Most people think about Abu Dhabi city when they think about the capital emirate of the United Arab Emirates. But not many know that it is also the largest emirate of the country, and apart from the mainland, Abu Dhabi has 200 islands as well. In the last decade or so, Abu Dhabhi has started developing these islands. While some are residential areas, a few have been converted into entertainment and cultural islands. Some islands of Abu Dhabi are also known for their natural beauty and attractions. Here we talk about the top 10 islands in Abu Dhabi and the attractions they offer.
1. Yas Island
Abu Dhabi’s most popular island is undoubtedly Yas Island. Located around 20 minutes from the city center of Abu Dhabi, Yas Island is a premium entertainment and leisure hub loved by residents and tourists alike. The island is home to some of the coolest theme parks, beaches, water parks, restaurants, hotels, and more. In short, you can easily have a complete family holiday in Yas Island itself without getting bored even once.
Best Attractions: Yas Island has something for family, adventure seekers, and luxury travelers.
- Ferrari World is the star attraction of Yas Island. This Formula-One theme park has some of the fastest and most thrilling rides. With Ferrari World tickets, you can ride on Formula Rossa, one of the fastest rollercoasters in the world and many such rides.
- One of the best family-friendly attractions on this island is Yas Waterworld. It is the biggest water park in Abu Dhabi. With Yas Waterworld tickets, you can check out amazing slides, pools, and rides.
- If you are traveling with kids, a visit to Warner Bros. World is a must. An indoor theme park, the zones, attractions, and rides at Warner Bros. World are based on DC comics and movies.
- Then there is SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, which is more than an aquarium. It is a marine life theme park. Apart from getting to see and know underwater animals, you also get to enjoy the fun rides at SeaWorld.
- Apart from all these, the Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Beach, Yas Mall, etc., are some of the must-visit places here. Yas Island also has numerous casual and fine dining restaurants.
2. Saadiyat Island
Just like Yas Island can be called the entertainment capital of Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island is its cultural and luxury capital. A 10-20-minutes-drive from downtown Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island is known for its world-class cultural attractions and high-end hotels and resorts. The island is also known for its immense natural beauty in the form of some of the most stunning beaches of the island.
Attractions: Saadiyat Island is a must-visit for cultural enthusiasts and luxury seekers. It is the perfect holiday spot for couples, although there are plenty of attractions and activities for families as well.
- The crowning glory of Saadiyat Island is Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Middle Eastern counterpart of the renowned French museum. A part of the Saadiyat Cultural District, you will get to see masterpieces from the ancient times to the modern ones here. The structure of Louvre Abu Dhabi in itself makes the place worth visiting. Book the Louvre Abu Dhabi tickets online to gain entry into the museum without waiting in long queues.
- Another much awaited museum on Saadiyat Island is Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. While it is still under development, the announcement of its opening has piqued the interests of cultural and historical enthusiasts all over the world.
- Those looking for a relaxing holiday, Saadiyat Beach is the one for you. A picturesque beach, Saadiyat Beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and making sandcastles with your kids.
- While there is no dearth of premium restaurants and dining experiences here, the Saadiyat Beach Club is perhaps the coolest place to hang out on this island.
- The island is committed to nature conservation, and you will find plenty of hawksbill turtle nesting sites here.
3. Sir Bani Yas Island
Sir Bani Yas Island is located 170 km southwest of Downtown Abu Dhabi. The island is known for its natural beauty, eco-friendly luxury resorts, and adventure. You will also find interesting historical sites in the UAE here. In fact, you can join a heritage tour to know more about the area’s history.
Attractions: If you want a holiday where you can spend time in nature without the hustle and bustle of the city, this is the place to be. This is the perfect place for people who love both luxury and sustainability.
- The most important attraction on Sir Bani Yas Island is the Arabian Wildlife Park. Known to be one of the largest wildlife reserves in the Middle East, you can enjoy a wildlife safari to see animals like gazelles, cheetahs, Arabian oryx, deer, giraffes, and many other endangered animals thriving in their natural habitat.
- One of the historical attractions here is the remains of the Sir Bani Yas Church & Monastery, which dates back to the 7th century.
Plenty of outdoor adventures await you at this island, including snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, mountain biking, and more.
4. Al Maryah Island
Al Maryah Island is a top-notch business hub of Abu Dhabi. But if you look from the tourist perspective, the island is one of the premium leisure and lifestyle avenues of the emirate. Be it luxury shopping or a pampering session at a spa, you will get to enjoy some upscale experiences at Al Maryah Island. The island is ideal for urban explorers and luxury travelers. Food lovers would also have a great time here, thanks to the innumerable restaurants available on this island.
Attractions: An integral part of Central Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island is known for its waterfront promenade and numerous high-end restaurants, shopping malls, and boutiques.
- The Galleria Mall is one of the most lavish shopping malls in Abu Dhabi for retail therapy. The mall is brimming with stores of international brands and premium boutiques to shop from. You will also find plenty of cafes and restaurants that serve a variety of food and drinks here.
- The waterfront promenade on Al Maryah Island is a cool place to hangout in Abu Dhabi. With the view of the city skyline and the glistening Arabian Gulf, you can enjoy leisurely walks along with drinks and dinner at the restaurants and lounges here.
- Sports, fitness, and adventure seekers must take the chance to explore the numerous sports facilities and outdoor activities available on this island.
5. Hudayriyat Island
Abu Dhabi’s Southwest coast Island, Hudayriyat Island is the perfect holiday destination who are looking forward to an active holiday filled with adventure and fun. The island is touted as the best sports and leisure destination in Abu Dhabi, with so many sports and adventurous activities waiting to be explored.
