ABU DHABI: Visitors looking to explore Abu Dhabi beyond its urban attractions now have a new digital resource covering the emirate’s extensive island network and maritime experiences.
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has launched the Abu Dhabi Islands and Water Sports Guide, a digital platform designed to bring island destinations, water-based activities and practical coastal information together in one place.
Abu Dhabi is an archipelago of more than 200 islands, ranging from developed destinations with major attractions to natural areas, mangrove environments and locations with restricted access.
The new guide is intended to make it easier for visitors to understand where they can go, what activities are available and how they can explore the emirate’s marine environment responsibly.
What the new Abu Dhabi guide offers
The platform combines several types of information that visitors would otherwise have to find separately.
It includes an interactive map, suggested itineraries, activity recommendations, listings of licensed operators, information on marine protected areas and coastal guidance.
Activities highlighted through the guide include sailing, island-hopping and kayaking through mangrove ecosystems, giving visitors options ranging from active water sports to nature-focused experiences.
A key feature is the way Abu Dhabi’s islands are classified. Destinations are identified according to their visitor-access status, including highly recommended, accessible, limited access, marine protected area, privately owned and no visitor access.
That classification is designed to help travellers avoid areas where access is restricted while also providing a clearer picture of Abu Dhabi’s varied marine landscape.
Supporting safer and more responsible tourism
DCT Abu Dhabi said the guide is intended not only to promote tourism but also to encourage visitors to experience the emirate’s coastal areas safely and sustainably.
The platform connects visitors with licensed activity operators and provides practical information for planning maritime experiences.
Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said Abu Dhabi’s relationship with the sea is closely connected to its heritage and that the guide would help visitors experience its waters while understanding how to explore them responsibly.
The initiative also reflects the emirate’s wider effort to expand nature-based and outdoor tourism alongside its established cultural, leisure and entertainment attractions.
Part of Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030
The launch supports the objectives of Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to attract 39.3 million visitors annually by 2030.
The strategy also targets the creation of 178,000 tourism-sector jobs and an increase in tourism’s contribution to the emirate’s economy to AED90 billion.
DCT Abu Dhabi said highlighting lesser-known destinations and expanding access to outdoor and nature-based experiences can help diversify the visitor offering and encourage longer stays and repeat visits.
The islands guide was developed with government and industry partners including the Department of Government Enablement, Department of Municipalities and Transport, Department of Economic Development, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Maritime.
Where visitors can access the guide
The Abu Dhabi Islands and Water Sports Guide is available through the Experience Abu Dhabi website under the Plan Your Trip section.
The platform adds another planning tool for visitors interested in Abu Dhabi’s beaches, islands, mangroves, marine environments and water-based activities, while making access restrictions and responsible-use information more visible before a trip.
What is the Abu Dhabi Islands and Water Sports Guide?
It is a new digital platform launched by DCT Abu Dhabi to help visitors discover Abu Dhabi’s islands, marine environments and water-based activities.
How many islands does Abu Dhabi have?
Abu Dhabi is an archipelago of more than 200 islands.
What information does the new guide provide?
The platform includes an interactive map, itineraries, activity recommendations, licensed operator listings, marine protected-area information and coastal guidance.
What water activities can visitors find through the guide?
The guide highlights activities including sailing, island-hopping and kayaking through mangrove environments.
Does the guide show whether an island can be visited?
Yes. Islands are classified according to access status, including accessible, limited-access, protected, privately owned and no-visitor-access categories.
Why did Abu Dhabi launch the guide?
The guide is intended to make maritime experiences easier to discover while encouraging safe, sustainable and responsible exploration of the emirate’s coastal environment.
Where can visitors find the Abu Dhabi Islands and Water Sports Guide?
It is available through the Experience Abu Dhabi website under the Plan Your Trip section.
