Food, shopping and fun! Best things to do on Al Reem Island
Al Reem Island, one of the leading waterfront communities in Abu Dhabi, boasts luxurious amenities and ultramodern facilities. Besides numerous tourist attractions, the island is home to a variety of retail, commercial and residential developments. If you’re new to the area, our guide on the most exciting things to do in Al Reem Island will come in handy. Let’s have a look!
THINGS TO DO IN AL REEM ISLAND
DINING IN AL REEM ISLAND
When it comes to things to do in Al Reem Island, residents’ first recommendation is to explore the dining scene of the community, which includes numerous international fast food brands as well as traditional Emirati restaurants. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top eateries in Al Reem Island.
THE KETTLE CORNER
The Kettle Corner is quite famous for serving street-style Indian food in Al Reem Island. Their breakfast menu includes poached eggs, french toast and pancakes, available from 07:00 am to 01:00 pm daily. The menu is divided into sections like healthy green, tropical thunder and chick’ado.
- Location: Ground Floor Shams Boutik, Al Reem Island
- Average Cost for Two: From AED 130
- Timings: Sunday to Saturday 07:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Contact: +971-2-884-4560
LA BRIOCHE
La Brioche provides a cosy and warm space for diners that is influenced by the countryside of France. The café has been serving delicious pastries and cakes for decades. They have an extensive breakfast menu and an equally fantastic main menu with lots of flavourful choices for patrons.
- Location: Ground Floor, Sun & Sky Towers, Al Reem Island
- Average Cost for Two: From AED 160
- Timings: Sunday to Thursday 07:00 am – 11:00 pm | Friday and Saturday 07:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Contact: +971-02-643-6473
NANDO’S
Nando’s doesn’t need any introduction. If you want to go for the tried-and-tested (yes, we meant your favourite good ol’ peri-peri chicken!), head to Shams Boutik Mall. The world-famous South African fast chicken spot is located on the ground floor of the mall.
Hungry shoppers will be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining options in this retail centre located in the Shams Abu Dhabi district of Al Reem Island.
- Location: Al Rayfah Street, Ground Floor, Shams Boutik, Al Reem Island
- Average Cost for Two: From AED 190
- Timings: Sunday to Thursday 11:00 am – 11:00 pm | Friday and Saturday 11:00 am – 12:00 am
- Contact: +971-02-650-6710
PIZZA EXPRESS
Pizza Express has it all! From light bites to full meals, the restaurant has an extensive menu that never disappoints the customers. Their burrata and Pomodoro bruschetta, doppio dough balls and, of course, pizza is highly recommended. The go-green menu features a range of vegan, dishes such as kale and feta, spaghetti piccante and all veg pizzas.
- Location: The Arc Tower, Al Reem Island
- Average Cost for Two: AED 205
- Timings: Sunday to Saturday 11:30 am – 11:30 pm
- Contact: +971-2-666-0068
SMOKING DOLL
Smoking Doll is one of the best places to visit in Al Reem Island for an authentic Asian dining experience, It is also known for being one of the best Thai restaurants in Abu Dhabi, known for its innovative twists by blending Japanese, Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese cuisines. They have a range of sushi, maki, sashimi and nigiri for you to choose from. Some of their best-sellers are smoking doll Platters, Thai curries and the wok-fried dishes.
- Location: Shams Boutik Mall, Sun Tower, Al Reem Island
- Average Cost for Two: AED 275
- Timings: Sunday to Saturday 11:30 am – 02:00 am
- Contact: +971-60-056-0603
If you like to explore the culinary landscape of the area better, you must also check out the other restaurants in Al Reem Island. These include Tummy Tummy Resto Cafe, Marjouha and Super Poke, among many others.
SHOPPING IN AL REEM ISLAND
With a variety of options, shopping is one of the fun things to do in Al Reem Island. So, let’s find out where you can go for retail therapy on the island.
