Al Reem Island in Abu Dhabi is a modern waterfront district just off the northeast coast of the capital, linked to the city by several bridges and about 25 to 30 minutes by car from Zayed International Airport. It is best known for Reem Mall and its indoor snow park, Snow Abu Dhabi, the free beach and green lawns of Reem Central Park, kayaking through the Reem mangroves, and a relaxed cafe scene around Shams Boutik Mall. There are no hotels on the island itself, so visitors stay in serviced apartments or in hotels on neighbouring Al Maryah Island, then explore Al Reem in half a day or a full day. Below you will find how to get there, the best things to do, where to eat, where to stay, average rents for residents and a simple one day plan.
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Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Al Reem Island sits off the northeast coast of Abu Dhabi city, next to Al Maryah Island, and is about 25 to 30 minutes from Zayed International Airport.
- Top things to do: Reem Mall and Snow Abu Dhabi, Reem Central Park, Reem Beach, Cove Beach, mangrove kayaking and Shams Boutik Mall.
- There are no hotels on the island; most visitors book serviced apartments or stay on Al Maryah Island next door.
- White Sky Travel and Tourism offers Tabby, Tamara and UAE credit card installments up to 12 months on flights, hotels and transfers.
Al Reem Island in Abu Dhabi at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Off the northeast coast of Abu Dhabi city, next to Al Maryah Island |
| Main districts | Shams Abu Dhabi, Najmat Abu Dhabi, City of Lights, Marina Square and Makers District |
| From Zayed International Airport | About 25 to 30 minutes by car |
| From downtown Abu Dhabi | About 10 to 15 minutes by car |
| Top attractions | Reem Mall, Snow Abu Dhabi, Reem Central Park, Reem Beach, Cove Beach, Al Fay Park |
| Entry | Free to visit; some attractions charge entry |
| Hotels on the island | None; serviced apartments and holiday homes only |
| Best time to visit | October to April for outdoor activities |
| Time needed | Half a day to one full day |
Information checked and updated in November 2026. Prices, timings and venues may change.
Where Is Al Reem Island in Abu Dhabi?
Al Reem Island lies just off the northeast coast of Abu Dhabi island, across a narrow channel from the Al Zahiyah (Tourist Club) area and right beside Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi. Several road bridges connect it to the city, so downtown Abu Dhabi is usually only 10 to 15 minutes away. Visit Abu Dhabi puts the drive from Zayed International Airport at about 25 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
The island is split into neighbourhoods such as Shams Abu Dhabi, Najmat Abu Dhabi, City of Lights and Marina Square, each with its own towers, promenades and community shops. Taxis and ride hailing apps are the easiest way to arrive, and public buses also serve the island for travellers on a budget.
Things to Do on Al Reem Island in Abu Dhabi
Reem Mall and Snow Abu Dhabi
Reem Mall, on Hazza Bin Zayed The First Street in Najmat Abu Dhabi, is the island’s biggest attraction, with more than 400 stores, a large Carrefour, around 80 places to eat and VOX Cinemas, including private cinema rooms. Reem Mall also lists CUBE Challenges, a game zone with more than 30 themed rooms, plus soft play areas for younger children. The star of the mall is Snow Abu Dhabi, the capital’s indoor snow park, kept at around minus 2 degrees Celsius with more than 20 rides and attractions such as sledding and a snow train. For shops, dining and opening hours, see our full guide to Reem Mall in Abu Dhabi. If you love shopping, compare it with other Abu Dhabi malls before you plan your day. Ticket prices and timings may change and T&C apply.
Reem Central Park
Reem Central Park is a huge free public park in the heart of the island with canal walks, skate parks, playgrounds, sports courts, open air art and a row of food trucks and casual restaurants. It is a favourite with families in the cooler months and a great place for an evening walk with skyline views.
Reem Beach and Cove Beach
Reem Beach, next to Reem Central Park, is a free public beach with soft sand, shaded seating and views of the skyline, ideal for a picnic or a sunset walk. For a more upscale day, Cove Beach at Makers District is a licensed beach club facing Saadiyat Island, with pools, a sea pool, a beachfront restaurant and a lively evening atmosphere. Entry fees and timings may change.
