Mikoko is a new restaurant and cafe in Mangrove Beach, Umm Al Quwain. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
Mikoko is a new restaurant and cafe in Mangrove Beach, Umm Al Quwain. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
The cafe was inspired by a trip to Zanzibar by owner Sultan Alazem Alali.
The cafe was inspired by a trip to Zanzibar by owner Sultan Alazem Alali.
The outdoor lounge overlooks the mangroves.
The outdoor lounge overlooks the mangroves.
Visitors are invited to sip on drinks from coconuts while enjoying the views.
Visitors are invited to sip on drinks from coconuts while enjoying the views.
The restaurant is near Kite Beach Centre.
The restaurant is near Kite Beach Centre.
The carpentry was done by craftsmen from Zanzibar.
The carpentry was done by craftsmen from Zanzibar.
A crab scuttles across the beach by Mikoko.
A crab scuttles across the beach by Mikoko.
There are plans to erect huts in the mangroves, too.
There are plans to erect huts in the mangroves, too.
Visitors can view marine creatures in their natural habitat.
Visitors can view marine creatures in their natural habitat.
Enjoy a meal surrounded by an abundance of flora.
Enjoy a meal surrounded by an abundance of flora.
A bridge connects the mangroves with the restaurant.
A bridge connects the mangroves with the restaurant.
A spiral staircase winds around a ghaf tree.
A spiral staircase winds around a ghaf tree.
The restaurant has views of the mangroves.
The restaurant has views of the mangroves.
Dine on the terrace.
Dine on the terrace.
The architecture of the restaurant is all inspired by African design.
The architecture of the restaurant is all inspired by African design.
The menu is eclectic, with everything from pizza and burgers to coconut water and coffee.
The menu is eclectic, with everything from pizza and burgers to coconut water and coffee.
Families enjoy a stroll through the mangroves after lunch.
Families enjoy a stroll through the mangroves after lunch.
Visitors can take a boat through the mangroves at high tide.
Visitors can take a boat through the mangroves at high tide.
The location offers visitors the chance to enjoy the fresh air and natural landscape.
The location offers visitors the chance to enjoy the fresh air and natural landscape.

Weekend

Mikoko cafe offers a slice of Zanzibar in Umm Al Quwain

African-themed spot is tucked away among the emirate's mangroves

  • English
  • Arabic

A small slice of Zanzibar now exists in the UAE.

Mikoko Tourist Centre, which sits on the shores of Mangrove Beach in Umm Al Quwain, is a restaurant and cafe that officially opened its wooden doors to visitors in March.

It was a trip to the Tanzanian archipelago that inspired owner Sultan Alazem Alali to open the spot.

“I wanted to introduce the Zanzibar culture in the mangroves with attractive wood designs,” he tells The National. “My favourite phrase in Zanzibar is ‘hakuna matata’, which means no worries.”

African-style engravings, decorations and architecture can be seen throughout the cafe.
African-style engravings, decorations and architecture can be seen throughout the cafe.

Mikoko, he says, means “mangrove” in Swahili.

The kitesurfing instructor also runs Kite Beach Centre and so he envisioned his facilities as an eco-tourism hub, where visitors could grab a bite to eat or a drink, but also enjoy marine activities.

“I chose the mangroves because [they] play an important part in the environment of the UAE and beyond, by reducing carbon dioxide in the air, which contributes to positively reducing global warming,” Mr Alali says.

Boasting water views and mangroves, Mikoko is the ideal place to relax.
Boasting water views and mangroves, Mikoko is the ideal place to relax.

“Inspired by the no-frills lifestyle of Zanzibar, this stunning African-themed place offers a natural heaven to spend the day relaxing."

Step inside Mikoko, which is open year-round, and African-style engravings, decorations and architecture can be seen throughout. “We warmly welcome our customers by saying ‘Jambo’,” says Mr Alali.

Carpenters from Zanzibar have created authentic decorative pieces.
Carpenters from Zanzibar have created authentic decorative pieces.

“I brought all the carpenters from Zanzibar.” They used natural materials that work with the landscape and guests can climb up a wooden staircase that circles a large ghaf tree.

“Elsewhere, boho decorations have been used to create an inviting area with Instagrammable aesthetics, for memorable photography.”

A wooden staircase that circles a large ghaf tree is certain to be a talking point.
A wooden staircase that circles a large ghaf tree is certain to be a talking point.

The food, however, is more eclectic, with everything from pizza and burgers to tiramisu and vegan dishes. They also serve specialty coffee and drinks in coconuts.

Outside, there’s an outdoor lounge Mr Alali calls Mitchanga that offers stunning views of the mangroves.

With views for miles, Mikoko offers a peaceful environment.
With views for miles, Mikoko offers a peaceful environment.

