Part of the archipelago surrounding the UAE’s capital city, Al Maryah Island has, over the past decade or so, positioned itself as one of the city’s most talked-about districts. A strong up-and-coming area, the island benefits from its strategic location just moments from Downtown Abu Dhabi, while showcasing a highly exclusive lifestyle replete with luxury retail offerings, a strong waterfront appeal and centralised business links. Read on to discover all you need to know about Al Maryah Island, one of Abu Dhabi’s most sophisticated neighbourhoods.
Al Maryah: A Brief History
Previously known as Sowwah Island, Al Maryah has, historically, been uninhabited, functioning as a sandbank northwest of the city. In 2012, amid a strong rebranding effort, the area changed its name and a robust period of redevelopment was launched. Taking its new name from the native Al Maryah Arabian Deer, which calls the area home, the island covers an impressive 114 hectares (more than 200 football fields).
Construction of the area we now know as Abu Dhabi Global Market Square began in 2007, and the area has steadily grown to become an integral part of the island, representing a major Middle Eastern financial hub comparable to that of DIFC in Dubai. The complex also extended to The Galleria, which we will discuss at length in the next section.
Despite these significant initiatives, the area as a whole remains somewhat undeveloped when compared with other areas of the city, with more projects set for development in the coming years.
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Al Maryah’s Amazing Attractions
The island is home to a number of first-rate attractions, many of which are housed in the renowned complex known as The Galleria.
The facility presents Galleria Mall, an expansive shopping centre home to a variety of high-class boutiques, retail outlets and entertainment options. From Cartier to Chanel and Patek Phillipe to Prada, the mall is home to a who’s who of globally renowned brands.
Al Maryah Central offers shoppers another refined option. Designed as a multi-level vertical retail experience, the facility is housed around a central plaza and boasts major department stores, an open-air food hall with almost 150 dining options, a multi-screen cinema and a rooftop park, among other things.
Furthermore, the island is home to the Al Maryah Island Promenade, a lengthy 5.4km stretch ideal for those looking to get some steps in. The walkway offers sweeping views back across the water towards Abu Dhabi and presents plenty of restaurants and cafes from which to enjoy the view.
Greenery is a key feature of the cay, and families can enjoy the verdant parks on offer. Al Maryah Island Family Park sits at the southern edge of the islet and features a children’s play area, while Family Park Galleria – located on level 2 of Galleria Mall – presents family-friendly fun for all.
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An Area of Delectable Dining
Given its status as one of the most exclusive districts in the city, this exclusive enclave boasts some of the most inspiring dining options in Abu Dhabi.
If Japanese food is your thing, then the district is well stocked, with two exceptional offerings in the form of 99 Sushi Bar and Zuma. These Michelin-listed restaurants both offer a captivating range of seafood, which will leave you seeking out the next free evening in your schedule.
Coya offers a delightful taste of Peruvian cuisine, while La Petit Maison (LPM) brings a touch of French flair to proceedings. As one might imagine, the dining options don’t stop there, and there are plenty of other Michelin-recommended restaurants on this waterside refuge, including the meateaters' haven Butcher & Still – located in The Four Seasons hotel – as well as the impeccable Almayass, a Lebanese-American fusion eatery. In addition, Cafe Milano, Dai Pai Dong and Em Sherif Sea Café all stand proud as fine Al Maryah Island options.
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Where to Stay on This Seafront Community
In a city replete with exceptional hotel options, Al Maryah Island stands tall. The Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island offers world-class lodgings, with some outstanding amenities within the complex. Those who choose to stay at this esteemed hotel can expect impeccable service amid sophisticated surroundings. The pick of the offerings is almost certainly the Premier Four Seasons Executive Suite, which boasts wood floors, elegant decor and separate living, dining and sleeping areas. The hotel also offers day excursions, such as the Desert Safari Tour and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Tour.
Just down the promenade sits The Rosewood Abu Dhabi, another fine option for those looking for high-end lodgings. A palatial luxury hotel, the facility offers no fewer than nine restaurants and bars, ten event spaces and of course, a majestic swimming pool and spa facilities. The sleeping quarters are just as impressive, with the Royal Suite providing the best the hotel has to offer. Set across almost 4,000 sq.ft., this captivating room simply has to be seen to be believed.
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Reimagined Island Living
While Al Maryah Island is still undergoing development, the long-term vision is for it to become Abu Dhabi’s new central business district. The area already features a number of established financial and retail hubs, and with several premium residential projects emerging in recent years, the island is poised to welcome a growing number of residents.
Projects such as Al Maryah Vista, The Four Seasons Private Residences and the St Regis Residences are just some of the exclusive projects on offer, but with many more developments scheduled to break ground in the coming years, the area will soon be known as one of the most exclusive residential areas in not just the city, but the UAE as a whole.
Final Thoughts
Al Maryah Island has gone from strength to strength in recent years. The area is now seen as a strong competitor to Abu Dhabi’s traditional financial and residential areas. And with more to come in the next few years, the neighbourhood offers strong investment potential.
For those looking to expand their portfolio, the district has several off-plan projects currently underway, and with the island earmarked as the next big thing where Abu Dhabi neighbourhoods are concerned, there are many worse options available.
