What is the Abu Dhabi Islands and Water Sports Guide?

It is a new digital platform launched by the Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) that provides information on over 200 islands and various marine activities available in the emirate, including itineraries, operator listings, and coastal guidance.

Where can visitors access the new guide?

The guide is available on the official Experience Abu Dhabi website (visitabudhabi.ae) under the 'Plan Your Trip' section, specifically within 'Islands and Water Sports Guide'.

How does the guide contribute to Abu Dhabi's tourism goals?

The guide supports the Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy 2030 by aiming to attract 39.3 million annual visitors, create 178,000 new jobs, and increase tourism's economic contribution to AED 90 billion, by diversifying visitor offerings and promoting nature-based experiences.

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Tourism·14 September 2026

Abu Dhabi Launches Digital Islands and Water Sports Guide to Boost Marine Tourism

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has unveiled a new digital guide showcasing over 200 islands and diverse water activities to enhance marine tourism and support the emirate's 2030 strateg

The Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has introduced the Abu Dhabi Islands and Water Sports Guide, a new digital platform aimed at promoting the emirate's extensive marine offerings. Launched to coincide with DCT Abu Dhabi’s participation in Arabian Travel Market 2026, the guide provides essential visitor information for exploring Abu Dhabi's more than 200 islands and numerous water-based experiences.

The guide features comprehensive information, including itineraries, activity recommendations, listings for licensed operators, details on marine protected areas, and an interactive map. It also provides crucial coastal guidance, making it easier for visitors to plan and experience activities such as sailing, island-hopping, and kayaking through mangrove ecosystems.

Island Categorisation and Accessibility

The platform categorises Abu Dhabi’s major islands to help users plan their journeys responsibly. Islands are classified as highly recommended, accessible, limited access, marine protected area, privately owned, or no visitor access. This classification aids in understanding the marine landscape and ensures safe and sustainable exploration.

His Excellency Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, highlighted that the guide honours Abu Dhabi's maritime heritage and reinforces its position as a leading maritime tourism destination. He emphasised that it equips sea and water enthusiasts with the knowledge for safe and responsible exploration.

Supporting Tourism Strategy 2030

The launch aligns with Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030, which targets 39.3 million annual visitors by 2030, aims to create 178,000 new jobs in the tourism sector, and seeks to increase tourism’s contribution to the emirate’s economy to AED 90 billion. By showcasing lesser-known destinations and expanding access to nature-based experiences, the guide is designed to diversify the visitor offering and encourage longer and repeat stays, thereby strengthening Abu Dhabi's appeal as a year-round destination.

Developed in collaboration with various government and industry partners, including the Department of Government Enablement, Department of Municipalities and Transport, Department of Economic Development, Environment Agency — Abu Dhabi, and Abu Dhabi Maritime, the guide is accessible on the Experience Abu Dhabi website under the 'Plan Your Trip' section.

Frequently asked

Questions, answered

What is the Abu Dhabi Islands and Water Sports Guide?: It is a new digital platform launched by the Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) that provides information on over 200 islands and various marine activities available in the emirate, including itineraries, operator listings, and coastal guidance.
Where can visitors access the new guide?: The guide is available on the official Experience Abu Dhabi website (visitabudhabi.ae) under the 'Plan Your Trip' section, specifically within 'Islands and Water Sports Guide'.
How does the guide contribute to Abu Dhabi's tourism goals?: The guide supports the Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy 2030 by aiming to attract 39.3 million annual visitors, create 178,000 new jobs, and increase tourism's economic contribution to AED 90 billion, by diversifying visitor offerings and promoting nature-based experiences.
What kind of information does the guide provide about the islands?: The guide categorises major islands by accessibility, classifying them as highly recommended, accessible, limited access, marine protected area, privately owned, or no visitor access, to help users plan responsible exploration.
Which entities collaborated on developing this guide?: DCT Abu Dhabi developed the guide in collaboration with several government and industry partners, including the Department of Government Enablement, Department of Municipalities and Transport, Department of Economic Development, Environment Agency — Abu Dhabi, and Abu Dhabi Maritime.

Reported by

Google News — Dubai Tourism & Hotels

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This brief was summarised and rewritten by Gaia Living from public reporting. Figures and details reflect the original sources.

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