourself.
• Under 18: you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, who completes and signs the form with their own name and details.

Anyone without a signed form, including under-18s whose guardian hasn’t signed, won’t be able to take part.