Fun all the way! All about the Hudayriyat Mar Vista in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is a vibrant city with a multitude of excellent recreational venues. Adding to that long list is the Hudayriyat Leisure and Entertainment District — a buzzing spot for sports and adventure buffs in the capital. We’ve everything you need to know about the fun hub that is the Hudayriyat Mar Vista.
ABOUT THE HUDAYRIYAT MAR VISTA
A mega project by Modon, Hudayiryat Mar Vista is a destination that offers its visitors a wealth of entertainment, sports and other fun activities. From enjoying a beach day to riding a bicycle along the promenade, there’s something to suit everyone!
ATTRACTIONS AT HUDAYRIYAT MAR VISTA
Hudayriyat Mar Vista, previously known as the Hudayriyat Entertainment District, features exciting leisure facilities.
The island is home to some of the best glamping sites in the UAE. It also has one of the top cycling tracks in Abu Dhabi. Mar Vista on the Hudayriyat Island offers numerous water sports and kid-friendly activities. Bab Al Nojoum, XCircuit, 321 Sports and OCR Park are among Hudayriyat Mar Vista’s major attractions.
321 SPORTS
321 Sports is a sports village at Hudayriyat Mar Vista in Abu Dhabi, offering countless facilities for sports enthusiasts. It offers these facilities.
- A fitness zone
- Kids nursery
- Badminton court
- Football pitch
- Jogging track
- Pedal tennis court
- Olympic length running track
- Indoor/outdoor courts for basketball and tennis
Additionally, the venue features an indoor gymnasium called the 321 Gym. Membership charges for 321 Gym start at AED 1,100 for three months.
- Timings: Sports Fields: Weekday 09:00 am – 12:00 am. Weekend 07:00 am – 12:00 am | 321Hub: Every day from 6:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Contact: +971-2-691-0256
HUDAYRIYAT BEACH
Relax and unwind at the pristine Hudayriyat Beach, counted amongst the popular beaches in Abu Dhabi. This gorgeous beach extends over 24,000 square metres, 600 metres dedicated to swimming. The beach features food trucks and cafes dotted along the promenade akin to its sandy shores.
That’s not all! The beach features plenty of water sports activities for some sea-based thrills and spills in Abu Dhabi.
- Timings: Every day from 7:00 am to sunset
HUDAYRIYAT HERITAGE TRAIL
The Hudayriyat Heritage Trail provides visitors with an opportunity to learn more about the cultural background of the island and the history of pearl diving in the UAE. You can explore attractions such as these.
- Pearl Oyster Shells Node: Featuring culturally significant coastal middens that are home to a huge collection of bones and shells from yesteryear.
- Shark Node: A kid-friendly spot at Hudayriyat Heritage Village where visitors can learn about the sharks and rays native to the Arabian Gulf.
- Dugong Node: A fascinating look at marine herbivores found in the warm coastal waters of the Red Sea, Arabian Gulf, Indian and Pacific Oceans.
The Hudayriyat Heritage Trail has gorgeous pathways offering visitors a chance to explore archaeological sites and historical landmarks that capture the island’s beauty — offering a fascinating glimpse into the lives of its former inhabitants.
- Timings: 06:00 am – 10:00 pm (Daily)
MARINA
The Hudayriyat Mar Vista has a stunning Marina with 40 berths that can cater to 45ft long vessels. The Marina is a major attraction at Mar Vista with restaurants, cafes, boutiques and more. The paved pier walkway takes you to a viewing platform where you can take in the gorgeous views of the Arabian Gulf.
BIKE PARK
Escape the hectic routine of life and unwind by the pristine waters at the Bike Park at Hudayriyat Mar Vista. It features tracks for biking, walking, jogging and several shaded rest areas.
The Bike Park has a designated area for beginners and a trail for novice riders. It is also suitable for kids learning to ride bikes.
CIRCUIT X
Adventure-seekers in the capital city can head to Circuit X, Abu Dhabi’s outdoor adventure hub. It boasts some entertaining, thrilling and challenging activities for visitors. Learn why a visit to Circuit X is one of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi.
Circuit X at Hudayriyat Island houses the following attractions.
SPLASH PARK
The Splash Park at Hudayriyat Mar Vista in Abu Dhabi is a popular waterpark with both grown-ups and kids.
- Splash Park tickets: AED 25 (entry fee)
- Splash Park timings:
- Monday to Friday 01:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Saturday and Sunday 09:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Splash and Pool is open until 07:30 pm
- Timings on Holidays and School Breaks
- Monday to Friday 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Saturday and Sunday 09:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Location: Marsana, Hudayriat Island
SKATE PARK
The outdoor thrills at Hudayriyat Mar Vista in Abu Dhabi are fun for all! The island features a fully equipped skate park at Circuit X, perfect for all skill levels.
Whether you’re a pro skater or a first-timer, Skate Park is your place. Practice your 360 ollie kickflips, slash grinds and cannonballs at one of the best skate parks in Abu Dhabi. State boarding lessons are available as well. Kids 5-years-old and upwards can take part in the activities at the Skate Park.
- Skate Park tickets: AED 10 (entry fee)
- Skate Park timings:
- Monday to Thursday 02:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Saturday and Sunday 09:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Friday 02:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Sunday is reserved for skaters and BMX riders
- 08:00 pm – 10:00 pm time slot is reserved for 13 years and above
- Timings on Holidays and School Breaks
- Monday to Friday 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Saturday and Sunday 09:00 am – 11:00 pm
BMX PARK
Circuit X has a dedicated BMX Park at Hudayriyat Island Abu Dhabi. This is where adrenaline junkies can make the most of the dirt trail and the pump track to show off their skills. The park has one of the largest asphalt tracks in the UAE. But that’s not all; bikers can make the most of the trail with 15 thrilling track elements. BMX bikes and helmets are available for rent if you don’t have your own gear.
