The UAE’s islands range from entertainment hubs linked to the capital by road to a desert wildlife reserve you reach by boat or plane. Most are in Abu Dhabi emirate, which has hundreds of islands, but a few notable ones sit off Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah. This guide separates the islands that are practical to visit from those that are mostly residential or restricted, with what to do, how to get there and when to go.
Which UAE Island Should You Visit?
Short answer: pick Yas Island for theme parks and family entertainment, Saadiyat Island for museums and beaches, and Sir Bani Yas Island for wildlife and a nature getaway. Al Maryah is for luxury dining and shopping, Jubail Island and Hudayriyat are quieter nature and sports options, and Snoopy Island is the snorkeling choice on the east coast.
Islands in the UAE at a Glance
| Yas Island | Theme parks, racing circuit, mall. Road access from Abu Dhabi and the airport. |
| Saadiyat Island | Museums, beaches, resorts. Short drive from downtown Abu Dhabi. |
| Sir Bani Yas Island | Wildlife park and resorts. About 170 km from Abu Dhabi; reached by road and boat or by air. |
| Al Maryah Island | Luxury hotels, mall and waterfront dining. |
| Al Reem Island | High-rise residential island with cafes and parks. |
| Jubail Island | Mangroves and walkways between Yas and Saadiyat. |
| Dalma Island | Historic pearl-diving island in the west, for a local-feel day trip. |
| Snoopy Island | Diving and snorkeling off Fujairah, about two hours from Dubai. |
Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Yas Island is the UAE’s leisure island. It is linked to Abu Dhabi by road and sits close to the airport, which makes it easy to reach. Its main attractions include Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, SeaWorld and Yas Marina Circuit, plus Yas Mall, hotels, a golf course and a beach. Read our guides to Yas Waterworld and Yas Marina Circuit before you plan your days, and see malls in Abu Dhabi for Yas Mall.
Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Saadiyat is Abu Dhabi’s cultural island, with white-sand beaches, luxury resorts and a golf course alongside the Saadiyat Cultural District. Louvre Abu Dhabi is the anchor, and the district also includes the Zayed National Museum, which opened in December 2025, and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, which was expected to open in 2026. Check the Guggenheim opening status before you plan around it. See our Louvre Abu Dhabi guide for tickets and hours.
Sir Bani Yas Island
Sir Bani Yas is a desert island and wildlife reserve in the Al Dhafra region, roughly 170 km southwest of Abu Dhabi and about two and a half hours away by road and boat. Its Arabian Wildlife Park is home to free-roaming animals such as giraffes, cheetahs and gazelles, with figures of more than 13,000 animals quoted in older guides and more than 17,000 in newer ones, so treat these numbers as approximate. The island also has the remains of a Christian church and monastery dating to around the seventh century, which is described as the only discovered Christian monastery in the UAE. Resorts are operated by Anantara, and day trips and overnight stays are both possible. Book transport in advance and check seasonal availability.
Al Maryah Island
Al Maryah Island is the capital’s business and luxury district, home to The Galleria mall, waterfront restaurants, hotels such as Rosewood and Four Seasons, and a pedestrian promenade with sunset views. It suits upmarket shopping and dining rather than sightseeing. See our Abu Dhabi malls guide for The Galleria.
Al Reem Island
Al Reem is a densely built residential and commercial island connected to the city by bridges and not far from the airport. It has cafes, parks and universities, and it is known for its tower clusters, though it has little to see for a short-stay visitor.
Jubail Island and Hudayriyat Island
Jubail Island lies between Yas and Saadiyat, a short drive from downtown Abu Dhabi, and combines mangrove areas, walking paths and kayaking opportunities with villa communities. Hudayriyat is a sports and leisure island with a beach and cycling tracks, and is still being developed. Both are good for people who want an easy nature or outdoor day rather than major attractions.
Dalma Island and the Desert Islands
Dalma is one of the Gulf’s longest-inhabited islands and has long been linked to pearl diving. It lies far out in the west of Abu Dhabi emirate and is better for a local-life day trip than a resort stay, with very limited accommodation. Sir Bani Yas and Dalma belong to the group known as the Desert Islands of Al Dhafra.
Other Emirates
- Palm Jumeirah, Dubai: the most famous artificial island, with Atlantis and beach clubs. Read our guide to the Palm Islands in Dubai.
- Snoopy Island, Fujairah: a small rocky islet off the east coast, popular for snorkeling and diving, roughly two hours’ drive from Dubai. Facilities and water conditions vary by season, so go with a licensed operator.
- Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah: islands such as Al Noor Island in Sharjah and Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah are leisure destinations; check current access and opening hours.
Islands That Are Not Visitor Destinations
Das Island is an energy-industry island in the Gulf with a small airport and workforce accommodation, and it is not a tourist destination. Marawah is a marine biosphere reserve with limited access, so visits depend on organized programs and permits.
Best Time to Visit UAE Islands
November to April is the best period for beach and island days. In summer, heat and humidity limit outdoor activity on beach and wildlife islands. For a detailed seasonal guide, see our Dubai weather and climate article.
Island Plans by Available Time
If you have a day in Abu Dhabi
Choose Saadiyat for the museum and beach, or Yas for a theme-park day.
If you have a weekend
Combine Yas and Saadiyat, or book a night on Sir Bani Yas for wildlife.
If you are based in Dubai
Visit Palm Jumeirah for a day, or take a longer trip to Snoopy Island on the east coast.
Practical Tips
- Check transport and booking for remote islands before you go; Sir Bani Yas needs planning.
- Bring sun protection and water, especially for wildlife and beach days.
- Dress modestly away from beach areas. See our guide to UAE travel rules.
- For where to stay, see hotels in the UAE, and for the wider country, read our guide to the cities in the UAE.
Check Current Conditions
Regional events in 2026 disrupted air travel in the Gulf, and some beaches in the northern emirates closed after an oil leak reported in October. Check your government’s travel advice and the summary in our Dubai city guide, and confirm beach and ferry status before you plan an island day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best island to visit in the UAE?
Yas Island for families, Saadiyat Island for culture and Sir Bani Yas Island for wildlife.
Which UAE islands can I reach by car?
Yas, Saadiyat, Al Maryah, Al Reem, Jubail and Hudayriyat by road from Abu Dhabi, and Palm Jumeirah from Dubai.
How do I get to Sir Bani Yas Island?
By road to the coast and a short boat transfer, or by air from the capital; book in advance.
Is Snoopy Island worth visiting?
Yes, if you like snorkeling or diving, and you are prepared for a long day trip from Dubai.
Which island is best for families?
Yas Island has the most family attractions; see our tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi for more ideas.
Can tourists visit Das Island?
It is an industrial island and not set up for tourism.
