UAE’s Umm Al Qaiwain expands eco-tourism offerings with mangrove-based projects

WAM

UMM AL QAIWAIN, United Arab Emirates, Jan 28, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Umm Al Qaiwain is expanding its eco-tourism offering, positioning its coastline and mangrove reserves as a core draw for visitors seeking nature-based stays and outdoor activities.

The emirate has been promoting tourism centred on its beaches and mangrove forests, while rolling out new tourism centres and projects designed to balance development with environmental preservation as part of a broader sustainability-driven approach.

Recent additions include Casa Mikoko, a chalet concept set within the mangroves, and Luxeglamp, an eco-tourism hospitality project located in the Umm Al Qaiwain Mangrove Reserve. The two developments are being positioned as flagship projects aimed at widening the emirate’s nature-based visitor experiences.

The initiatives have been highlighted under the UAE’s “World’s Coolest Winter” campaign, themed “Our winter is entrepreneurial,” led by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism in collaboration with national tourism, culture and heritage authorities, which promotes environmental and tourism destinations across the country.

Casa Mikoko, which opened in 2022, has drawn families, beach visitors and marine sports enthusiasts, according to the draft information. The site features African-inspired and Zanzibar-style architecture, waterfront cafes and a wooden boardwalk through the mangroves designed to connect visitors with the natural environment.

Activities listed include kayaking tours through the mangroves, wildlife viewing and wind-powered water sports such as kitesurfing and paddleboarding, supported by professional instructors and equipment.

Luxeglamp, described as a luxury eco-friendly hospitality project inside the mangrove reserve, offers high-end accommodation designed to minimise environmental impact through renewable energy use and water-saving measures. The draft says the project opened last year and includes premium tented units.

The project is linked in the draft to Umm Al Qaiwain’s Sustainable Blue Economy Strategy 2031, which aims to protect marine ecosystems while promoting sustainable investment and economic diversification. As part of the first tourism reserve announced under the strategy, Luxeglamp is described as supporting the emirate’s push to become a hub for responsible eco-tourism, environmental education and high-value hospitality.