Marawah Island Island

Large protected island off Abu Dhabi coast

An island off Abu Dhabi that forms part of a marine conservation area. Boat tours visit for seabirds, marine habitats and archaeological finds linked to early coastal settlement.

Marawah Island at a Glance#

About Marawah Island#

Marawah Island is a low-lying, uninhabited island off the western coast of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. It forms part of the coastal island groups of the emirate and lies within a larger marine conservation area.

The island is characterised by flat, sandy and limestone terrain and is largely free of permanent development. Landings are restricted and the islands are managed for conservation, scientific research and environmental protection.

Marawah is used mainly for conservation purposes and occasional research visits rather than tourism, and boat access from Abu Dhabi is required to reach the island.

Geographically it sits in the Persian Gulf off Abu Dhabi’s western shoreline within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

  • Protected marine island: Part of a chain of low-lying islands off Abu Dhabi’s western coast and managed within the emirate’s network of protected marine areas; access is by private boat only.

How to Get to Marawah Island#

Marawah lies about 63 km northwest of Abu Dhabi island. Access is by boat from Abu Dhabi or via organized research/eco-tours; landing may be restricted and permissions are often required from Abu Dhabi environmental authorities.

Tips for Visiting Marawah Island#

  • If visiting for archaeology, bring binoculars and plan for a guided boat trip; the island is remote and access is restricted.
  • Respect wildlife: Marawah is an important breeding ground for seabirds and a marine conservation zone.
  • Arrange permits in advance through Abu Dhabi's cultural or environmental authorities; casual landings are not recommended.

Best Time to Visit Marawah Island#

Best in winter months (November-March) when temperatures are pleasant and sea conditions are calm for boat access.

Winter (Nov-Mar)
Nov-Mar · 18-25°C (64-77°F)
Mild temperatures and calmer seas - best for boats and fieldwork.
Spring (Apr-May)
Apr-May · 22-32°C (72-90°F)
Warmer days; some archaeological projects continue before the intense summer heat.
Summer (Jun-Oct)
Jun-Oct · 30-40°C (86-104°F)
Very hot with rougher seas; not ideal for visits.

Weather & Climate near Marawah Island#

Climate

Tropical climate with very hot summers (peaking in August) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 14°C to 40°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 151 Unhealthy
Best Time to Visit
NovemberJanuaryDecember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
39°
Warmest Month
14°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Ideal 14° - 23° 19° 8 mm mostly sunny 69% 4.2 m/s 1.0 moderate 10.7h
February Ideal 15° - 25° 20° 19 mm mostly sunny 72% 4.2 m/s 1.3 high 11.2h
March Ideal 18° - 28° 23° 18 mm some cloud 72% 4.4 m/s 1.7 very high 11.9h
April Excellent 21° - 32° 27° 6 mm some cloud 71% 4.1 m/s 2.0 extreme 12.6h
May Very Good 25° - 38° 39° 1 mm mostly sunny 71% 4.2 m/s 2.3 extreme 13.2h
June Very Good 28° - 39° 47° 0 mm mostly sunny 74% 4.4 m/s 2.3 extreme 13.5h
July Good 29° - 40° 52° 0 mm mostly sunny 74% 4.5 m/s 2.2 extreme 13.4h
August Good 30° - 40° 50° 1 mm mostly sunny 71% 4.5 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.9h
September Excellent 27° - 38° 41° 0 mm clear 66% 3.9 m/s 1.9 very high 12.2h
October Ideal 24° - 35° 32° 0 mm clear 63% 3.5 m/s 1.5 very high 11.5h
November Ideal 20° - 30° 25° 2 mm mostly sunny 64% 3.5 m/s 1.1 high 10.8h
December Ideal 16° - 25° 21° 7 mm mostly sunny 68% 4.1 m/s 0.9 moderate 10.5h