Reem & Maryah Islands Travel Guide

Al Maryah and Reem: business hubs with waterfront shopping and luxury stays

• Best for: Business travellers and shoppers seeking luxury
• Vibe: Sleek, polished and quiet by day; hotel bars lively at night
• Nearest station: No metro; served by city buses, taxis and ride-hail apps
• Price level: $$$$ for hotels and many restaurants
• To the main sights: Short drive to the Corniche and Louvre Abu Dhabi
• Safety: Very safe; low petty crime, busy public spaces

Great for:

• Business travel
• Luxury shopping
• Short stays near the hospital and financial district
• Calm waterfront walks

Maybe skip it if:

• You want gritty local markets or street-food scenes
• You need budget backpacker hostels nearby

Al Maryah and Reem sit to the northeast of Abu Dhabi island, connected by bridges and a short drive from the Corniche and city centre.

• Wear: Smart-casual attire suits hotels and ADGM cafés; modest dress in public areas.
• Timing: Weekday lunchtimes are busy with office crowds; evenings are quieter midweek.
• Transport: Use taxis or ride-hail apps for the fastest cross-city journeys.
• Weather: Waterfront walks are best early morning or after sunset in summer.
• Payments: Most hotels and shops accept cards; carry a small amount of cash for markets.

• The Galleria Al Maryah Island: Upscale waterfront mall with international fashion brands, restaurants and terraces overlooking the marina.
• Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM): Modern financial district with landscaped square, designer cafés and evening dining around the plaza.
• Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi: Large, modern medical campus and a regional healthcare landmark on Al Maryah.
• Waterfront promenades: Flat, well-lit walks linking hotels and malls, good for morning jogs or evening strolls.

• Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH): Public transport: A1 airport bus to central bus station then local taxi or bus to Al Maryah; total 50-70 minutes depending on connections, low bus fare plus short taxi. Taxi/ride-hail: direct taxi to Al Maryah takes about 30-45 minutes, simplest option; fares vary by time of day.
• Al Bateen Executive Airport: Public transport: limited scheduled services, taxi is simplest. Taxi/ride-hail: 15-25 minutes to Al Maryah Island, convenient for business travellers.
• From the main sights: From the Corniche or city centre: taxi or ride-hail 10-20 minutes depending on traffic; some buses also connect to stops near The Galleria.

• On foot: Al Maryah’s core is compact and walkable, hotels, ADGM and The Galleria are linked by promenades.
• Taxis and ride-hail: Taxis and apps (Careem, Uber) are the easiest way to reach other Abu Dhabi sights; plentiful and metered.
• Buses: City buses serve the islands but services are less frequent than in denser parts of the city; check schedules for evenings.

Accommodation on Al Maryah Island is predominantly upscale and geared to business guests, with several international luxury brands and waterfront views. Hotels cluster around ADGM and The Galleria, making them convenient for shopping and meetings. Expect hotel bars and restaurants to be the main evening attractions.

Luxury

• Four Seasons: Landmark waterfront luxury hotel close to The Galleria and ADGM, ideal for business and leisure travellers.
• Rosewood Maryah Island: Stylish luxury hotel with refined public spaces and quick access to ADGM’s square and cafés.
• Four Seasons Al Maryah Island: Another Four Seasons property on the island offering top-end amenities and direct access to waterfront promenades.

Mid-range

• Beach Rotana Hotel & Towers: Well-known 5-star hotel a short drive from Al Maryah; good option for reliable facilities at a lower headline cost than island-centre properties.

Budget

• Marina Bay 1 C2: Apartment accommodation suitable for longer stays or travellers seeking self-catered options a short ride from the island centre.

Dining clusters around The Galleria, ADGM square and the waterfront promenades, from café chains to high-end restaurants. Expect a predominance of international and contemporary options, with price levels ranging from $ for cafés to $$$$ for premium dining. Early evening reservations are recommended for weekend terraces.

• % Arabica: Coffee-shop; $; popular specialty coffee in a convenient ADGM location.
• Din Tai Fung: Taiwanese; $$; well-known dumpling and noodle chain in The Galleria area.
• L’eto: Cafe; $$; patisserie-style café serving breakfast and light meals near the mall.
• hy Bakery: Bakery; $; casual spot for pastries and coffee, handy for grab-and-go.
• Caffè Nero: Coffee-shop; $; familiar European coffee chain with indoor seating.
• Zuma Abu Dhabi: Japanese; $$$$; high-end contemporary Japanese dining popular for special occasions.
• BB Social dining: Restaurant; $$$; stylish modern dining option within easy reach of ADGM.

Nightlife is concentrated in hotel bars and a handful of pubs and lounges around The Galleria and ADGM. Evenings are upscale and relaxed rather than club-heavy, with terraces busy at weekends. Expect venues to stay open late in hotels, while standalone pubs may close earlier.

• Brauhaus: Pub; $$; German-style beer hall and pub atmosphere a short ride from the island centre.

Shopping here is high-end and centred on The Galleria Al Maryah Island, which houses global designer brands and waterfront restaurants. Secondary retail and convenience stores sit along the promenades and in nearby residential towers. Most shopping is mid-morning to late-evening.

• The Galleria: Upscale mall with designer stores, waterfront dining and a slick, air-conditioned environment.
• Galleria Mall: Part of the island’s retail complex offering international brands and cafés.
• Abu Dhabi Galleria Mall Extension: Additional retail space adjacent to The Galleria, extending brand and dining options.
• The Galleria, Main Entrance: Primary access point to the mall and its waterfront terraces.
• F Mart: Department-store style grocery and essentials store convenient for residents and guests.