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Back to SearchJubail Mangrove Park has been selected as National Winner for the Education Project of the Year Category for UAE at the MEED Projects Awards 2020.
The first of its kind in the UAE, the community park won the award for raising environmental awareness of the mangrove habitat and promoting conservation.
Engaged by Modon Properties, GHD provided a wide variety of services for this landmark project, which represents a shift in the leisure offerings within Abu Dhabi.
Attracting 100,000 visitors in the first three weeks since opening, the park focuses on nature and ecotourism, in line with Abu Dhabi Government’s vision for promoting the natural beauty of the Emirate.
The project also demonstrates the power of innovative design and construction to provide public access for sensitive environments with minimal disturbance of the surroundings. A series of pedestrian boardwalk routes takes visitors into the mature mangrove forests and tidal lagoons of Jubail Island. The 2.6 km boardwalk navigates through a variety of ecosystems including mangrove habitat, intertidal mudflats, salt marshes, lagoon channels and unique sandstone geological formations (zeugens).
This experience is further enhanced by a series of attractions, including kayak launch points, floating pontoons, expansive net-structures that allow children to get their feet wet, stepping pads and seating nodes with educational signage. The highlight is undoubtedly the two storey observation tower, which provides spectacular panoramic views throughout the wetland habitats and across to the city. The route then terminates at the visitor centre and café, complete with plaza seating, food van area and an educational terrace for school or group visits.
GHD was involved at all stages of the project, including concept design, construction supervision and project management until the handing over.
“A multidisciplinary approach was crucial for successful project delivery in unique marine conditions,” says Malcolm Dixon, GHD’s Regional General Manager – UAE.
The park will now progress to the Gulf region 2020 MEED Projects Awards, to be announced in Dubai in June.