There are plans to introduce huts in between the mangroves, which Mr Alali says will offer “the most wonderful experience”.

A wooden bridge has also been erected, so visitors can wander through Umm Al Quwain’s thriving natural landscape, breathe in fresh air and “feel its beauty and charm away from the hustle and bustle of the city”, Mr Alali says.

Nestled between mangrove trees, visitors can get a taste of nature.
Nestled between mangrove trees, visitors can get a taste of nature.

When the mangroves are at high tide, activities such as kayaking, flamingo-spotting, yoga, kite surfing, stand-up paddle boarding and padel are all available, too.

“People can plan and organise their special occasions with Mikoko and we can make their day as special as they are in our little Zanzibar.

“I’m very happy and proud because I could fulfil my dream.”

Activities such as kayaking, flamingo-spotting, yoga, kite surfing, stand-up paddle boarding and padel are also available on site.
Activities such as kayaking, flamingo-spotting, yoga, kite surfing, stand-up paddle boarding and padel are also available on site.
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
The White Lotus: Season three

Creator: Mike White

Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell

Rating: 4.5/5

The biog

Age: 35

Inspiration: Wife and kids 

Favourite book: Changes all the time but my new favourite is Thinking, Fast and Slow  by Daniel Kahneman

Best Travel Destination: Bora Bora , French Polynesia 

Favourite run: Jabel Hafeet, I also enjoy running the 30km loop in Al Wathba cycling track

More from Neighbourhood Watch
Read more from Aya Iskandarani
UAE squad

Esha Oza (captain), Al Maseera Jahangir, Emily Thomas, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Katie Thompson, Lavanya Keny, Mehak Thakur, Michelle Botha, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish (wicketkeeper) Udeni Kuruppuarachchige, Vaishnave Mahesh.

UAE tour of Zimbabwe

All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – First ODI
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Floward%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ERiyadh%2C%20Saudi%20Arabia%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAbdulaziz%20Al%20Loughani%20and%20Mohamed%20Al%20Arifi%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EE-commerce%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETotal%20funding%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAbout%20%24200%20million%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAljazira%20Capital%2C%20Rainwater%20Partners%2C%20STV%20and%20Impact46%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E1%2C200%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Tomorrow 2021
The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

World Mental Health Day
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
On Women's Day
More from this story
Tomorrow 2021
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
EA Sports FC 26

Publisher: EA Sports

Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S

Rating: 3/5

Specs

Engine: 51.5kW electric motor

Range: 400km

Power: 134bhp

Torque: 175Nm

Price: From Dh98,800

Available: Now

Results

4pm: Maiden (Dirt) Dh165,000 1,600m
Winner: Moshaher, Pat Dobbs (jockey), Doug Watson (trainer).

4.35pm: Handicap (D) Dh165,000 2,200m
Winner: Heraldic, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.

5.10pm: Maiden (Turf) Dh165,000 1,600m
Winner: Rua Augusta, Harry Bentley, Ahmad bin Harmash.

5.45pm: Handicap (D) Dh190,000 1,200m
Winner: Private’s Cove, Mickael Barzalona, Sandeep Jadhav.

6.20pm: Handicap (T) Dh190,000 1,600m
Winner: Azmaam, Jim Crowley, Musabah Al Muhairi.

6.55pm: Handicap (D) Dh190,000 1,400m
Winner: Bochart, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.

7.30pm: Handicap (T) Dh190,000 2,000m
Winner: Rio Tigre, Mickael Barzalona, Sandeep Jadhav.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
While you're here
The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

War on waste
While you're here
You might also like
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
ZAYED SUSTAINABILITY PRIZE
Neighbourhood Watch
More from Firas Maksad
While you're here
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Three ways to boost your credit score

Marwan Lutfi says the core fundamentals that drive better payment behaviour and can improve your credit score are:

1. Make sure you make your payments on time;

2. Limit the number of products you borrow on: the more loans and credit cards you have, the more it will affect your credit score;

3. Don't max out all your debts: how much you maximise those credit facilities will have an impact. If you have five credit cards and utilise 90 per cent of that credit, it will negatively affect your score.

F1 drivers' standings

1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes 281

2. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari 247

3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes 222

4. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull 177

5. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari 138

6. Max Verstappen, Red Bull 93

7. Sergio Perez, Force India 86

8. Esteban Ocon, Force India 56

Ziina users can donate to relief efforts in Beirut

Ziina users will be able to use the app to help relief efforts in Beirut, which has been left reeling after an August blast caused an estimated $15 billion in damage and left thousands homeless. Ziina has partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to raise money for the Lebanese capital, co-founder Faisal Toukan says. “As of October 1, the UNHCR has the first certified badge on Ziina and is automatically part of user's top friends' list during this campaign. Users can now donate any amount to the Beirut relief with two clicks. The money raised will go towards rebuilding houses for the families that were impacted by the explosion.”