Kayaking in the Reem Mangroves
Kayaking and stand up paddleboarding through the Reem mangroves is one of the most peaceful things to do on the island. Sunrise and sunset paddles start near Reem Central Park beach, and you may spot herons and other birds. If you enjoy mangroves, Jubail Mangrove Park is another lovely spot about 20 minutes away.
Shams Boutik Mall and The Gate Towers
Shams Boutik Mall sits at the base of the Sun and Sky Towers in Shams Abu Dhabi. It is a friendly community mall with a Waitrose supermarket, waterfront cafes and restaurants. Next door, The Gate Towers and their sky bridge form one of the most photographed skylines in Abu Dhabi.
Al Fay Park
Al Fay Park, on Al Matla’i Street in Tamouh close to The Gate Towers, is Abu Dhabi’s first biodiversity park. Its shaded paths wind through around 2,000 native trees and plants, including the Ghaf, the national tree of the UAE. Entry is free and the park is usually open from early morning until late evening, which makes it a calm break from the malls.
Where to Eat on Al Reem Island in Abu Dhabi
Food on Al Reem Island ranges from food trucks to sit down restaurants with water views. A few names worth knowing:
- Eataly at Reem Mall for Italian food, pasta and gelato.
- Wagamama, Paul and New Shanghai at Reem Mall for easy family meals.
- Leopold’s of London and Johnny Rockets at Shams Boutik Mall for casual all day dining.
- Smoking Doll and Nando’s at Shams Boutik Mall for Asian flavours and flame grilled chicken.
- 800 Degrees Pizzeria and the food trucks at Reem Central Park for a casual dinner after a park walk.
- Cove Beach for a beach club lunch or sunset drinks.
Nightlife is relaxed compared with Yas Island or the Corniche, with most evenings centred on dinner, shisha lounges and seaside walks.
Warning: Some residential buildings restrict visitor parking after certain hours. Check with your host or building management before you arrive with a rental car.
Where to Stay Near Al Reem Island in Abu Dhabi
Al Reem Island is a residential district, so there are no hotels on the island itself. Short stay visitors usually book furnished serviced apartments or holiday homes in towers around Shams Abu Dhabi, Najmat Abu Dhabi and Marina Square, many with a kitchen, gym and pool. If you prefer a hotel, the closest options are on Al Maryah Island next door, including Rosewood Abu Dhabi and Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island. For beach resorts, Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi is about 15 minutes away, while travellers watching their spend can look at Abu Dhabi budget hotels with Tabby. Hotel names here are for information only.
Pro Tip: Book a serviced apartment with a kitchen if you plan to stay more than three nights. It saves money on dining and gives you space to relax after sightseeing.
Nearby Attractions Worth the Short Drive
Al Reem Island is a great base for exploring the capital. Walk or take a short taxi to The Galleria Al Maryah Island for luxury shopping and waterfront dining. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is about 20 to 25 minutes by car, and the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum on Saadiyat Island is about 15 minutes away.
e building, floor, view and number of cheques, so treat these as a guide only and always check service charges before signing a contract.
Best Time to Visit Al Reem Island in Abu Dhabi
The best time to visit Al Reem Island in Abu Dhabi is from October to April, when temperatures are pleasant for Reem Central Park, Reem Beach, Al Fay Park and mangrove kayaking. From May to September it is very hot and humid, so plan outdoor time for early morning or after sunset and spend the middle of the day indoors at Reem Mall and Snow Abu Dhabi. Weekday mornings are the quietest time for the mall and the snow park, while Friday to Sunday evenings are the liveliest along the waterfront.
Getting Around the Island
The island has wide roads, clear signs and pedestrian crossings. Taxis wait at Reem Mall and Shams Boutik Mall, and ride hailing apps work well across the district. Waterfront promenades link several neighbourhoods on foot, but distances can be long in summer, so most visitors combine short walks with taxis.
Flexible Payment Options for Your Trip
Al Reem Island is free to explore, so this guide is for information only. To get there, contact White Sky Travel and Tourism for flights, hotels and transfers to Abu Dhabi. You can split the cost of flights, hotel stays and airport transfers with Tabby or Tamara, or pay with UAE credit cards over up to 12 months. Learn more in our guide to the air ticket installment plan in the UAE. T&C apply and the final price is confirmed during booking.
