Abu Dhabi - plan your vacation on beautiful islands

In addition to the beauty of the Abu Dhabi mainland, the UAE has some beautiful islands off the coast. They are accessible by car, ferry or private boat rental.

There are historic sites, luxury hotels, and even a national nature reserve. These islands are the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city while enjoying the beauty of Abu Dhabi!

Here's a list of the 11 best islands in Abu Dhabi:

Dalma Island

This island was once an important stop on the UAE pearl trade. Today it is home to the Dalma Museum (formerly the Al Meraihi Old House), which perpetuates this profession in the country's history.

Located 219 km from Abu Dhabi, Dalma is one of the oldest inhabited islands in the UAE and is considered an important historical site.

There are date juice factories where you can learn more about this important dry fruit, as well as religious buildings such as Al Dossari and Al Mohannadi, where you can see Arab and Islamic architecture. Dalma Island is a great place to enjoy a slice of culture.

2. Happiness Island

As you must have realized from the name, this island is meant for a good holiday. Formerly a private island, Happiness Island has now become an island resort. With an infinity pool and Jacuzzi overlooking the sea, it's a great place to de-stress.

You can stay here in one of their 26 glamorous Happy Houses and enjoy Pilates classes, aqua aerobics and various water sports.

Access to this island in Abu Dhabi is limited, but annual and monthly memberships can be purchased to ensure regular visits. There are even Saturday afternoons reserved for women, which will allow a great time.

3. Yas Island

This is one of the most popular islands in Abu Dhabi, and one of the few that can be reached by car. It will be a pleasant drive with gorgeous waters on both sides of the highway.

Yas Island is extremely commercial, as it is home not only to the Yas Viceroy Hotel, but also the Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Waterworld and Ferrari World.

Yas Links Abu Dhabi, a golf club designed by renowned architect Kyle Phillips, has been named one of the city's best golf clubs by CNN Travel. You can imagine it's quite crowded on weekends!

4. Saadiyat Island

This island is the cultural center of Abu Dhabi. It is easily accessible by car to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, which houses more than 500 works of art and artifacts on world history and religion, as well as the Guggenheim in Abu Dhabi.

You'll be pleasantly surprised to learn that Saadiyat Island is home to the prestigious institutions of NYU Abu Dhabi and Cranleigh Abu Dhabi. There are iconic buildings such as the Manarat Al Saadiyat and the UAE Pavilion on the island, and the annual Art Abu Dhabi Art Fair is held on the waterfront.

5. Dolphin Island

You can rent private ferries to this island from tour companies, which usually charge around AED 40 per person or AED 3,200 for a private charter. The sandy shore of Dolphin Island is a sight for inflamed eyes, where you can frolic on the sand in the middle of the ocean. Although dolphin watching is not guaranteed here, the crystal clear water promises an amazing snorkeling experience.

Snorkeling on Dolphin Island usually costs AED 400 for adults and AED 250 for children, including boat rides and refreshments.

6. Sir Bani Yas Island

It is often confused with the commercial Yas Island. Sir Bani Yas Island in Abu Dhabi is a nature reserve. Located 170 km from the city, it hosts regular safaris where you can see more than 13,000 animals.

Half of the island is dedicated to a nature reserve. It is the location of 3 elite resorts where you can enjoy horseback riding, archery and, of course, water sports on the clean beaches of the island.

7. Al Maya Island

This island is privately owned by the Abu Dhabi Country Club, which means there are entrance fees. A day trip to Al Maya Island costs about 100 dirhams, which includes a cruise, access to the beach and to the club for its clients.

Al Maya is located about 9 km from the city. It is one of the largest islands in Abu Dhabi and is popular for camping and barbecues on the beach. If you want to spend more than a day here, there are also villas for rent.

8. Marawah Island

Marawa Island in Abu Dhabi, one of the oldest man-made structures in the Persian Gulf, is an important archaeological site. Ancient houses, stone tools and even water catchment systems have been found here, which have helped to understand how ancient civilizations once lived in the area.

Marawa, located 100 km from the city, is popular with fishermen. You will enjoy the beautiful mangroves and sheltered shorelines as you immerse yourself in the history of the island.

9. Al Maryah Island

This island is an important business center in Abu Dhabi. Rosewood Abu Dhabi and the Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi are located along with luxury boutiques and a pedestrian promenade with stunning sunset views.

It is becoming an important business center for the Abu Dhabi Global Market, which is located here. If you want to experience a less crowded version of Abu Dhabi city life, this is the place to go.

10. Al Reem Island

Formerly known as Emirates Pearl Island, Al Reem is a popular commercial and private island in Abu Dhabi. It is one of the fastest developing regions less than 10 years ago. Previously, it was just an island of sand.

It is famous for the architectural landmark Gate Towers, which resembles Stonehenge. It is home to educational institutions such as Paris-Sorbonne. There are no hotels available on Al Reem Island yet, but it is easily accessible by car, cab, and bus.

11. Al Lulu Island

It is an artificial island located 4 km from the city. Since the ferry service to it has been discontinued, visits to Al Lulu Island have drastically decreased, but those who have private boats continue to enjoy its beautiful beaches.

Recent plans for Al Lulu include building a bridge linking it to the mainland and a 1,300-foot tower called the Lulu Towers. Aside from pristine beaches, there are few facilities on the island, so it's a good idea to bring food and other supplies on your trip.

Plan a day on Abu Dhabi's many islands and enjoy the UAE's great deals!