Read all about these stunning islands of Abu Dhabi that not many know about.
Aside from the beauty of Abu Dhabi’s mainland, the Emirate has a large number of beautiful islands just off its coast. They are accessible by car, ferry, or renting private boats.
Home to historical sites, luxurious hotels, and even a national nature reserve, these islands in Abu Dhabi are a wonderful getaway from the bustle of city life while still experiencing the beauty of Abu Dhabi!
Here are some of the off the beaten track islands worth exploring around Abu Dhabi.
Delma Island
This island was once an important stop in the Abu Dhabi pearl trade. Today, it is home to Dalma Museum (formerly Al Meraikhi Old House) that commemorates this trade in the country’s history.
Located 219 kilometres from Abu Dhabi, Dalma Island is one of the oldest inhabited islands in Abu Dhabi and the UAE and is considered an important historical site.
It has date-juice factories where you can learn more about this important desert-dry fruit and religious buildings like Al Dossary and Al Mohannadi, where you can glimpse Arab and Islamic
Accessible by ferry form the port of Jebel Dhanna it is a perfect day trip to enjoy fabulous beaches and soak in the culture.
Dolphin Island
This island in Abu Dhabi can be reached by renting private ferries of tour companies that normally charge around AED 100 per person or AED 3200 for a private charter.
Dolphin Island’s sandbank is a sight for sore eyes where you can frolic in the sand in the middle of the ocean. Although the sighting of dolphins here isn’t guaranteed, the crystal-clear waters promise wonderful snorkeling experiences.
Snorkeling at Dolphin Island is typically priced at AED 400 for adults and AED 250 for children, inclusive of the boat ride and refreshments.
Captain Tony’s boat tours are the ones to get in touch with to arrange a trip to this island paradise.
Marawah Island
With some of the oldest human-made structures in the Gulf, Marawah Island in Abu Dhabi is an important archaeological site. Ancient houses, stone tools and even water catchment systems have been found here that have helped in understanding how ancient civilisations in this area once lived.
Located 100 kilometers from the city, Marawah Island is popular amongst fisherman. You’d enjoy the beautiful mangroves and sheltered shorelines here as you soak in the island’s history.
The oldest known natural pearl in the world has been discovered by Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi archaeologists working at a Neolithic site on Marawah Island, just off the coast of Abu Dhabi.
Al Maya Island
This island is privately operated by Abu Dhabi Country Club, which means that there are entry fees. A day trip to Al Maya Island is priced at around AED 250, which includes the cruise, beach access and club access for their facilities.
Al Maya Island is located approximately 9 kilometers from the city. It’s one of the largest islands in Abu Dhabi, and it’s popular for camping and barbeques on the beach. If you’d like to spend more than a day here, there are villas on rent too.
Zaya Nurai Island
In the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf, to the east of the Abu Dhabi coastline, lies Zaya Nurai Island. A short 15-minute boat ride from the shores of Abu Dhabi, and a 60-minute journey from Downtown Dubai, this lush, secluded island is conveniently accessible from all major travel ports in the UAE.
From the Arabic word ‘nur’ meaning ‘light’, this sun-drenched paradise boasts azure waters, powder-white soft sand beaches, as well as stunning architecture and garden scapes. A blissful retreat for solo travellers, families and couples seeking peace and tranquillity, the idyllic Zaya Nurai Island is home to unparalleled and uninterrupted Arabian Gulf views.
A jewel in Abu Dhabi’s crown, this private island is home to an ultra-luxurious resort with a 32-bed all-villa hotel and five fantastic restaurants, including Frangipani, Hooked, Dusk, Smokin’ Pineapple and Ginger Mermaid. Restaurants are open to residents and non-residents alike.
Dining reservations must be made in advance, and if you’re not staying at the resort you’ll be pleased to know that dine-in bookings include complimentary boat transfers to and from the island.
Sir Bani Yas Island
This stunning nature reserve island is best known as a luxury holiday resort, boasting as it does three high-end Anantara resorts. But did you know this little wildlife haven, 170km south of the city and 9km offshore from Jebel Dhana, can also be visited for a day trip?
A basic day package costing from Dhs500 includes lunch and a wildlife and nature drive, while those feeling flush can sign up for a Seawings seaplane trip from the city.
Buried for centuries, a church and monastery was discovered in the early 1990s on Sir Bani Yas Island illuminate the evidence of early Christianity in the region. Open to the public, this is the UAE’s only known ancient Christian site. Read our full article here.
Bu Tinah Island
Recognized by the UN as one of the Indian Ocean’s most important turtle sanctuaries, Bu Tinah, 150km off Abu Dhabi’s West coast, is now under environmental protection. Home to two endangered species, the green and hawksbill turtle.
Bu Tinah is actually a cluster of islands and shoals, joined or almost so at low water, with nowhere greater than two or three meters above sea level.
The main island has a sheltered lagoon opening to the south with the low energy environment permitting stands of mature mangrove to flourish. Even birds like the Socotra cormorant are found here.
There are also healthy coral reef habitats with as many as 16 species of coral recorded in the area. The reefs survive in conditions that would kill coral species in other parts of the world. The waters of the Persian Gulf are among the most saline in the world, as well as among the warmest.
Al Samaliya Island
Just five minutes’ drive from Al Raha Beach Hotel lies this isolated, peaceful island that’s been turned into a nature reservation. Among the exotic wildlife that occupies the island are ostriches, emus, lizards, gazelles and wildfowl.
The island is managed by the Emirates Heritage Club, and it’s worth checking with them before heading out there, because it is private property. But if you get the all clear, you’ll find one of the most idyllic and culture-filled islands in the vicinity, perfect for wandering around and gazing at the stunning variety of wildlife. Al Samaliya is easily reached by a five-minute power boat journey from Al Raha Beach Hotel.
That’s our roundup of some of the amazing islands surrounding Abu Dhabi that are really worth a visit.
