Al Maryah Island

Named after the Arabian Oryx, Al Maryah Island is located in northeastern Abu Dhabi. It was formerly known as Sowwah Island. The construction of Al Maryah Island started in 2007 by Mubadala Development Company. Covering approximately 114 hectares of land, the development is one of the largest construction sites in the city.

The island was developed in several phases including the construction of residential buildings, offices and hospitals. Sowwah Square (Abu Dhabi Global Market Square) is the centre of the island that accommodates over 40 companies, as well as other business towers.

IN A NUTSHELL

• A mixed-use residential, leisure and commercial development
• Located in the northeast region of Abu Dhabi
• Offers residential apartments with parking spaces, security and pools
• The area has a vibrant lifestyle and is great for businesses too
• Waterfront living with a range of lifestyle amenities
• Home to The Galleria, the community mall and the centre of events
• One of the top Abu Dhabi freehold areas for buying apartments

COMMUNITY OVERVIEW

Al Maryah Island is a vibrant residential and business destination where you can experience life in Abu Dhabi at its best. As per the searches made on Bayut’s official website, it is one of the most popular islands in Abu Dhabi.

The Island is home to two world-class five-star hotels and exceptional luxury boutique restaurants. One can find many high-end brand outlets and beachfront dining facilities here. Nolu’s Cafe infront of the gorgeous beaches around here is one of the best pet-friendly places in Abu Dhabi. Also, comprised of four award-winning towers and the world’s newest financial centre, Al Maryah is home to Abu Dhabi Global Market.

Moreover, the waterfront pedestrian promenade in Al Maryah Island offers 360° views of the city. Hosting many events throughout the year at the community mall, such as New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year and UAE National Day, the development has evolved into a popular tourist site.

PROPERTIES ON AL MARYAH ISLAND

In addition to being one of the most luxurious waterfront neighbourhood in Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island incorporates all the essential amenities one would need. Properties in Al Maryah Island include residential apartments and offices.

The apartment blocks include studios, 1-bed and 2-bed units as well as spacious 3-bedroom flats. A few 4 to 5-bed penthouses are also present in Al Maryah Vista covering 3,200 sq. ft. of living space. Generally, the size of 1-bedroom flats ranges from 990 sq. ft. to 1,250 sq. ft. while 2 and 3-bedroom apartments may span across 1,400 sq. ft. to 2,000 sq. ft. Also, hotels on Al Maryah Island offer waterfront serviced apartments.

If you plan to rent offices on Al Maryah Island, the annual cost varies according to the floor area and office location. A small 570 sq. ft. office is offered for AED 200k, yearly. Larger 5,000 sq. ft. offices cost more than and equal to AED 1M, per annum.

The pricing for apartments varies with the number of rooms and amenities offered. You can buy studios for AED 506k on Al Maryah Island while 1-bedroom apartments go for AED 674k, on average. Further, prices increase up to AED 2M for a 2-bedroom apartments. Those looking for bigger units can buy a 3-bedroom unit for an average cost of AED 1.54M.

As per the user-generated views at Bayut, Al Maryah Vista is a popular project. It is a residential building under development on Maryah Island. Developed by Webridge Properties, the complex offers a unique waterfront lifestyle. It features studios, 1, 2 and 3-bedroom units with a unique design and stunning views. According to the 2020 Abu Dhabi Property Market Report by Bayut, Al Maryah Vista is most popular for offering off-plan apartments on the luxury front. Prices for apartments for sale in Maryah Vista start from AED 530k.

Maryah Plaza and Sowwah Square also deserve a mention among popular buildings on Al Maryah Island. Developed by Falgory Group, Al Maryah Plaza offers the best choices in Abu Dhabi for beachfront properties to invest in. It is the first residential project on the island.

Next to Galleria Mall, Sowwah Square Tower 4 is a commercial building, 37 floors above ground. It has a wide range of fitted offices and retail space on the ground floor.

AL MARYAH ISLAND FLOOR PLANS

Those looking for Al Maryah Island floor plans can browse through the floor plans available for popular communities/buildings in Al Maryah Island.

HOTELS ON AL MARYAH ISLAND

There are two boutique hotels on Al Maryah Island, Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi and Rosewood Abu Dhabi.

Rosewood Abu Dhabi is a striking curved building that overlooks the Arabian Sea. One of the best options for summer staycations in Abu Dhabi, this luxury hotel has ultra chic rooms with high-end decor and marble bathrooms. Each rooms have flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi access, and 24-hour butler service. Sambusek in Rosewood Abu Dhabi is one of the best shisha bars you’d find in the city.

