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

From Saadiyat to Sir Bani Yas, a remarkable contrast exists across the emirate's islands

Lulu Island: Positioned in front of Abu Dhabi's Corniche, it's easy to forget that what you are looking at is an island and not part of the mainland, such is its close proximity. But while many of the islands around the city are undergoing development, Lulu remains largely untouched with proposals, including a 400-metre tower that resembles an "elongated oyster" turned on its side, falling by the way. Its name means 'pearl' in Arabic and there is a story that the island's unusual shape is based on Abu Dhabi island itself, only smaller. Christopher Pike / The National

Delma Island: Known historically for its pearl trading and diving, it is located about 42km north-west of Jebel Dhannah out in the Arabian Gulf. Its population as of 2013 was said to be about 4,000 spread over the 9km by 6km land mass. You can visit via a ferry from Jebel Dhanna, though make sure it isn't too windy for the return trip. Mona Al Marzooqi / The National

Hudayriat Island: It was previously known for its connection to the main Abu Dhabi island in the Al Bateen area by the 'Bridge to Nowhere', but that is now a thing of the past. The huge island now features a public beach, cycle tracks and food trucks while plans for housing have also been announced. Courtesy Abu Dhabi Municipality

Jubail Island: A well-known piece of land to those who regularly drive from Abu Dhabi island to Yas Island via Saadiyat. Jubail is the stretch of land between Saadiyat and Yas and is to be transformed into a low-density residential development over the next few years with villages for up to 6,000. Pawan Singh / The National

Nurai Island: If you feel like you need a holiday but don't want to travel more than, say, 20 minutes then help is at hand. Nurai, a private island resort, is a short boat trip from Saadiyat Island and features a hotel consisting of 32 villas. It doesn't come cheap, but luxury rarely does. Christopher Pike / The National

Moon Island: It's so near, yet so little known. Tucked between Reem Island and Saadiyat Island, Moon features a beach resort which is accessed via a speed boat from the British Club dock. Screengrab courtesy YouTube

Sir Bani Yas Island: One of the eight desert islands of Al Dhafra, this is one that wildlife and nature lovers in particular will appreciate. It's home to more than 10,000 animals and three Anantara resorts for a comfortable stay. For those who like a slice of history, the island also contains the remains of the UAE's only discovered Christian monastery. Visitors from the city take a two-and-a-half hour drive via the E11 and then take a ferry from Jebel Dhanna. Silvia Razgova / The National

Al Reem Island: Another which feels like part of the mainland but is in fact only accessed via bridges. It has come a long way during the past decade with more and more of the sandy plots being turned into towers more than 30 stories high. Popular among the expatriate population, the island is home to Boutique Mall which will be joined by the under-construction Reem Mall. Alamy

Al Maryah Island: Within swimming distance of the main city and Reem Island, Maryah is home to the financial district - Abu Dhabi Global Market - and come August will have a new mall, Al Maryah Central. Alamy

Das Island: This isn't one for a relaxing weekend away. Located 160km north west of the mainland, it is inhabited by oil and gas workers after large discoveries were made in the 1950s. The export of crude oil began from an oil-export terminal on Das Island in 1962. Photo Courtesy Adnoc

Saadiyat Island: Now known the world over as the home of the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Development on the island continues at pace, with hundreds of new villas and the recent addition of a Jumeirah Hotel. It also hosts New York University Abu Dhabi and a spectacular beach. Courtesy DCT Abu Dhabi

Yas Island: Master developer Miral has Dh6.2bn worth of projects under construction including an 18,000-seat indoor stadium, while new homes are springing up by the day. Back in 2007, it was a very different scene with the sandy expanses broken up by just a few strips of road. Then came the F1 track, a marina, hotels, a golf course and theme parks. Just imagine what it will look like a decade on from now. Getty Images

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.

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