RESULTS

5pm: Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 1,400m
Winner: AF Tathoor, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer)
5.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh70,000 1,000m
Winner: Dahawi, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi
6pm: Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 2,000m
Winner: Aiz Alawda, Fernando Jara, Ahmed Al Mehairbi
6.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 2,000m
Winner: ES Nahawand, Fernando Jara, Mohammed Daggash
7pm: Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 1,600m
Winner: Winked, Connor Beasley, Abdallah Al Hammadi
7.30pm: Al Ain Mile Group 3 (PA) Dh350,000 1,600m
Winner: Somoud, Connor Beasley, Ahmed Al Mehairbi
8pm: Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 1,600m
Winner: Al Jazi, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel

Transgender report
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
BIO

Favourite holiday destination: Turkey - because the government look after animals so well there.

Favourite film: I love scary movies. I have so many favourites but The Ring stands out.

Favourite book: The Lord of the Rings. I didn’t like the movies but I loved the books.

Favourite colour: Black.

Favourite music: Hard rock. I actually also perform as a rock DJ in Dubai.

Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Winners

Ballon d’Or (Men’s)
Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain / France)

Ballon d’Or Féminin (Women’s)
Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona / Spain)

Kopa Trophy (Best player under 21 – Men’s)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona / Spain)

Best Young Women’s Player
Vicky López (Barcelona / Spain)

Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper – Men’s)
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City / Italy)

Best Women’s Goalkeeper
Hannah Hampton (England / Aston Villa and Chelsea)

Men’s Coach of the Year
Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain)

Women’s Coach of the Year
Sarina Wiegman (England)

More coverage from the Future Forum
While you're here
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Key figures in the life of the fort

Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.

Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.

Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.

Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.

Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae

While you're here
Arrogate's winning run

1. Maiden Special Weight, Santa Anita Park, June 5, 2016

2. Allowance Optional Claiming, Santa Anita Park, June 24, 2016

3. Allowance Optional Claiming, Del Mar, August 4, 2016

4. Travers Stakes, Saratoga, August 27, 2016

5. Breeders' Cup Classic, Santa Anita Park, November 5, 2016

6. Pegasus World Cup, Gulfstream Park, January 28, 2017

7. Dubai World Cup, Meydan Racecourse, March 25, 2017

Our commentary on Brexit
ABU%20DHABI%20CARD
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3E5pm%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EWathba%20Stallions%20Cup%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(PA)%20Dh70%2C000%20(Turf)%202%2C200m%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E5.30pm%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%20Rub%20Al%20Khali%20%E2%80%93%20Maiden%20(PA)%20Dh80%2C000%20(T)%201%2C400m%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E6pm%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAl%20Marmoom%20Desert%20%E2%80%93%20Maiden%20(PA)%20Dh80%2C000%20(T)%201%2C600m%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E6.30pm%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ELiwa%20Oasis%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(PA)%20Dh80%2C000%20(T)%201%2C400m%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E7pm%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAl%20Khatim%20Desert%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(PA)%20Dh80%2C000%20(T)%201%2C600m%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E7.30pm%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Al%20Quadra%20Desert%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(TB)%20Dh80%2C000%20(T)%201%2C600m%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
More on this story
UAE’s revised Cricket World Cup League Two schedule

August, 2021: Host - United States; Teams - UAE, United States and Scotland

Between September and November, 2021 (dates TBC): Host - Namibia; Teams - Namibia, Oman, UAE

December, 2021: Host - UAE; Teams - UAE, Namibia, Oman

February, 2022: Hosts - Nepal; Teams - UAE, Nepal, PNG

June, 2022: Hosts - Scotland; Teams - UAE, United States, Scotland

September, 2022: Hosts - PNG; Teams - UAE, PNG, Nepal

February, 2023: Hosts - UAE; Teams - UAE, PNG, Nepal

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

More from Neighbourhood Watch:
The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
While you're here
Read more about the coronavirus
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
On Women's Day
India squads

T20: Rohit Sharma (c), Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Sanju Samson, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, Krunal Pandya, Yuzvendra Chahal, Rahul Chahar, Deepak Chahar, Khaleel Ahmed, Shivam Dube, Shardul Thakur

Test: Virat Kohli (c), Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant

What are the influencer academy modules?
  1. Mastery of audio-visual content creation. 
  2. Cinematography, shots and movement.
  3. All aspects of post-production.
  4. Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
  5. Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
  6. Tourism industry knowledge.
  7. Professional ethics.
Kareem Shaheen on Canada
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Tomorrow 2021
School uniforms report
UAE currency
More from this package
While you're here
Updated: June 03, 2022, 6:02 PM`
WeekendUmm Al QuwainRestaurants