SHAMS BOUTIK MALL
Shams Boutik Mall is one of the most popular places to visit in Al Reem Island. You can stock up on the latest apparel, accessories and skincare products at the mall – all from the most renowned brands. It is a kid-friendly place with a soft play area and arcade gaming spot for children. There is also a community pharmacy within the mall to fulfil the needs of residents.
Apart from the restaurants and kids’ zone, there are gift shops, jewellery shops and a laundry service shop. The bowling alley called Action Zon inside the mall is also a fantastic place to visit in Al Reem Island.
- Location: Jazeerat Al Reem
- Timings: Sunday to Saturday 08:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Contact: 971-8-002-5327
REEM MALL
Home to the island’s largest indoor snow park and an integrated omnichannel ecosystem, Reem Mall is a signature destination. Carrefour is already open in the mall for you to stock up on groceries. Reem Mall promises to bring your favourite brands closer very soon, so be ready for world-class shopping, dining and entertainment experience!
- Location: Abdulla Oman Taryan Street – Jazeerat Al Reem
- Contact: 800-70-70-70
If you’re looking for more options, the Galleria Mall in Al Maryah Island is also easily accessible for residents of Al Reem Island.
OTHER PLACES TO VISIT IN AL REEM ISLAND
COVE BEACH MAKERS DISTRICT
Fancy a beach day on Al Reem Island? The latest addition to the attractions in the community is the beach club, Cove Beach Makers District. Besides offering breathtaking views of the glittering turquoise ocean, it features a gorgeous golden-sand beach and a gourmet eatery.
The club also hosts exciting themed parties on a regular basis, such as an American-style barbecue and a weekly deep house and techno party, among others.
- Location: Jazeerat Al Reem
- Timings: Restaurant: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm | Weekends 10:00 am to 11:30 pm | Beach & Pool: 10:00 am till sunset | Lounge 12:00 pm to 1:00 am daily (From the club’s Instagram account)
- Contact: +971-56-398-7895
REEM CENTRAL PARK
Reem Central Park is a family park located in the heart of the island. The one-million square foot park features an adventure trail, a skate park, a beach, a mosque and a selection of restaurants.
- Location: Al Reem Island investment zone, next to the central business district of Al Sowwah Island
SORBONNE UNIVERSITY
The state-of-art campus of Sorbonne University on Al Reem Island was established in 2006 as a result of an agreement between the Government of Abu Dhabi and Sorbonne University in Paris. The campus is famous for its beautiful fountains, ample palm trees and top-tier architecture, making it one of the must-visit places on the island.
- Location: Al Reem Island
- Contact: +971-02-656-9555
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS THE LOCATION OF AL REEM ISLAND?
The island is located about 30 to 45 minutes away from Abu Dhabi International Airport. From Abu Dhabi Corniche it is 20 minutes away via car. For those who want to visit from Dubai, it is approximately 2 hours away.
ARE THERE ANY HOTELS IN AL REEM ISLAND?
Currently, there are no hotels in Al Reem Island. But Al Maryah Island, which is a 10-minute drive from Al Reem, is home to two of the most luxurious five-star hotels, Four Seasons and Rosewood Abu Dhabi.
IS THERE A GYM ON AL REEM ISLAND?
Yes, FireFit and Primal Gym in Al Reem Island are two of the most popular fitness centres in the area.
WHERE CAN I GO FOR GROCERIES ON AL REEM ISLAND?
Being a top residential community in the capital, Al Reem Island has quite a few grocery stores. Some of the best supermarkets in Al Reem island are Carrefour, Waitrose Supermarket and Al Maya Supermarket.
ARE THERE ANY GOOD SCHOOLS OR NURSERIES ON AL REEM ISLAND?
A big Yes! Some of the best schools in Al Reem Island are Mosaic Nursery, Repton School Abu Dhabi and Hummingbird Nursery.
And that’s a wrap on our guide for the things to do in Al Reem Island. This residential island has some fantastic tourist spots, with many about to open soon. Planning to move to this iconic address? You must be aware of the pros and cons of living in Al Reem Island before making your final decision. Some of the popular communities to buy apartments and townhouses in Al Reem Island are Shams Abu Dhabi and Marina Square.
