Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre is an ecotourism and conservation centre in the Al Qurm area of Kalba, on the east coast of Sharjah, built inside the oldest mangrove forest in the UAE. Run by the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) of Sharjah, it opened to visitors in spring 2021 and lets you walk a wooden boardwalk through mangrove trees more than 300 years old, spot the rare Arabian collared kingfisher, see rescued sea turtles and explore a hands on marine education centre. Entry costs AED 15 for adults and children under 12 enter free, and the centre is open every day except Monday.
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We book your attraction tickets and tours, with the option to pay later with Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit card monthly instalments.
It sits around one and a half to two hours by car from Dubai, which makes it an easy and calm day trip for families, students, bird watchers and photographers. White Sky Travel can arrange your transport and full east coast day trip, and you can spread the cost with Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit card installments for up to 12 months. Message us on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 to plan your visit.
Table of Contents
Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Al Qurm area, Kalba, east coast of the Emirate of Sharjah |
| Managed by | Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) Sharjah |
| Opened to visitors | Spring 2021 |
| Opening hours | Sunday and Tuesday to Thursday 9am to 6:30pm, Friday 2pm to 6:30pm, Saturday 11am to 6:30pm, closed on Monday |
| Entry ticket | AED 15 for adults, free for children under 12 |
| Time needed | About 2 to 3 hours |
| Best season | October to March |
| Drive from Dubai | About 1.5 to 2 hours |
Timings and prices are based on the official Sharjah information and may change during Ramadan, Eid and public holidays. Terms and conditions apply, and the final price is confirmed during booking.
What to see at Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre
According to Visit Sharjah, the official tourism website of the emirate, the centre sits in the middle of the oldest mangrove forest in the Emirates, with trees up to 8 metres tall. Here is what you can explore during your visit:
- Mangrove boardwalk trail: a raised wooden walkway that takes you through the ancient grey mangroves (Avicennia marina) with views of the creek and the Hajar Mountains behind.
- Arabian collared kingfisher: Kalba is one of the few places in the world where this rare bird lives. Look for nesting holes in the old mangrove trunks, or visit the kingfisher aviary and bird hides.
- Turtle pools: injured and rescued sea turtles, such as green turtles, are cared for here and released back into the sea once they recover.
- Marine education centre: indoor tanks and touch displays with crabs, sea cucumbers, starfish, sea urchins and other small sea creatures, plus exhibits on how the Kalba mangroves were restored.
- Aviary and wildlife: a walk through aviary with local birds, and you may also see gazelles around the grounds.
- Family facilities: a small playground, shaded picnic spots, a terrace café and friendly local guides who give short tours.
Opening hours and ticket prices
The Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre is open six days a week. It opens at 9am on Sunday and from Tuesday to Thursday, at 11am on Saturday and at 2pm on Friday, and closes at 6:30pm every open day. The centre is closed on Monday and is usually closed on the first day of Eid.
The entry ticket is AED 15 for adults. Children under 12, resident senior citizens and People of Determination usually enter free. Prices and timings may change, and terms and conditions apply. When you book your day trip with White Sky, we confirm the latest timings and the final price during booking.
How to get to Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre from Dubai
Kalba is on the Gulf of Oman coast, just south of Fujairah city. From Dubai, most visitors drive along the E611 and E102 highways through the Hajar Mountains, or take the Sharjah to Khorfakkan road and continue south along the coast. The drive takes about one and a half to two hours depending on traffic.
If you prefer not to drive, White Sky can arrange a private car with driver or include the centre in one of our United Arab Emirates tours. Just tell us your date and group size on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133.
Best time to visit
The best months to visit are October to March, when the weather is cooler, the birds are more active and the mountain views are clear. In summer, plan to arrive at opening time because heat and humidity make midday walks hard.
Tides also change your experience. At high tide the creek fills up and the mangroves look their best from the boardwalk, while low tide shows the mudflats where crabs and wading birds feed.
Who will enjoy the visit
| Visitor type | Why you will like it | Time to plan | Top tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Families with kids | Turtle pools, touch tanks and a playground | 2 to 3 hours | Go in the morning and bring snacks and water |
| Bird watchers | Arabian collared kingfisher and coastal birds | 3 to 4 hours | Use the bird hides and stay quiet |
| Photographers | Old mangroves with a mountain backdrop | 3 to 4 hours | Bring a zoom lens and a polarising filter |
| School and tour groups | Guided talks on mangrove and turtle conservation | About 2 hours | Book your group visit in advance |
Tips for a smooth visit
- Wear comfortable shoes, light clothes and a hat, as shade on the boardwalk is limited.
- Carry bottled water and sunscreen, even on cloudy days, because humidity stays high on the coast.
- Ask the guides about the day’s tide and where the kingfishers were last seen.
- Stay on the boardwalk and keep your voice low near nesting areas.
- Plan lunch at the centre café or combine your visit with nearby attractions in Kalba and Khorfakkan.
