Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre

A haven for nature lovers and adventurers, Kalba boasts an array of attractions that showcase its rich biodiversity. Among its notable sites is the Khor Kalba Mangrove Center, inaugurated in 2021 by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.

The Khor Kalba Mangrove Center is equally significant, housing the oldest mangrove trees in the UAE, blending ecological, cultural, and historical importance. Here is a deeper look into the key aspects of this exceptional centre.

Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre: a premier tourist and educational hub

The Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre hosts over 100 species of fish and 90 types of crustaceans. It is divided into three zones, each offering a unique experience for visitors. The first, the Unique Mangrove Station, highlights the significance of mangrove trees and their critical role in sustaining the ecosystem. In the second zone, the Intertidal Zone, guests can observe species like mudskippers, crabs, and Blanford's lizard—creatures that thrive at the water’s surface.

The final zone, the Subtidal Zone, features a miniature aquarium where visitors can closely view local marine species, including various fish.

Committed to environmental conservation, the Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre engages in numerous initiatives to preserve ecological systems. One key effort is planting mangroves, which are essential in absorbing greenhouse gases, purifying water, and storing blue carbon. These actions help combat climate change and shield the UAE’s coastlines from flooding and rising sea levels caused by severe storms.

Additionally, the centre actively supports the conservation of fisheries resources. Its facilities research marine species and coastal birds within the mangrove sanctuary, contributing to their protection from extinction and boosting eco-tourism in Kalba and the other regions of the emirate.

True to its environmental mission, the centre’s architecture, inspired by the sea urchin’s shell, seamlessly blends with the natural landscape.

Unforgettable fun-filled activities at Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre

The Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre, situated on the UAE's eastern coast, is the premier facility dedicated to rehabilitating juvenile sea turtles. Visitors have the chance to engage with and observe these conservation efforts firsthand.

Beyond its turtle rehabilitation efforts, the centre provides exceptional bird watching opportunities, home to approximately 150 species of coastal birds, both migratory and resident. It is particularly renowned for being the exclusive global habitat of the Arabian Collared Kingfisher.

In conclusion, the Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre exemplifies the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. His forward-thinking leadership prioritises the conservation of Sharjah’s environmental and biological heritage while promoting environmental consciousness among all generations, with a particular emphasis on educating children and youth. As for the centre's visiting hours, it welcomes guests daily except on Mondays.

References 

[1] visitsharjah.com, Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre
[2] worldscoolestwinter.ae, Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre
[3] sheikhdrsultan.ae, Sultan Al Qasimi opens Khor Kalba Mangrove Center 
[4] sdc.gov.ae, Al-Sharqiyah Magazine, Issue No. 43, April, Page 59