- Bike Park tickets: AED 10 (entry fee)
- Bike Park Timings:
- Monday to Thursday 02:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Saturday and Sunday 09:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Friday 02:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Timings on Holidays and School Breaks
- Monday to Friday 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Saturday and Sunday 09:00 am – 11:00 pm
HIGH ROPES PARK
High Ropes Park offers some of the most adventurous activities at Hudayriyat Mar Vista in Abu Dhabi. The park is home to 31 obstacles, spread over 3 levels up to 10 metres high. It features a 100m long zipline, a 50ft climbing wall with 3 lanes, and a 13m free fall jump.
- High Ropes Park tickets: AED 10 (entry fee)
- High Ropes Park timings:
- Monday to Thursday 02:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Saturday and Sunday 09:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Friday 10:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Timings on Holidays and School Breaks
- Monday to Friday 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Saturday and Sunday 09:00 am – 11:00 pm
Circuit X Contact: +971-2-691-0302
Visitors should note that the charges vary for different attractions at each of the mentioned parks.
THE OCR PARK
The OCR Park at Hudayriyat Mar Vista in Abu Dhabi is the ultimate outdoor fitness, adventure park and obstacle course. The park has the largest permanent obstacle course in Abu Dhabi, sporting an impressive track that features a series of physical challenges.
ADULT OBSTACLE COURSE AT OCR PARK
Here are some of the obstacles in the adult’s course.
- 10 Feet to Freedom
- Outranked
- Drop and Roll
- Behind the Enemy Lines
- The Tank
- Wrong Way Around
- Escape Path
- Drill Instructor
KIDS OBSTACLE COURSE AT OCR PARK
Kids can also join in the fun. Here are some of the obstacles of the course for kids.
- Up and Over
- 5ft to Freedom
- The Sergeant
- Mini Instructor
- I see the Light
- Rambo
- Escape Path
OCR Park tickets:
- Adult Weekday Pass: AED 100
- Adult Weekend Pass: AED 150
- Kids Weekday Pass: AED 50
- Kids Weekend Pass: AED 75
- Membership charges: From AED 429 per month (adults) | AED 214 per month (for kids)
OCR Park Timings
- Monday to Friday 04:00 pm – 12:00 am | Saturday and Sunday 06:00 am – 10:00 pm
OCR Park Contact: +971-2-691-0259
RESTAURANTS AT HUDAYRIYAT MAR VISTA
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you can refuel at any of these great restaurants or food trucks.
RESTAURANTS
- Muncheeze
- Tropiscape
- The Plage
- Chimney’s
- Rain Cafe
- Drilled
- Al Shader
- DRVN
- Projecto Acai
- Shrimp Pot
FOOD TRUCKS
- Fly Café
- Babu Town
- Harr & Hloo
- Mlt.
- Shot
- Dot’s
- Koshari & Pasta
- I Love Coffee
- The Burgurry
- Boutique Ice Cream
- Le Patchouli
- Route 10
GLAMPING AT HUDAYRIYAT MAR VISTA
BAB AL NOJOUM
If you want to experience glamping in Abu Dhabi, Hudayriyat Mar Vista offers Bab Al Nojoum – a luxury glamping experience like no other, with 124 tents available for rent.
These include 10 two-storey duplex tents with top-floor balconies, beachside luxury camps, 17 private camping complexes, and 91 individual tents of varying sizes.
The destination has well-maintained BBQ stations, shaded seating areas, cluster washrooms, and dressing areas for both men and women.
Looking for an even more unique glamping experience? Bab Al Nojoum’s ‘Camping on Wheels’ provides you with a unique chance to stay in a refurbished classic camper van! There’s also the opportunity to enjoy a multitude of different water sports.
- Contact: +971-2-691-0222
AL MUGHEIRAH RESORT
Al Mugheirah Resort is another glamping location perfect for a tranquil getaway. The eco-tourism resort is construction a project by the Department of Municipalities and Transport.
Campers can choose from 1 and 2 bedroom cabins. They can also opt for the Airstreams, traditional camper vans with full access to the forest. These RVs are equipped with the latest facilities to keep you comfortable. Check the official website for special discounts and offers on your stay here.
- Location: Bab Al Nojoum, Qassar Al Mighayra Street, Al Mirfa
- Contact: +971-2-895-3777
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS THE HUDAYRIYAT MAR VISTA LOCATION?
The Entertainment and Leisure District is located on Hudayriyat Island, which lies 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 and then exiting the roundabout onto Mohamed Bin Khalifa Street.
CAN I STAY OVERNIGHT AT HUDAYRIYAT ISLAND?
Yes, Bab Al Nojoum on the island offers many choices for overnight or longer stays. It also offers several dining options and other amenities such as pools, watersports, a kids play area and beach access.
This concludes our detailed guide to Hudayriyat Mar Vista. The island is home to several family-friendly attractions along with thrilling endurance-based obstacle courses for adrenaline junkies. It is one of the must-see attractions in the capital.
Aside from Hudayriyat Island, it’s worth checking out these other recently re-opened attractions in Abu Dhabi.
Finally, you can also check out spectacular beach resorts in Abu Dhabi for the ultimate staycation!
Note: Cover image is courtesy of Hudayriyat Mar Vista’s official website
