All about Hudayriyat Island in Abu Dhabi
Searching for that perfect beach getaway in Abu Dhabi? Grab your pals and plan a trip to Hudayriyat Island. The 3,000-hectare space, also spelled as Hudayriat Island and Al Hudayriat Island, opened a few years ago and has quickly become a go-to leisure destination for beachgoers, sports enthusiasts and families. Now, there will be more reasons to visit. Plans were recently unveiled about transforming part of the beach escape into a residential and leisure attraction.
About Hudayriyat Island and Mega Project
“مُدن العقارية” تطلق المخطط الرئيسي لتطوير جزيرة الحديريات لتوفير مجتمع متكامل مستدام على مساحة تزيد على 51 مليون متر مربع، ويضم وحدات سكنية فاخرة بواجهات بحرية ومرافق مميزة. pic.twitter.com/qvpQCVLH7f
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) June 13, 2023
Located at the end of the suspension, the island has become a favourite tourist attraction and a great spot for residents to relax on weekends. Since its opening, the island has been home to several attractions like cycling, sports courts and the beach.
A new mega project by Modon Properties will convert over 51 million sq. mt. of it into a tourist hotspot. This includes 16 km of beaches.
Current Attractions
With expected additions in mind, here are all the reasons why Hudayriyat Island must be on your list of must-visits.
Cycling
Those looking for the best cycling tracks in Abu Dhabi love to visit Hudayriyat Island. The bridge features two loops of cycling tracks — one 5 km long and the other stretching up to 10 km. Ride your bike and marvel at the scenic sea views along the way. The cycling track is also well-lit at night to accommodate cyclists who prefer a late start.
Most professional cyclists and enthusiasts bring their own bikes. However, visitors can also get in on the action by renting bikes and helmets from Yas Cycles, which has a branch on Hudayriyat Island. Bike rentals start from AED 60 for adults and AED 30 for kids. Visitors who bring personal bikes can also avail of their service packages.
Explore Hudayriyat Beach
There is lots to do at the free public beach. Hudayriyat Beach is one of the best beaches in the UAE. It has a running path, cycling track and courts for basketball, volleyball, tennis and basketball.
Hudayriyat Island has over 600 metres of beachfront. The water is generally calm, with a view of the islands. Don’t want to get your feet wet? You can always take a relaxing walk along the shore.
Those who visit the beach for a dip will have to stay behind the safety line and there are bodyguards to ensure everyone stays safe in the water. Showers and toilet facilities are also available at the beach.
Eat and Drink
As with most public beach spots in the UAE, this one also has its fair share of food outlets for the public. There are several food trucks to choose from — serving everything from kid-friendly fast food to breakfast and coffee.
OCR Park
Fancy a challenge? Visit OCR Park. This facility is among the biggest permanent obstacle courses in the country. It has dedicated fitness stations and obstacles for young and older visitors. Popular obstacles include Behind Enemy Lines, where guests can swing via metal rings. Weekday prices start at AED 100 for adults and AED 50 for kids.
Playground for kids
The island beach features a playground for the entertainment of young visitors, complete with slides and swings. The play area is situated on a sandy patch of land.
Circuit X
Shred some asphalt at Circuit X Abu Dhabi. The adventure zone can be found at Hudayriyat Mar Vista, also a mega project by Modon Properties. It includes Splash Park, BMX Park, Rope Park and Skate Park. There is also a zip line and climbing area.
Watersports
A jet-ski and boat slipway are located underneath the main bridge on the island — with loading and offloading boats and jet-skis being free, provided that the owners do it themselves. You can pay a fee for an operator to do it for you.
Currently, visitors can enjoy these attractions at Hudayriyat Island:
- Trail X: A 15km mountain bike trail and the first in Abu Dhabi
- Marina: Marsana Marina is perfect for yacht enthusiasts
- Jogging Track: Keep up with your fitness routine at the Hudayriyat Mar Vista jogging track, among the best jogging tracks in Abu Dhabi.
- 321 Sports: This sports village features outdoor and indoor courts for basketball and tennis and fitness facilities.
Upcoming Attractions
The Hudayriyat Island mega project will introduce a range of leisure and entertainment facilities to the capital.
VELODROME
Velodrome Abu Dhabi, with its UCI Category 1 indoor cycling track, will open in 2025. The track extends from the ground via a 600-metre cycling ramp.
URBAN PARK
The upcoming development will be home to the largest urban park in the region. Adventure buffs will be happy to know that the 2.25 million sq. mt. space will include a mangrove walk and elevated cycling track. Other attractions include an eco-farm, playgrounds and F&B outlets. It is expected to be completed within the next few years.
SURF ABU DHABI
Surf’s up! The biggest wave facility in the world is now at Hudayriyat Island. Surf Abu Dhabi will open to the public later in 2023. The state-of-the-art artificial pool will also be the site of various international and regional surfing competitions.
FAQs about Hudayriyat Island
How to get to Hudayriyat Island?
Hudayriyat Island is located on the shores of Abu Dhabi across the water from Al Bateen Beach. You can reach the island from the city by:
- Heading southeast toward Al Karamah Street
- Exit the roundabout onto Mohamed Bin Khalifa Street
- Take the 2nd exit at the roundabout and stay on Mohamed Bin Khalifa Street
- Turn left onto 32nd St/ Al Bateeen Street
- Turn right onto Jarneen Street
When will the mega project be complete?
There is no exact date of completion as of yet. Modon Properties will focus on the infrastructure of Phase 1 during the next 18 months.
Apart from the mentioned attractions and activities, the island has been the site of various events. Prominent examples include the Abu Dhabi Triathlon Festival, which took place in 2019. Additionally, the island has hosted an open-air cinema. Plus, you can always get a bite to eat at the Hudayriyat Island restaurants too.
Whether renting homes in the Saadiyat Beach Villas or living in the apartments for rent in Mussafah, this beach getaway is easily accessible.
We hope our review of Hudayriyat Island will help you plan a memorable trip there. Looking for other island getaways in the city? There are several leisure attractions and other things to do at Al Reem Island. And if you are in the capital for a short visit, several tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi can help you pass the time.
For more updates on tourist hotspots and leisure activities in the UAE, stay tuned to MyBayut.