Dalma Island, Abu Dhabi

Dalma Island/ Delma Island is one of the oldest settlements in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Located almost 26 miles from Abu Dhabi, it is best known for its archaeological sites. Delma is also a key pearl trading centre dating back almost 7,000 years. Previous archaeological excavations have revealed significant finds, including stone tools, shell and stone beads, and Ubaid pottery pieces. Today, Dalma is a vibrant community and a destination popular for fishing, camping and snorkelling adventures. Once the project is completely done, investors may find valuable properties for sale on Dalma Island.

• An ancient settlement dating back to the stone age
• Inhabited for over 7,000 years
• An important pearl-diving centre, fishing village and farming site
• Over 20 archaeological sites were discovered
• Visitors come for leisure activities and overnight camping
• Accessible via ferry boats and planes from Abu Dhabi

Delma is an ancient island mostly populated by oil-field workers. There are many private farms besides a palace belonging to the late H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Even though several modern developments have shaped up, one can find historical settlements in the area. There are ancient buildings and three mosques dating back to the 20th century.

Delma Island has an abundance of freshwater supply and fertile lands. Many residents around here are fishermen working on the island’s farms. There is a range of farms with plantations from where residents get fresh organic produce. Moreover, the historic excavations also show evidence of date palm cultivation and Mesopotamian pottery.

Most properties on Dalma Island date back several hundred years. Therefore, you can expect lots of traditional Emirati vibes and architecture. As for modern construction, you’d find a motel and commercial spaces. There are some shops on Dalma Island offered for rent. The covered area of these units may span from 500 sq. ft. to 1,300 sq. ft. and annual rents range from AED 21k to AED 89k. Most commercial units are already occupied and operational.

There is an old motel on Dalma Island where visitors usually stay for the night. Camping activities are popular among most tourists while many visitors return back the same day. Two more resorts are under construction to improve tourism on Dalma Island.

There are two ways to visit the island of Delma. You can take a trip to Jebel Dhanna via Al Ruwais, where ferries and ships take off. The ship that carries passengers to Dalma Island is known as Dobh, and the journey takes around 2 hours. Since there’s no other mode of transportation on Dalma Island, visitors prefer taking two-wheelers along. A ferry can accommodate up to 30 cars. One may have to reach the point well in advance to avoid inconvenience.

Moreover, the island is served by Dalma Airport. Non-scheduled flights take off from Abu Dhabi International Airport every day except Friday. Dalma Airport also facilitates private jets coming in from other parts of the UAE.

Amenities on the island include a motel, mosques, baqalas and local shops and restaurants.

There are many local shops and supermarkets on Dalma Island. Residents can shop for groceries from Delma Flower Grocery, Hamad Supermarket, Delma Cooperative Supermarket and other small stores (baqalas).

There are three historic mosques on Dalma Island: Al Muraykhi Mosque (formerly known as Sa’id Ali Al Qubaysi Mosque), Al Muhannadi Mosque and Al Dawsari Mosque (formerly known as Sa’id Jum’e Al Qubaysi Mosque). Muslim residents can offer prayers at other community mosques as well.

There are no schools or educational institutions on the island as of now. The plan is to build another waterfront holiday destination in Abu Dhabi with recreational facilities and hotels.

Dalma Island is home to a medical facility that visitors, workers and residents can conveniently access in case of a medical emergency.

The island of Dalma is 42 km from Abu Dhabi. One can spot freshwater beaches surrounding the area.

There are quite a few restaurants on Dalma Island such as Amazon Burger, Jasem Juma Ali Al Tamim Restaurant and Muharat Kitchen.

Delma Island is all about waterfront views. While there is a scuba diving spot, Delma Island Beach is not fully developed for a huge crowd. Tourists and visitors that flock to the island can spot a few recreational facilities. However, plans are underway to turn it into a complete leisure destination.

Al Muraikhi House is the highlight of Dalma Island. Now turned into Delma Museum, it is the fortified palace of Muhammad Bin Jasim Al Muraykhi, a well-known pearl merchant of his time. Those interested in historical artefacts and even those looking for free things to do in Abu Dhabi, can take a trip to the island and visit the museum.

Camping is a popular activity on the island. Since summers are hot and humid, winters might be the right time to embark on this adventure. The island is also an interesting pearl diving site so those looking for scuba diving spots in Abu Dhabi can take their chance at Delma Island.

Various resorts are under construction to improve tourism conditions on the island. Once those are operational, Delma Island will turn into a popular vacation spot in Abu Dhabi.

Options to rent properties on Dalma Island are limited since this village island is more of a vacation spot. Dalma Ferry Boat is the only way to access the Emirati island from Mugharaq Port. Visitors must plan the return and be there on time as once the last ferry leaves, there’s no other option to reach the mainland from Dalma Island until the next morning.

Reaching Delma involves a 2-hour journey from Abu Dhabi. The ferry ride may have some AC compartments and limited options for snacks. It can transport up to 30 cars so one must reach the jetty well in time. Also, there’s no other way to get around the island so visitors prefer private conveyance or strolling around. You can take any 2-wheeler since the road network on Delma Island is well-constructed.

Boats take off from the port in Jebel Dhanna from 07:00 am to 07:00 pm. One can travel via Ruwais Road to Jebel Dhanna from Abu Dhabi and embark on the 2-hour long ride.

Dalma Island is around 42 km from the coast of Abu Dhabi.

• About 42 km from the coast of Abu Dhabi
• Accessible via ferry boats and jets
• A 2-hour ferry trip from Jebel Dhanna