List of The Best Islands in Abu Dhabi You Should See

Despite being the capital emirate of the UAE, Abu Dhabi is also the largest of the seven emirates in the UAE. The emirate produces 90% of the UAE's oil. It possesses huge oil reservoirs and is among the 10 oil producers of the world. The emirate consists of 200 islands. Some of these Abu Dhabi islands are well developed and easily accessible to visitors. Such islands also provide accommodation, entertainment and leisure facilities for residents and tourists visiting this emirate. Most of the Abu Dhabi islands are flat, vacant and deserted. The state government is developing a proper strategy to construct them to provide modern lifestyle facilities. The emirate is making tremendous progress in building infrastructure and other facilities to transform it into a luxurious living place. Abu Dhabi is also the name of the city, located on a huge island connected to the mainland of the UAE via two bridges: Maqta and Mussafah. Abu Dhabi International Airport is located on the mainland of the United Arab Emirates. Most of the larger Abu Dhabi islands, located close to the main city, are well-developed to provide business, trade, accommodation, and entertainment facilities for both residents and tourists. The emirate has several untouched, beautiful beaches and wildlife sanctuaries.

Well-known Abu Dhabi Islands

Below is a list of famous Abu Dhabi Islands that have become a favourite choice among people visiting this emirate for accommodation or tourism purposes. Most of these Abu Dhabi Islands are easily accessible, and tourists can enjoy camping events, boat trips, exciting adventure trips, and other cultural sightseeing.

Yas Island

Yas Island has emerged as a sports and leisure activity spot hub among the Abu Dhabi Islands. It is just 30 minutes away from the main island of the emirate. It is known as the land of theme parks. Yas Marina Circuit and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix are a few remarkable must-visit places in this region.

Yas Island offers thrilling entertainment featuring world-renowned theme parks, including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi, and Yas Waterworld. Visitors can also relax on the island's breathtaking, pristine sandy beaches, which offer stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. Beyond entertainment and relaxation, Yas Island offers a vibrant lifestyle with diverse dining options, shopping malls, and luxurious hotels. Its convenient location just a short drive from Abu Dhabi city centre ensures easy access to business and cultural attractions.

Saadiyat Island

Saadiyat Island is located just 500m away from the coast of the main island of Abu Dhabi. It is such a diverse place offering a unique lifestyle to its residents. It is a multifaceted destination that is a buzzing hub for business and finance, luxury waterfront residences, dazzling architectural structures, thrilling sporting facilities, and perfect sandy beaches with beachfront resorts. Furthermore, this region is well-connected with 12 km of highways, a 10 km light rail network, and three inter-island bridges. This Abu Dhabi Island also has a state-of-the-art communication system that connects it globally. The island is also connected with the mainland via two major highway bridges.

Saadiyat Island offers a desirable lifestyle. It is known for its beautiful beaches, cultural sites, and excellent facilities that blend nature with modern luxury. People looking to buy homes or invest in Saadiyat Island find it appealing for several reasons. Its location near Abu Dhabi and its main roads make travel easy. It is a cultural centre with places like the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The Saadiyat Island is also known as the "Island of Happiness" and hosts elite resorts, like St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort and Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort.

Sir Bani Yas Island

Sir Bani Yas Island is considered the largest natural island in Abu Dhabi. It is also the main component of Desert Island’s complex. It has a huge wildlife reserve, the Arabian Wildlife Park, home to over 10,000 animals. The Park has occupied more than half of the island's area. Visitors can get close to animals like Arabian Oryx, Giraffes, Gazelles, Cheetahs and Hyenas. Tourists can also enjoy cruise and sail trips on the Arabian Gulf. The world’s first zero-emission buses also run bus trips around the Isle and enable guests to explore beautiful landscapes.

Sir Bani Yas Island offers many adventure activities. It offers guided tours that allow you to snorkel to see coral reefs and sea creatures. Adventure activities like kayaking or paddleboarding let you explore mangrove forests. Another activity, like biking across mountains and savannas, allows close views of nature and wildlife. 

