For those who might not know, Abu Dhabi isn’t your typical city. Not only is it one of the wealthiest cities in the world, but it also offers a distinct geography unlike any other. Located on the southeastern side of the Arabian peninsula, the city is set across a series of islands, most of which are inhabited and connected to the mainland by an interlinked network of highways and bridges. With more than ten distinct islets, each with its own unique selling points, there is something for everyone on the Abu Dhabi archipelago. These are the best islands in Abu Dhabi.
Yas Island
Arguably the most well-known island in the capital, Yas Island is the go-to location for top-class sporting events and concerts. Each year, the island hosts the last race of the Formula One season; a weekend steeped in prestige and exclusivity. Not only do visitors and residents get to see the apex of the F1 season, but the weekend also attracts a who’s who of celebrities, in addition to entertainment provided by some of the world’s greatest acts. In 2024, Eminem played on the Saturday evening after qualifying, while Shania Twain and Foo Fighters played the year before.
Yas Island is also home to the Etihad Arena, which hosts top-class events such as UFC, in addition to boxing – Floyd Mayweather has fought at the stadium in the past – as well as touring bands such as Guns ‘n Roses, who featured at the venue in 2023.
With the top-class Yas Links Abu Dhabi golf course, which hosts the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championships, visitors can take advantage of high-end hotels such as the Hilton, W Abu Dhabi and the Radisson Blu. The island is also home to three top-class theme parks, which add to the family-friendly atmosphere of the island.
With all this and more, Yas Island has a strong claim for the title of Abu Dhabi’s best island.
Saadiyat Island
A hotspot of culture, Saadiyat Island is home to esteemed venues such as Louvre Abu Dhabi and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. The Abrahamic Family House functions as the very first interfaith building of its kind in the world, incorporating the Eminence Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque, St.Francis Church, and Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue. The island is also home to Zayed National Museum, which stands as a huge cultural landmark.
Life moves a touch slower on this islet – located north of the main part of the city – and in addition to the world-class museums on offer, the island is also home to some exceptional beach resorts.
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island, Saadiyat Rotana and Jumeirah Saadiyat Island all offer exclusive resort-style accommodations, in addition to some of the best amenities in the city. Also home to Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Al Saadiyat Island is the place to be for those who value a slightly more relaxed atmosphere.
Al Reem Island
Primarily a residential island, Al Reem represents a core area for high-net-worth individuals. The island offers excellent infrastructure and access to amenities, positioning it as an outstanding choice for those looking to buy property in the city.
It boasts unparalleled access to surrounding islands, with multiple bridge crossings to Al Maryah Island, in addition to Umm Yifenah Island and Abu Dhabi Island. The neighbourhood also features Al Fay Park and Reem Central Park, ideal for those with young families. Reem Mall and Paragon Bay Mall further enhance the area, while a range of top-class restaurants can be found hidden among the island’s waterfront promenades and residential enclaves.
Developments such as Reem Hills and One Reem Island are just a couple of the most in-demand projects on the island, with plenty of properties selling for upwards of AED 15,000,000. All of this combines to position Al Reem Island as arguably the best offshore residential location in the city.
Al Maryah Island
Al Maryah is to shopping and retail what Saadiyat is to culture. The island is home to The Galleria – a vast complex housing Galleria Mall and high-end hotels such as Rosewood Abu Dhabi and Four Seasons Abu Dhabi. With a range of top-class restaurants including Zuma, 99 Sushi Bar, Bentley Kitchen and Butcher & Still, the island is well-stocked when it comes to places to eat.
Galleria Mall itself stands as one of the best shopping destinations in the whole city. Brands such as Gucci, Hermes, Chanel and Cartier can all be found here – the ideal day out for those looking to treat themselves to something nice.
Abu Dhabi Global Market – located in The Galleria complex – functions as the capital’s answer to DIFC in Dubai; a major regional financial hub responsible for some of the country’s biggest real estate and business deals.
Al Maryah Island is also one of the city’s locales that has been earmarked as a future enclave for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and is currently undergoing various development projects. For those looking to invest in property in Abu Dhabi, there are much worse options than Al Maryah Island.
Al Hudayriat Island
Similar to Saadiyat Island but a little less developed, Al Hudayriat is ideal for those looking for recreation and leisure activities. The island is home to various campsites such as Bab Al Nojoum, as well as beaches and heritage trails, serving as the perfect location to take a load off while still within easy reach of the city. Circuit X Adventure Park is an adventure sports centre which offers a range of adrenaline-inducing activities – a great option for those with children.
Mangrove Marine National Park
While not accessible by road, Mangrove Marine National Park is surrounded by water, and thus qualifies as one of the best islands in Abu Dhabi thanks to its abundance of wildlife.
The park boasts a wide variety of bird species, which stop off on their migration journey thanks to the feeding potential of the area. With a massive seasonal population of Greater Flamingo in excess of 4,000, the island is best seen by kayak – which can be rented in two-hour slots from nearby hotels.
Sir Baniyas Island
Located in the Arabian Gulf, more than an hour away from the city, Sir Baniyas Island is only accessible by air or sea and as such, boasts a pristine natural environment.
The island is home to some of the country’s most stunning wildlife, most important historical sites and some of the most picturesque resorts. More than half of this unique area has been dedicated to the preservation of wildlife, through the designation of the Arabian Wildlife Park which houses more than 17,000 free-roaming animals. Home to a huge population of oryx, giraffes, gazelles, hyenas and even cheetahs, Sir Baniyas is the sort of place that simply demands attention. Guests can experience the wildlife through nature safaris, which can be booked from Danat Resort Jebel Dhanna on the mainland.
The island is also home to the UAE’s only discovered Christian monastery, thought to be more than 1,400 years old, but long since abandoned.
Whether you're drawn to the cultural richness of Saadiyat, the retail and entertainment options on Al Maryah, or the residential charm of Al Reem, Abu Dhabi’s islands each offer a unique experience. Together, they form a diverse and dynamic cityscape where modern living meets natural beauty and heritage. Ultimately, the best island comes down to what you value most – be it lifestyle, leisure, or location. One thing is certain: in Abu Dhabi, there’s an island to suit every taste.