Pro Tip: Message us on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 for flights, hotels and transfers, and ask about installment plans so we can apply the right plan before you confirm.
Related Articles
Planning more of the capital? These guides will help:
- Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi: Things to Do, Hotels, and Where to Eat
- The Galleria Al Maryah Island Abu Dhabi
- Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi: Best Places to Visit and Free Things to Do
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi UAE: Visitor Guide
- Jubail Mangrove Park in Abu Dhabi
- Abu Dhabi Malls Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Al Reem Island in Abu Dhabi?
Al Reem Island is just off the northeast coast of Abu Dhabi city, across the channel from the Al Zahiyah (Tourist Club) area and next to Al Maryah Island. Several road bridges connect it to the mainland, and downtown Abu Dhabi is about 10 to 15 minutes away by car.
How far is Al Reem Island from Zayed International Airport?
The drive from Zayed International Airport to Al Reem Island takes about 25 to 30 minutes by taxi or car, depending on traffic. Public buses also connect the airport with the city but take longer.
Are there hotels on Al Reem Island?
There are no hotels on Al Reem Island itself. Visitors usually stay in serviced apartments or holiday homes on the island, or in hotels on neighbouring Al Maryah Island such as Rosewood Abu Dhabi and Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island.
What are the best things to do on Al Reem Island?
The top things to do are Snow Abu Dhabi and shopping at Reem Mall, Reem Central Park, Reem Beach, Cove Beach, kayaking or paddleboarding through the Reem mangroves, Al Fay Park and the cafes at Shams Boutik Mall.
Where is Reem Mall and what is inside?
Reem Mall is on Hazza Bin Zayed The First Street in Najmat Abu Dhabi, Al Reem Island. It has more than 400 stores, a large Carrefour, VOX Cinemas, CUBE Challenges, dining such as Eataly and Wagamama, and Snow Abu Dhabi, the capital’s indoor snow park.
Is Reem Central Park free to enter?
Yes. Reem Central Park is a free public park with playgrounds, skate parks, canal walks, food trucks and access to Reem Beach. Activities such as kayak rental are paid separately, and timings may change.
Is there a beach on Al Reem Island?
Yes. Reem Beach next to Reem Central Park is a free public beach, and Cove Beach at Makers District is a licensed beach club with pools, a sea pool and a beachfront restaurant. Entry fees and timings may change.
Is Al Reem Island good for families?
Yes. Families enjoy Snow Abu Dhabi and the play zones at Reem Mall, the playgrounds and beach at Reem Central Park, and plenty of casual restaurants within easy reach of most apartment towers.
What is the best time to visit Al Reem Island in Abu Dhabi?
October to April is the best time to visit Al Reem Island in Abu Dhabi, when the weather suits parks, beaches and kayaking. In summer, visit outdoor spots early in the morning or after sunset and spend the afternoon at Reem Mall and Snow Abu Dhabi.
How much time do you need on Al Reem Island?
Half a day is enough for Reem Mall and Snow Abu Dhabi or a park and beach visit. A full day lets you combine mangrove kayaking, Reem Central Park, Reem Beach, shopping and dinner by the water.
Is Al Reem Island worth visiting?
Yes. Al Reem Island in Abu Dhabi combines a large mall with an indoor snow park, free parks and a public beach, mangrove kayaking and waterfront dining, all within 15 minutes of downtown Abu Dhabi, so it is easy to add to any Abu Dhabi itinerary.
Can White Sky help me plan a trip to Al Reem Island?
Yes. Al Reem Island is a public area that you can explore freely, and White Sky Travel and Tourism can arrange your flights, hotels and transfers to Abu Dhabi. You can pay with Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit card installments up to 12 months. T&C apply and the final price is confirmed during booking. Message White Sky on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133.
Conclusion
Al Reem Island in Abu Dhabi packs a lot into a small area: a snow park, a free beach, mangrove kayaking, a large central park and a growing food scene, all just minutes from downtown and Al Maryah Island. It works well as a half day outing for tourists, a family weekend escape for UAE residents, or a place to live close to the city. Message White Sky Travel and Tourism on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 to plan your flights, hotel stay and transfers for Abu Dhabi, with the option to pay in installments.
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