New Digital Guide Maps Abu Dhabi Islands, Water Sports, Tour Operators and Visitor Access.
Dubai: Visitors seeking to discover Abu Dhabi from the water can now access a new digital guide featuring more than 200 islands across the emirate, along with information on water sports, marine environments and licensed operators.
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has launched the Abu Dhabi Islands and Water Sports Guide, a digital platform that brings together suggested itineraries, activity recommendations, licensed operator listings, information on marine protected areas and an interactive map.
Unveiled alongside DCT Abu Dhabi’s participation in Arabian Travel Market 2026, the guide is designed to simplify planning for visitors interested in sailing, island hopping, kayaking and a range of other coastal and water-based activities.
Which islands can visitors access?
A key feature of the guide is its clear information on which Abu Dhabi islands are open to visitors and where access restrictions apply.
The islands are classified into several categories, including highly recommended destinations, accessible islands, limited-access locations, marine protected areas, privately owned islands and areas where visitor access is prohibited.
The platform also provides coastal guidance and practical information to help visitors better understand Abu Dhabi’s marine environment and plan their trips accordingly.
Visitors can use the guide to discover a range of experiences, including sailing, island hopping and kayaking through mangrove ecosystems, while also connecting directly with licensed operators offering marine activities.
Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said the emirate’s maritime heritage has long been an important part of its identity, with sailing and the sea playing a central role in the lives of previous generations.
He said the new guide gives sea and water sports enthusiasts the information they need to explore Abu Dhabi’s waters safely and responsibly, while showcasing the emirate’s natural beauty and preserving its maritime heritage in an authentic and sustainable way.
Part of Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030
The new guide forms part of Abu Dhabi’s broader efforts to expand its range of outdoor, nature-based and coastal tourism experiences and strengthen the emirate’s appeal as a diverse visitor destination.
Under Tourism Strategy 2030, Abu Dhabi aims to attract 39.3 million visitors annually by 2030, create 178,000 new tourism jobs and increase the sector’s contribution to the emirate’s economy to Dh90 billion.
DCT Abu Dhabi said the platform will also showcase lesser-known destinations and broaden access to outdoor experiences, supporting efforts to encourage visitors to extend their stays and return to the emirate.
The guide was developed in collaboration with 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 available on the Experience Abu Dhabi website and can be accessed through the Plan Your Trip section under Islands and Water Sports Guide.
