Why the Scenic Islands of Abu Dhabi are So Special?

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE, which holds the #2 position in terms of population after Dubai. From the skylines, beautiful beaches to astonishing islands, Abu Dhabi have it all. There are numerous islands one can see just off the coast. Numerous islands of Abu Dhabi are so close to the city that they are accessible by car.

One can witness the historical site of Abu Dhabi on these islands, the islands are fully equipped with all types of amenities like luxurious hotels, water sports and more. Abu Dhabi Islands have a national nature reserve as well. Let’s jump into the article and find out why the islands of Abu Dhabi are so special.

All About the Scenic Islands of Abu Dhabi

One can see the beauty of the natural as well as the architectural islands, which is away from the busy life of the city. Peace and adventure are guaranteed in the scenic Abu Dhabi Islands.

There are mainly 11 best islands of Abu Dhabi, that looks stunning and are fully equipped amenities.

The scenic Abu Dhabi Islands are as follows:

• Yas Island

Yas Island is one of the most popular islands in Abu Dhabi because it is near to the city. Tourists can access Yas island by car, which is just half an hour away from Abu Dhabi. This island is a commercial place. Yas Island has Marina Circuit, Viceroy Hotel along with The Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld. One of the prominent golf clubs by CNN Travel which was designed by Kyle Philips is also situated in Yas Island. During the weekends, the place gets crowded because it has so much to offer.

• Saadiyat Island

Saadiyat Island is known as the cultural capital of Abu Dhabi. This island is also easily accessible by car. Louvre Abu Dhabi is situated on Saadiyat Island. Louvre Abu Dhabi has more than 600 pieces of artwork and artefacts that celebrate the history of the world and religion.

Moreover, some of the reputed institutions like Cranleigh and NYU Abu Dhabi is situated as well.

• Dalma Island

Dalma island is a historical place in the UAE. In the early period, the island was used for the trade of pearls. However, at the current time, the island has a museum named Dalma Museum. It was formerly known as Al Meraikhi Old House. The museum glorifies the trading history of the state.

Along with the museum, Dalma Island has date juice factories and several religious buildings like Al Dossary and Al Mohannadi on which one can see the beautiful Islamic architecture. The Dalma Island is located 42kms far from the coast of Abu Dhabi.

• Happiness Island

Yes, you heard it right, the Happiness Island. Earlier, this island was private property, but now the island is turned into a resort. The resort offers all the luxurious amenities that provides happiness, such as sea-facing infinity pools, jacuzzis, you name it. 

The happiness island is not like any other island, because the access is limited. However, if you are planning to visit the island regularly, then you can apply for an annual or monthly membership. 

On Saturday, the resort gives access to ladies, making it the right place for girls to have fun to the fullest.

• Sir Bani Yas Island

Don’t get confused between Sir Bani Yas Island and Yas Island. Sir Bani Yas Island is a bit different from Yas Island. Half of the island is dedicated to a wildlife natural reserve. The reserve has more than 15,000 animals. The other half of the island has around 3 luxurious resorts. These resorts offer numerous fun activities like water sports, horse riding and archery to the visitors to make the most out of the time. 

The well maintained Sir Bani Yas Island is located around 180kms far from Abu Dhabi.

• Marawah Island

Marawah Island is the house of the historical heritage of the Gulf. The island is an archaeological site. Archaeologists found the oldest human skeleton in 2004 and several stone tools, ancient houses that gave an understanding of ancient civilisation.

The Marwah island has pleasing mangroves and is also a popular place for fishing. The Island is located around 100kms far from Abu Dhabi.

• Al Lulu Island

Al Lulu Island is an artificial island that covers around 469 hectares took 6 years to finally complete in the year 1992. This incredible island is situated adjacent to the coast of Abu Dhabi. The island is just around 5kms away from the coast. Unfortunately, the ferry service is not operating anymore which resulted in the reduction of the visitor visiting the island.

However, you can visit the island by your private boat, or by rental boat. 

• Al Reem Island

Al Reem is among the fast developing, scenic Abu Dhabi islands, that can be accessed by car. The Island is just 500 m away from the coast of Abu Dhabi. Al Reem Island has private as well as commercial places. The Paris-Sorbonne University is situated on the island. However, Al Reem Island has none of the facilities a decade ago. Unfortunately, there are still no hotels available for the visitors. Earlier, Al Reem Island was used for pearl trading purposes.

• Al Maryah Island

Al Maryah is one of the most luxurious islands of Abu Dhabi one can imagine. The island is fully equipped with amenities. 5-star hotels like Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi and Rosewood Abu Dhabi is situated on Al Maryah Island. This island is also known as the business hub due to the global market of Abu Dhabi, which is also situated on the Island. If you want to visit a less crowded place in Abu Dhabi with beautiful beaches and hotels, then you must visit Al Marya Island.

• Dolphin Island

In case you are wondering as per the name of the island, if you can see actual dolphins, then you guessed it right. The Dolphin Island is situated in the middle of the ocean. You can reach the island by waterways only, as there is no bridge is present that connects Dolphin Island to Abu Dhabi. The water around Dolphin Island is crystal clear, which is ideal for snorkelling and other water activities.

• Al Maya Island

Al Maya Island also known as Sowwah Island is a private island which is operated by the Abu Dhabi Country Club. Visiting the island will cost you an entry fee of around AED 200. The artificial Al Maya Island covers an area of around 114 hectares. The rental villa is also available on Al Maya Island if you wish to stay longer than a day then you can rent them.

Summing Up

The islands of Abu Dhabi are an incredible place to visit as they offer different facilities, that make them so special. Not only the natural but also the artificial island of Abu Dhabi is on the go to have an experience of a lifetime.

The exciting islands are one of a kind. Some are preserved the way they were and some were fully modified. The modification is done as per the need of the people. These modifications give them a calming place they can chill at.

If you are planning to visit the island of Abu Dhabi. The aforementioned details of the island will help you to choose the right one, according to your requirements. 

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