Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has over the years emerged as a well-known tourist destination in the Middle East. The UAE capital is home to a number of islands. Some of these islands welcome thousands of tourists from world over every year with a variety of entertainment options such as pristine beaches, astounding wildlife sanctuaries, world-class golfing facilities and amazing cultural attractions.
Here are the top three islands in Abu Dhabi that are a must-visit for every tourist visiting the Middle East. These prominent islands are Yas Island, Saadiyat Island and Sir Bani Yas Island. Let us take a virtual tour of all the three islands so that you may glimpse on all that is to see, enjoy and experience here before you decide to go for your next vacation.
Yas Island
Yas Island has emerged as a premier entertainment destination in Abu Dhabi and can be reached after a 30-minute drive from here. It is home to the renowned Yas Marina Circuit. This state-of-the-art circuit welcomes sports fans from across the world to the F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix held every year. The Yas Marina Circuit offers an assortment of track packages to those passionate about motorsports such as Racing License Courses, Private Driving Tuition programs, Passenger Experiences, and Driver Experiences. The iconic, five-star Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi hotel is at the centerpiece of the Yas Marina Circuit. The amazing hotel, where stay is most sought after by F1 fans, has been built partly over water and partly on land.
Yas Island is home to several famous attractions as well. The Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is unique and the largest attraction of its kind in the UAE. It is the first Ferrari theme park to be created in the world. The Ferrari story is retold passionately and in a beautiful way. Here excitement pervades everywhere with above 20 educational and thrilling rides, authentic Italian dining experiences, interactive shopping and attractions. The futuristic Yas Waterworld is yet another fascinating attraction in Abu Dhabi. This one-of-its-kind futuristic waterpark offers 43 scintillating rides, 15 football pitches, waterslides and other attractions. The Yas Island is also a prime destination for avid golfers as well. It is home to the award-winning golf course named Yas Links Abu Dhabi. The Yas Beach here is a great place to enjoy sun, sand and sea.
Saadiyat Island
The 27-sq-km Saadiyat Island is remarkable and has transformed into a world-class business, residential, leisure and cultural hub in the UAE. It can be reached within 20 minutes from the Abu Dhabi International Airport and only in 7 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi. The Saadiyat Island is a treasure house of premier cultural attractions in the world. These include Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum. The Manarat Al Saadiyat, the island’s premier visitor centre, is a major attraction for arts aficionados. ‘The Saadiyat Story’, a permanent gallery, provides fascinating insight to the visitors through an interactive commentary of the island’s history and culture. The ‘Arts Abu Dhabi Gallery’ is yet another attraction where a series of educational programs and exhibitions are hosted regularly. The UAE Pavilion, a new exhibition and events venue, is emerging as UAE’s most important place to host cultural events.
The Saadiyat Island is fast emerging as a luxury destination for scores of visitors from across the world. The UAE’s first ocean course ‘Saadiyat Beach Golf Club’ aptly harnesses the island’s natural beauty with its awesome white sand beaches and offers a unique golfing experience. To cater to the luxury clientele, two five-star hotels – Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi and The St. Regis Saadiyat Island – have been opened with more in the pipeline. The Saadiyat Beach Club is ready to attract well-heeled tourists with its diverse offerings, which includes playing areas, kids’ pool, sauna and steam rooms, spa facilities, a workout room with wellness and fitness programs, an outdoor swimming pool, and loungers and private cabanas set on the magnificent white beach. The Saadiyat Public Beach is among the best places here to spend a great day out and enjoy pristine, warm turquoise waters.
Sir Bani Yas Island
The Sir Bani Yas Island in Abu Dhabi is a fantastic eco-tourism destination in the UAE. It’s a great place to enjoy adventure and wildlife activities. The island is home to historic sites, purpose-built stables, luxury villas and a 5-star boutique hotel. The Arabian Wildlife Park spans in an area covering more than half of the Sir Bani Yas Island. This largest wildlife reserve in the region boasts of above 10,000 animals including Arabian Oryx, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes and gazelles.
Apart from the three prominent islands, the other worth visiting islands in Abu Dhabi includes Reem Island and Delma Island. The Reem Island is home to Stonehenge-style Gate Towers, UAE’s greatest architectural landmark. With over 7,000 years of history, the Delma Island is among the most important pearl diving centre in the Middle East.
All these islands in Abu Dhabi undoubtedly hold tons of attractions for tourists from around the world. It will be sheer joy to make the UAE your next vacation destination.
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