In addition to its natural beauty, the emirate ofAbu Dhabi boasts several beautiful islands just off its coast.
They are accessible by car, ferry or private boat hire.
Home to historic sites, luxury hotels and even a national nature reserve, these Abu Dhabi islands are a wonderful getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life.
I'll take you there in this article!
Abu Dhabi Islands: article summary
Abu Dhabi Islands: Yas Island
It's one of the most popular islands in France.Abu Dhabi and one of the few islands accessible by car. During your journey, you can enjoy the magnificent waters on either side of the freeway. Yas Island is extremely commercial, as it is home not only to the Yas Viceroy hotel, but also to the Yas Marina circuit, Yas Waterworld and Ferrari World.
Yas Links Abu Dhabi, a golf club designed by renowned architect Kyle Philips, has been named one of the city's best golf clubs. However, I prefer to warn you, it's very busy at weekends!
Saadiyat Island
This island is the cultural center of Abu Dhabi. Easily accessible by car, you can embrace culture thanks to the Louvre Abu Dhabi which houses over 500 works of art and artifacts celebrating world history and religion, and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
The island boasts iconic buildings such as Manarat Al Saadiyat and the United Arab Emirates Pavilion, and the promenade hosts Abu Dhabi's annual boutique art fair.
Abu Dhabi Islands: Dalma Island
This island was once an important stopover in the pearl trade of the United Arab Emirates. Today, it is home to the Dalma Museum, which commemorates this trade in the country's history. Located 219 kilometers from Abu Dhabi, Dalma Island is one of the oldest inhabited islands in Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates.
It has date juice factories where you can learn more about this important dried fruit of the desert. You'll also find religious buildings like Al Dossary and Al Mohannadi, where you can see Arab and Islamic architecture in all its splendor. The island of Dalma is a place where ideal for enjoying Emirati culture.
Happiness Island
As you might have gathered from its name, it's the perfect island for a good time. Previously a private island, Happiness Island has now been converted into a seaside resort. With an infinity pool and Jacuzzi facing the sea, it's a great place to relax.
You can stay here in one of their 26 glamorous villas and enjoy a day of Pilates, aquagym and a range of water sports. Access to this Abu Dhabi island is limited, but you can purchase annual and monthly subscriptions to ensure regular visits. They even have women-only Saturdays, which would make excellent girls' nights out.
Abu Dhabi Islands: Dolphin Island
You can reach this island from Abu Dhabi by hiring private ferries from travel agencies, which normally charge about AED 40 (€10) per person. Dolphin Island's sandbar is a sight to behold. You can also frolic on the sand in the middle of the ocean.
Although dolphin sightings here are not guaranteed, the crystal-clear waters promise wonderful snorkeling experiences. Snorkeling on Dolphin Island usually costs AED 400 (€100) for adults and AED 250 (€64) for children. Price includes boat trip and refreshments.
Sir Bani Yas Island
Often confused with Yas Island, Abu Dhabi's Sir Bani Yas Island is a natural wildlife reserve. Located 170 kilometers from the city, it regularly hosts safaris where you can see over 13,000 animals.
It's also the location of three upscale seaside resorts where you can enjoy horseback riding, archery and, of course, water sports on the island's beaches.
Abu Dhabi Islands: Al Maya Island
Operated by the Abu Dhabi Country Club, there is an entrance fee to reach this island. A day trip to Al Maya Island costs around AED 100 (€25). This price includes the cruise, access to the beach and access to the club's facilities.
Al Maya Island lies approximately 9 kilometers from the city. It is one of Abu Dhabi's largest islands, and is popular for camping and beach barbecues. If you'd like to spend more than a day here, there are also villas for rent.
Abu Dhabi is surrounded by magnificent natural islands. During your stay, I recommend you visit one of them. You'll be able to try your hand at life on an almost-deserted island!
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