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, known as Hudayriat Island or Al Hudayriat Island, opened a few years ago and has quickly become a go-to leisure destination for beachgoers, sports enthusiasts and families.
With exciting additions being made to the island, visitors can now enjoy a variety of activities. Let’s explore what is in store for you!
About Hudayriyat Island
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
Here are the reasons that make Al Hudayriyat Island a must-visit on your list of places to explore in Abu Dhabi.
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 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.
The cycling track timings are from 05:00 am until 12:00 am daily.
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.
OCR Park is temporarily closed.
Explore Hudayriyat Beach
Hudayriyat Beach is one of the best beaches in the UAE, offering multiple free activities to keep you engaged. 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.
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.
Circuit X caters to adventurers of all ages with 4 distinct parks:
- X Splash Park: Perfect for little ones, featuring wet and dry play areas and splash fountains.
- X Skate Park: Improve your skills with beginner areas, ledges, rails, ramps and bowls.
- X BMX Park: One of the UAE’s largest asphalt pump tracks for mastering bike tricks.
- X Ropes Park: Challenge yourself on a 3-level course with obstacles, a 100m zipline and a scenic 50ft climbing wall.
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. Several food trucks offer everything from kid-friendly fast food to breakfast and coffee.
You can also feast at one of the top Al Hudayriat Island restaurants. Some popular options include Shrimp Pot, Drilled, Al Shader Restaurant and Grill, Harr & Hloo and Le Patchouli.
Watersports
The island’s main bridge has a free jet-ski and boat slipway for self-loading and unloading. Paid assistance is available for those who prefer it.
Currently, visitors can enjoy these attractions at Modon Hudayriyat master plan:
- 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.
Bab Al Nojoum
Bab Al Nojoum is a glamping resort located on Hudayriyat Beach. They offer a variety of luxurious and eco-friendly accommodations, including duplex tents with plunge pools, chalet tents, vintage camper vans and rustic beachside camping.
All accommodations boast modern amenities like kitchens, bathrooms, air conditioning and Wi-Fi. The resort also features restaurants, a cinema, a festival lawn, a kids’ play area and water sports.
Upcoming Attractions
The Hudayriyat Island mega project will introduce a range of leisure and entertainment facilities to the capital.
VELODROME
Velodrome Abu Dhabi’s 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. m. 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 2024. The state-of-the-art artificial pool will also be the site of various international and regional surfing competitions.
FAQs
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 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 you are looking to rent Saadiyat Beach Villas or live 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.
