Beyond Yas Island: A Guide to Abu Dhabi’s Best Island Getaways in 2026

Sir Bani Yas Island is  the largest island off the coast of Abu Dhabi and was a former private island belonging to the founder of the UAE. As a result of  decades of hard work by conservationists, it now provides habitats  to thousands of  free-roaming animals. 

The place proudly belongs to a bird sanctuary and also a wildlife reserve. Sir Bani Yas is a suitable location to explore Mother Nature via  activities such as safaris, , biking, sports activities like archery, and adventures like hiking, snorkeling, and kayaking.

There are so many activities to do on Sir Bani Yas Island! From cultural tours to nature-based adventures like mountain biking,  safari adventures, and activities like  pearl diving too! The wildlife reserve is a habitat for  multiple species of wild animals, like the Arabian Oryx, Somali ostrich, gazelle, deer, giraffes and dolphins.

As per the information of the Abu Dhabi administration’s environmental agency, the island is open throughout the year. But if you want to explore it, you must visit the Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara. You must be a guest of Anantara’s Desert Islands Resort & Spa in order to enjoy the island. The island is located two and a half hours south of Abu Dhabi city—and you must drive to the Jebel Danna port, and a ferry can be taken from there to the island.
 

Al Maryah Island, formerly known as Sowwah Island, is also an artificial island like Yas Island, and the island’s area is 114 hectares. The island is located in the central point of  Abu Dhabi, and it is considered the city's Central Business District (CBD) and a major destination for tourists who are seeking a difference in life and also considered the lifestyle destination.

Key aspects of Al Maryah Island: a financial hub, a lifestyle and entertainment location, luxury accommodation, and there is cultural significance in the place too. This island gives luxury accommodation and hotel facilities and also  serviced apartments.

This location is conveniently connected by four bridges to the Abu Dhabi mainland, and it can be easily accessed. It will take 5 minutes from the city center and 30 minutes from the international airport to reach here.
The island is seamlessly blending city with coastal vibes. High-end shopping, waterfront dining, art, and culture.

There are gallerias and culinary hotspots in the area, and many are interested in those and can be considered as tourists` attractions too.
This location is suitable to spend the leisure  without leaving city comforts.
 

The island was  located in Abu Dhabi’s southwestern coast. Hudayriyat Island gives a quiet coastal lifestyle , and it is well connected to the  city with modern and sophisticated bridges. This valuable location makes residents near key urban areas live in a tranquil island landscape. And the island  exposing them to the city’s comfort too . While respecting the principles of sustainable development, this island design highly aligns with the balance of accessibility, recreation, and retreat.

This is designed for outdoor enthusiasts. In here, there are cycling tracks, kayaking, beaches, festivals, etc.

You can join with evening beachside cafes on this island easily.
Hudayriyat Island is considered Abu Dhabi’s major  leisure and sports destination developed using modern technical methods, and it has a wide range of global-level sports facilities, fulfilling the needs of professional and amateur sportsmen. 

Hudayriyat Island hosts a variety of prestigious sporting events and various functions that provide exclusive memories for sport-loving people.
 

This can be considered as one  of the oldest inhabited islands in the UAE. There are traditional markets, fishing heritage, and historic mosques on this island. The tourists can experience local souks, pearl diving history, community tours, etc., in here. This is good  for people who love the history and the culture.

This is situated near Qatar and Abu Dhabi and  the island is reached  via a daily ferry from Jebel Dhanna or by airplane to Dalma Airport.
This island is  one of the oldest known human settlements. It has more than 20 archaeological sites. Archaeological  findings there are linked to Neolithic-era fossils and pottery.

This is a very peaceful  island with less sounds and external disturbances . Island has a population of around 5000 people.There are local buildings like a hospital, school, and small shops, and it is contrast to the busy city life of Abu Dhabi.

The island is popular among the  nature lovers and it offers  opportunities for leisure activities like camping, fishing, etc.

It is true that  currently this is a very quiet and ideal place to spend leisure time and escape from day-to-day hectic city life; however, there can be changes in the future with the development plans.
 

In an island ecosystem near Abu Dhabi's concrete jungles, the Marawah Biosphere Reserve located. it provides habitat to a broad range of marine  and coastal ecosystems.The biosphere reserve has  mangrove ecosystems, seagrass beds, coral reefs, etc.

This can be considered as the  first of this type of reserve in the UAE. The biosphere reserve currently gives habitats to the majority of the dugong population in Abu Dhabi, and it is considered 60% when compared with the total population. And also you can clearly notice seabirds and humpback and bottlenose dolphins in this ecosystem. There are a lot of animal species living there, and among those there are  four species of marine turtles, 70 species of fish, mangrove species, etc. living there.

When we go to the history, Marawah has  massive  cultural and archaeological importance  in the United Arab Emirates, as more than 20 areas belonging to the Stone Age have been discovered in excavations.

This is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and in here, ecotourism meets marine exploration.

Activities like snorkeling, birdwatching, and sustainability tours can be done here. If you visit there, you should respect conservation zones, and therefore guided tours are highly encouraged in this precious nature reserve.

As Abu Dhabi continuously modifies, evolves, and develops into one of the most compelling destinations in the Middle East region, its islands are also redefining the tourism-based values in Abu Dhabi. Beyond the attractive and eye-awakening entertainment in Yas Island, there is a diverse archipelago that has massive entertainment, cultural, and nature-based values, and in there, we can detect the islands that have financial, entertainment, historical, and environmental values. For travelers, exploring these islands is really insightful, and it’s not just a change of scenes, but gives more complimentary connection with Abu Dhabi.

From the landscapes filled with the wildlife beauty of Sir Bani Yas Island to the eco-sensitive waters of the Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve, Abu Dhabi’s islands display a sense of sustainable development and environmental stewardship, which is most important to the values and priorities of the travelers in the modern era. 

These destinations allow visitors to align with tranquility, joy, nature, and entertainment. Doing activities like kayaking and even just sitting quietly in the sunset quietly reflects the inner feelings of the visitors, and they can contemplate how tranquility and serenity of the mind  are the true luxuries in modern-day life .

The islands, such as Al Maryah and Al Hudayriat, demonstrate Abu Dhabi’s skill in balancing progress with leisure. These destinations offer contemporary wellness, a space for proper leisure time within the city comfort, as well as space for business meetings, etc. For travelers who want the city comfort as well as a space to rest, these islands fulfill all their needs.

Escaping from day-to-day hectic routines and experiencing a difference is also related to Dalma Island. On Dalma Island, we can observe both natural and culturally valuable landscapes . Dalma gives space to view historical sites and also historical occupations like pearl diving. Visiting such destinations improves the travel experience.You can transform a holiday into a historical journey through time here. In 2026, the number of travelers who want to experience this will be higher.

Ultimately, Abu Dhabi’s island getaways allow visitors to create their own way of escape via the unique nature of those islands. Whether it’s a journey full of adventure, a family-based retreat, an interactive journey with nature, a cultural exploration, or a romantic beachfront stay, these islands allow space for every travel style. 

They also highlighting the Abu Dhabi’s broader vision as a destination that values sustainability.
When  you plan your next journey, look beyond Yas Island and open the door to broader islandic escapes in Abu Dhabi. With clever  planning and the right travel guidance from Arabiers, these island escapes can become the major  highlight of your UAE experience.