Abu Dhabi's islands: there's one for every facet of life


Ian Oxborrow
  • English
  • Arabic

It's easy to forget that Abu Dhabi city is in actual fact on an island. But there's certainly something memorable about all of the islands surrounding it.

From nature reserves to a private paradise, each island has its own characteristics and purpose, and while a few are familiar haunts for many residents, others remain untouched and on the "to-do" list.

But when you consider the dozen or so islands which are inhabited, or will soon be, and accessible, it can simply be deduced that there is one for every facet of life.

Scroll through our gallery above to discover more about the islands.

Ramon Penas / The National
Ramon Penas / The National

An aerial view provides a jigsaw with the pieces separated by mangroves and dredged channels. You could imagine it all squeezed together as one land mass.

Change has been afoot though - where once was just sand and open space now sits roads and movement. Bridges link it all together, while boats reach those out of reach.

And this week we learn't of another addition to the Abu Dhabi islands of significance - Jubail Island.

Already home to gazelle and flamingos, they will in the coming years be joined by 5,000 to 6,000 residents living across six "villages".

So, which island will be next?

Tell us your favourite Abu Dhabi island in the poll below

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A cheaper choice

Vanuatu: $130,000

Why on earth pick Vanuatu? Easy. The South Pacific country has no income tax, wealth tax, capital gains or inheritance tax. And in 2015, when it was hit by Cyclone Pam, it signed an agreement with the EU that gave it some serious passport power.

Cost: A minimum investment of $130,000 for a family of up to four, plus $25,000 in fees.

Criteria: Applicants must have a minimum net worth of $250,000. The process take six to eight weeks, after which the investor must travel to Vanuatu or Hong Kong to take the oath of allegiance. Citizenship and passport are normally provided on the same day.

Benefits:  No tax, no restrictions on dual citizenship, no requirement to visit or reside to retain a passport. Visa-free access to 129 countries.

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Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
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  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
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The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

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1921

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