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Marawah Island
Preserving the past, protecting the wild
Resting at the centre of the marine protected area that shares its name, Marawah Island isn’t like its neighbours. You won’t find five-star resorts or art exhibitions. But you will find, perhaps unexpectedly, one of the most important archaeological sites in the UAE. Here, traces of ancient Neolithic life linger in the sand: weathered stone tools, the remnants of age-old structures and even the 8,000-year-old Abu Dhabi Pearl – the oldest natural pearl ever discovered.
Marawah Island is also home to precious natural wonders. The Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve, where the island is located, covers more than 4,000 square kilometres of essential marine ecosystems.
You’ll see dugongs drift through seagrass beds, Indian Ocean humpback dolphins skim the horizon and hawksbill turtles paddle the reefs, sharing the reserve with 70% of the UAE’s migratory bird population.
Though modern development has never touched its shores, Marawah Island opens itself to those who know where to look. Access to the island itself is strictly controlled to protect its fragile ecosystems and cultural heritage, and visits typically require prior approval from the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi. But if you charter a yacht and get the right permit, you can moor offshore to experience the island on nature’s terms, with snorkelling, scuba diving, recreational fishing and dugong spotting all permitted. Marawah is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and it’s yours to take.
Marawah Island map
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Where to stay
While Marawah Island itself doesn’t offer accommodation, you’ll find several places to stay in the Corniche and Al Bateen areas in Abu Dhabi City. From either of these bases, you can explore the the best of central Abu Dhabi and easily board a private charter to Marawah Island with one of the many operators in the area.
Accommodation options along these popular waterfront stretches suit every preference and pocket. Le Royal Méridien and Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche are ideal bases for a five-star experience, while the Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi in Al Bateen offers equally lavish hotel accommodation as well as fully furnished residences for longer stays.
Getting to Marawah Island
Marawah Island is located around 100 kilometres (62 miles) west of Abu Dhabi and is only accessible by private vessel. The Corniche and Al Bateen areas host most of Abu Dhabi’s yacht charter companies, making them ideal starting points for a trip to Marawah.
From either the Corniche or Al Bateen marinas, a yacht journey to Marawah typically takes between 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on sea conditions and vessel speed. It’s a longer trip, but one that offers a unique perspective on Abu Dhabi’s coastline and access to one of the most historically and ecologically important islands in the region.
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FAQs about Marawah Island
Where is Marawah Island located in Abu Dhabi?
Marawah Island Abu Dhabi lies approximately 100 kilometres (62 miles) west of Abu Dhabi city, in the Arabian Gulf. It sits at the heart of the Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-designated marine protected area known for its pristine habitats and archaeological significance.
Can tourists visit Marawah Island?
The island is not open for general tourism – there are no public experiences or things to do on Marawah Island. Because of its ecological and cultural importance, access is highly restricted and managed by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi.
Tourists who want to experience the area can arrange Marawah Island boat trips with licensed operators, but landing on the island itself requires prior approval. Most visitors are researchers or conservation specialists, though private vessels can moor offshore in designated areas.
What is Marawah Island famous for?
Marawah Island Abu Dhabi is known for both its ancient heritage and ecological value. It’s the site of the second-oldest known human settlement in the UAE and home to the Abu Dhabi Pearl, the world’s oldest known natural pearl. The island is also famous for its surrounding marine life, including dugongs, dolphins, turtles and coral reefs, making it a key destination for low-impact exploration and environmental protection.
How can you get to Marawah Island from Abu Dhabi city?
There are no public ferries to Marawah Island. To visit, travellers must arrange a private yacht or chartered boat from areas like Al Bateen or the Corniche, where most yacht rental companies are based.
The trip can take 2.5 to 3 hours by boat, and visitors must moor offshore using designated buoys. For faster or special-access visits, some may arrange seaplane or helicopter charters, subject to strict permissions. All Marawah Island boat trips must comply with environmental regulations and access restrictions.