The biogeography of the coastal vegetation of the Abu Dhabi gulf Coast

A survey of the entire coastline resulted in a detailed picture of the biogeography of the coastal flora of the Abu Dhabi Emirate. The coastal flora consists of monospecific Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh. mangroves, different salt marshes, as well as beach, reed, and rocky headland vegetation of different plant families. The vegetation is mainly halophytic, and subject to various degrees of seawater inundation. The exact knowledge of the distribution of coastal flora is a precursor for the development of coastal sensitivity maps, and the sustainable management of coastal habitats.