Abu Dhabi launches new guide to explore more than 200 islands

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has introduced the Abu Dhabi Islands and Water Sports Guide, a digital platform aimed at helping visitors explore the emirate's over 200 islands, diverse marine environments, and expanding maritime experiences. The guide consolidates essential visitor information, activity recommendations, operator listings, and marine protected area details in a single, user-friendly platform.

Coordinated with DCT Abu Dhabi's participation in Arabian Travel Market 2026, the guide offers curated itineraries, operator listings, and essential coastal guidance to facilitate easy and safe exploration of Abu Dhabi's waters. It categorizes the islands into five access levels: highly recommended, accessible, limited access, marine protected area, and privately owned, empowering visitors to plan their journeys responsibly while deepening their understanding of the emirate's marine landscape.

Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, emphasized that the guide honors Abu Dhabi's maritime heritage in a sustainable manner, aligning with the Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to attract 39.3 million visitors by 2030, generate 178,000 new jobs in the tourism sector, and boost tourism's contribution to the economy to Dh90 billion.