Rules for visitors
The Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre is part of a protected area, so the EPAA asks every visitor to follow a few simple rules. Stay on the marked paths, do not feed or touch the wildlife, take your rubbish with you and follow the signs about photography. Please leave drones and pets at home, as they disturb the nesting birds. If anyone in your group needs mobility support, let us know when you book so we can plan ahead.
Because the area is a nature reserve, there is no swimming or water sports inside the centre. For a beach day, head to Khorfakkan Beach or the Kalba Corniche nearby.
Things to do near Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre
You can easily turn your visit into a full east coast day trip. Popular stops nearby include:
- The Hanging Garden Kalba, a terraced mountain park with walkways, gardens and wide views, about 10 minutes by car.
- The Kalba Birds of Prey Centre and Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre, where you can see falcons, owls and Arabian mountain wildlife.
- Al Hayl Castle in Fujairah, a historic mountain fort just north of Kalba.
- Al Rafisah Dam in Khorfakkan, known for kayaking and calm mountain views.
- The Kingfisher Retreat, a nature resort right next to the mangrove centre, if you want to stay overnight.
If you love mangroves, you can also compare this visit with Jubail Mangrove Park in Abu Dhabi, which offers a boardwalk through younger mangroves closer to the city.
Book your Kalba day trip with flexible payments
White Sky Travel can plan your full trip to the Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre, including transport, guided stops and hotels on the east coast. As a travel agency with Tabby payment in Dubai, we let you split your trip cost with Tabby, Tamara or your UAE credit card in installments for up to 12 months.
Planning a longer stay? Ask us about UAE hotel booking in installments for resorts in Kalba, Fujairah and Khorfakkan. Contact our team on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 and we will reply with the best options for your dates.
Related Articles
Explore more places to visit on the east coast of the UAE:
- Hanging Garden Kalba in Sharjah: Tickets, Timings and Things to Do
- Al Rafisah Dam in Khorfakkan: Kayaking, Waterfall and Visitor Tips
- Shark Island Khorfakkan: Boat Trips, Snorkeling and Tips
- Khorfakkan Beach in Sharjah: Things to Do, Tips and How to Get There
- Wadi Shees in Khorfakkan: Shees Park, Waterfall and Travel Tips
- Khorfakkan Amphitheatre in Sharjah: Events, Waterfall and Visitor Tips
Frequently asked questions
What is the Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre?
The Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre is a nature and conservation centre in Kalba, Sharjah, run by the Environment and Protected Areas Authority. It sits inside the oldest mangrove forest in the UAE and offers a boardwalk trail, turtle pools, aviaries and a marine education centre.
Where is the Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre located?
The centre is in the Al Qurm area of Kalba, on the east coast of the Emirate of Sharjah, beside the Kalba creek and next to the Kingfisher Retreat resort. It is about one and a half to two hours by car from Dubai.
What are the Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre opening hours?
It opens Sunday and Tuesday to Thursday from 9am to 6:30pm, Friday from 2pm to 6:30pm and Saturday from 11am to 6:30pm. It is closed on Monday. Timings may change during Ramadan, Eid and public holidays.
How much is the Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre ticket?
Entry is AED 15 for adults, and children under 12 enter free. Prices may change and terms and conditions apply. White Sky confirms the final price during booking.
What animals can you see at Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre?
You can see the rare Arabian collared kingfisher, rescued green sea turtles, crabs, starfish, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, aviary birds and sometimes gazelles around the grounds.
How long does a visit take?
Most visitors spend 2 to 3 hours walking the boardwalk, visiting the turtle pools and exploring the education centre. Bird watchers and photographers often stay longer.
Is Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre good for kids?
Yes. Children enjoy the touch tanks, turtle pools and playground, and children under 12 enter free. Keep young kids on the boardwalk at all times.
When is the best time to visit Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre?
The best time is October to March, early in the day. Visit at high tide for the fullest views of the creek and mangroves.
Can White Sky Travel book a trip to Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre?
Yes. White Sky can arrange your transport, a full east coast day trip and nearby hotels. Message us on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 to plan your visit.
Can I pay for my Kalba trip in installments?
Yes. You can pay for your White Sky trip with Tabby, Tamara or a UAE credit card in installments for up to 12 months.
Conclusion
The Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre is one of the most peaceful nature spots in the UAE. In one easy visit you can walk through 300 year old mangroves, look for the rare Arabian collared kingfisher, meet rescued sea turtles and learn how Sharjah protects its coastline. With entry at AED 15 for adults, free entry for young children and a scenic drive through the Hajar Mountains, it is a rewarding day trip for families and nature lovers.
Go between October and March, arrive early and pair your visit with the Hanging Garden or a Khorfakkan stop for a full east coast day. When you are ready, message White Sky Travel on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 and we will arrange your transport, plan your stops and help you pay in easy installments with Tabby, Tamara or your UAE credit card.
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