Delma Island

Delma Island is one of the oldest islands in Abu Dhabi. It was once the most important pearl diving centre in the UAE. It also provides evidence of palm cultivation in the region. A good supply of fresh water has made this region surprisingly fertile for producing various plants. It is a national treasure with a 7,500-year history. Moreover, it is also a key part of Desert Island, which provides educational facilities for the nation's development. Students will study courses in English, Tourism, Management and Computing.

Dalma Island is a great place to experience culture and history. You can visit places like the Al Meraikhi House museum to learn about Emirati traditions. The island has old mosques built in the 1800s and 1900s. If you enjoy nature, there are beautiful beaches for relaxing and water activities. You can also go fishing with local people on traditional boats, and the fresh fish is often served in the island's restaurants.

The Desert Islands

The Desert Island is located on the western coast of Abu Dhabi in the Arabian Gulf, a 2.5-hour drive away. It is a collection of eight islands: Sir Bani Yas, Dalma, and six Discovery Islands. The island offers several attractions, accommodation, and educational facilities. The region is still undergoing construction and development. New upcoming projects include lodges and entertainment centres. Developers are continuously working to protect the natural beauty of these islands while enhancing the standard of living for future generations.

Al Reem Island

Al Reem Island is just 600 metres away from Abu Dhabi’s coast. Developers are continually striving to build it as one of the most eye-catching tourist destinations in the world. The island has several super-luxury hotels, restaurants, lush green lawns, museums, amusement parks, and an aquarium. Besides this, it also meets UAE residents' residential, commercial, and business needs. The island has gained world fame after announcing its first free zones in Abu Dhabi.

Al Reem Island offers a variety of recreational activities. Residents and visitors frequently jog or walk along the scenic waterfront promenade. Bicycle rentals are available for exploring the island, which features several malls and retail shops. Residents can find a variety of independent retailers, brands, restaurants, and cafés at Shams BOUTIK Mall, near the Arc Towers. For a more extensive retail experience, Reem Mall is considered one of Abu Dhabi's best and is ideal for detailed retail therapy.

The island also offers cultural attractions that highlight Abu Dhabi’s heritage. Art galleries and cultural centres showcase local artists and their work, often hosting public events. Al Reem Island's proximity to significant cultural sites, such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, 13 minutes away, and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, 22 minutes away,, provides further opportunities for cultural enrichment.

Bu Tinah Island

Bu Tinah Island is located within the extensive Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2001, and is notable for its rich biodiversity. The reserve spans over 4,000 square kilometres and is the region's largest marine biosphere reserve.

Bu Tinah comprises islands and shoals, mostly connected at low tide, with elevations reaching only a few metres above sea level. The main island features a protected southern lagoon, where mature mangrove stands thrive in the low-energy environment. The island's waters support the planet's second-largest population of dugongs, a globally threatened species. 

Approximately 600 of the estimated 3,000 dugongs in the UAE inhabit these waters, and the IUCN lists them as vulnerable. This significant natural area is part of Abu Dhabi’s largest protected zone. Despite high temperature and salinity levels, the island's substantial coral community and the healthy condition of its habitats and species make it a site of considerable scientific interest.

Conclusion

The islands of Abu Dhabi offer attractive landscapes and consistent sunshine, catering to the needs of its business, professional, and residential communities. These destinations also feature premier retail opportunities and world-class resorts for visitors. The government aims to balance city growth with protecting nature and Arab culture. This creates a refined lifestyle that includes modern comforts in a green setting. Abu Dhabi is known for its beautiful waterfront properties and plenty of parks, making it especially attractive for those exploring apartments for sale in Abu Dhabi. This helps the city earn its reputation as the Green State. While each island has a unique character, certain locations have gained significant popularity among residents, expatriates, and tourists seeking unique experiences. 

Exploring these islands provides fun, peaceful, and rewarding experiences. You can visit Yas Island for fun attractions, Saadiyat Island has cultural significance, and Sir Bani Yas offers beautiful nature. These places make any tour of Abu Dhabi even better. They offer different attractions and create lasting memories for everyone, including individuals, couples, and families. You will surely have a unique and memorable vacation on the beautiful Abu Dhabi Islands.

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