Attractions: Hudayriuat island is the perfect holiday destination for young travelers, especially those who are traveling in groups. Families that love outdoor activities would also have a good time here and so would adventure enthusiasts and fitness lovers.
- Hudayriyat Beach is one of the popular places to hangout on the island. Apart from a beautiful white sand beach, you can indulge in water sports like swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding here. The beach is perfect for playing football and volleyball as well.
- The sports infrastructure on this island is world-class, and you get to try an amazing array of sports activities here. There are courts for volleyball, football, tennis, basketball, etc., here. You will find ample amount of cycling, walking, and jogging paths on this island.
- The island has an artificial wave pool, where people can enrol for surfing lessons.
6. Al Reem Island
Al Reem Island is where a modern city meets peace and serenity. Located off the northeastern coast of central Abu Dhabi, Al Reem Island is the epitome of modern, luxurious living. The sparkling skyline with towering skyscrapers is what await you on this island. With waterfront views and lavish amenities, Al Reem Island is ideal for city travelers and families, especially those staying in Abu Dhabi for a longer duration.
Attractions: Al Reem Island is the perfect place to spend quality time with family and friends in the evening, either on a leisurely walk or perhaps indulging in a few of the activities available here.
- Reem Central Park is at the center of all the activities on this island. The park has sports courts, kids’ play areas, jogging tracks, and skate parks. There are also shaded spots where you can enjoy a picnic.
- You will also see a mangrove park here, which you can explore while paddleboarding and kayaking.
- The waterfront promenade on the island is ideal for leisurely walks, cycling, jogging, and watching a gorgeous sunset.
- Al Reem Island has a pretty beach where you can lounge on the sand while your kids play in the water and make sandcastles.
- There is also the Shams Boutik Mall, where you can shop, dine, and indulge in the numerous entertainment avenues.
7. Dalma Island
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Dalma Island is different from the other Abu Dhabi islands. Archaeological evidence suggests that it is one of the oldest inhabited islands of the country. This is where you can get to know the history and the ancient cultural roots of the place. Dalma Island is apt for history seeks, cultural enthusiasts, and nature lovers.
Attractions: Diving into the old history of the place is one of the best things to do in Dalma Island. You will get to know about the traditional Emirati life and the Emiratis old occupations of fishing and pearl diving.
- The Dalma Museum is the first place you must visit on this island. Here, you will learn about the region and its history and culture through the different exhibits that showcase old photographs and artifacts.
- You must also check out the old-style architecture of this place through old mosques, well, and coral-stone houses.
- Dalma Island is the perfect way to see the traditional way of life of the region, which is still prevalent here. You will get to visit small villages where the residents live in traditional Bedouin homes, shop at modest souks, and indulge in pearl diving and fishing for a living.
- The beaches of Dalma Island are beautiful and calm, ideal for viewing a peaceful sunset.
8. Al Lulu Island
Al Lulu Island is one of the lesser-known islands of Abu Dhabi. Located parallelly to the Abu Dhabi Corniche Beach, Al Lulu Island is the best place to enjoy the panoramic view of the Abu Dhabi skyline. While the island is well-developed, it has a serene atmosphere, apt for some relaxing time.
Attractions: The most interesting thing about Al Lulu Island is that you can reach this island only by ferry. You can take a private boat from the front of Marina Mall to reach this place.
- The beach of Lulu Island is popular mostly for its water sports. This is the perfect place to enjoy thrilling water sports, especially jet skiing. You can easily rent a jet ski here to try this adventure water sport.
- The beach is also great for swimming and also for simply hanging out with family and friends.
- Freshwater lakes, parks for kids, and sports areas are all available on this island.
- Lulu Island offers picture-perfect landscapes for nature photographers.
9. Al Maya Island
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If there is one island that can be considered the hidden gem of Abu Dhabi, it has to be Al Maya Island. In reality, it is a private resort island known for its beautiful beaches and luxury resort services. To reach the island, you have to go on a boat ride for 12 minutes, which begins at the pier next to Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana.
Attractions: Al Maya Island refers to Al Maya Island & Resort in Abu Dhabi, which is a hotel with all kinds of amenities and facilities to ensure that you have a memorable holiday.
- At the center of everything is the private white sand beach known for its tranquil blue waters. You can simply relax, swim in its waters, or indulge in water sports, including kayaking. Even if you are not a guest at the resort, you can access the beach for a fee.
- Banana boat rides, jet skiing, wave boarding, and other water sports are also available here.
- While the island is beautiful, it is also filled with wildlife. You may get to see gazelles roaming freely around the island.
- At the resort, there is a horizon pool equipped with sunbeds and cabanas from where you can enjoy the view of the sea.
10. Al Futaisi Island
If you want to spend a day in the lap of nature without any urban distractions, Al Futaisi Island is for you. You can also choose to spend a couple of days here, as the place has some amazing luxury resorts as well. To reach the island, you will have to take a speedboat, private boat, or yacht, as there are no bridges or roads connecting to the main island of Abu Dhabi.
Attractions: A variety of attractions await you on Al Futaisi Island and is perfect for a family-friendly holiday.
- The scenic beaches of Al Futaisi Island are the highlight of your visit. You can lounge here and sunbathe in Abu Dhabi’s perfect beach weather.
- Adrenaline lovers can take part in water sports available here like snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and jet skiing.
- The place also offers eco-adventures like exploring mangrove areas and bird habitats.
- The island is also a great place to indulge in recreational fishing.
Conclusion
There is no dearth of islands in Abu Dhabi for tourists. All you have to do is pick an island that caters to your interests. Whichever island you choose, you are sure to have a fun and memorable time.
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