One of the luxury hotels in Abu Dhabi, Four Seasons Hotel is a 5-star hotel chain offering views of the skyline and the Arabian Gulf. The hotel features modern rooms, free WiFi, desks, sofas and custom-made beds. Other amenities include a steakhouse, Italian bistro and a casual eatery.

TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING SPACES IN AL MARYAH ISLAND

Most apartments in Al Maryah Island have underground parking spaces while visitors can park their cars on the street, parking spaces in malls nearby or space outside their offices.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT NEAR AL MARYAH ISLAND

When it comes to public transportation near Al Maryah Island, the closest bus stops are at Street 19, Bainuna Street serviced by Bus 8, 10 and 11. You can easily reach Marina Mall and Al Mina Centre using these buses. Taxis are also easily available on Al Maryah Island.

AMENITIES, SCHOOLS AND HEALTHCARE

Al Maryah Island offers all the basic amenities at a hand’s length. The developer has recently launched a recreation centre, ACTIVE. Co-branded by Zayed Sports City, it is a sports and fitness club with 3 football fields, a FIFA turf field, 4 tennis courts some multipurpose sports courts and an indoor sports gym expected to be operational soon.

SUPERMARKETS IN AL MARYAH ISLAND

There are many supermarkets on Al Maryah Island. You can visit ZOOM, Carrefour Market, SPAR Express and Lulu Express all within a 10-minute drive. These supermarkets provide you with vast brand options in terms of grocery, electronics, beauty products and more. Mina Al Madeena Supermarket and Al Maya Supermarket are also within a 6-minute drive.

CHURCHES, TEMPLES AND MOSQUES NEAR AL MARYAH ISLAND

The closest and most popular church near Al Maryah Island is St. George’s Orthodox Cathedral which 16 minutes away. It is located in Al Mushrif alongside St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Kings Church and St. Nicholas Orthodox Abu Dhabi.

The area itself does not currently have any mosques but there are plenty of mosques near Al Maryah Island. The most popular ones are Khalifa Zaid Mosque, Mosque of Sheikh Hazza Bin Sultan and Thani Bin Mohammed Mosque all located at about a 10-minute drive from the area. Al Aziz Mosque is the closest mosque from the area on Al Falah Street.

New Gurudwara Abu Dhabi in the locality of Mussafah is a gurudwara for Sikh residents to visit. A Hindu temple is currently under construction in Abu Dhabi, meanwhile residents will have to visit the Shiva and Krishna temples in Dubai.

SCHOOLS IN AL MARYAH ISLAND

If you are moving in with your family, then worry not as there are quality schools in Al Maryah Island that offer different curriculums. Abu Dhabi Grammar School provides the Nova Scotian curriculum to 50 nationalities from all over the world. Repton Abu Dhabi is just at a 7-minute drive situated in the City of Lights and offers the UK/IB curriculum. Emirates National School and GEMS World Academy are also notable schools in the area. These are both located within a 10-minute drive from Al Maryah Island.

Nearby higher education optionns consist of INSEAD’s Middle East campus directly in Al Maryah Island and the Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi in Al Reem Island.

CLINICS AND HOSPITALS IN AL MARYAH ISLAND

Cleveland Clinic is one of the largest and most respectable clinics in Al Maryah Island. There are many other popular hospitals and clinics nearby in Al Dafrah such as Al Raha Hospital, Burjeel Hospital and Dar Al Shifa Hospital. If you have skin issues or you are worried about the sudden breakouts, you can visit Kaya Skin Clinic and Lumiere Skin Clinic located at a 10-minute drive from the community.

NEARBY AREAS

Al Zahiyah now renamed Tourist Club Area is one of the oldest neighbourhoods of Abu Dhabi. It neighbours Al Maryah Island on the west and is a very busy commercial area with cafes and hotels.

To the east of Al Maryah Island is Al Reem Island, it has become the centre of attention in terms of real estate and commercial activities in the city. It has multiple properties for rent in many of its communities such as Marina Square, City Of Lights and Shams Gate District.

SHOPPING, DINING AND NIGHTLIFE

The waterfront address in Abu Dhabi offers all kinds of entertainment options you’d expect from any modern development. Besides a range of basic lifestyle amenities, Al Maryah Island is home to shopping avenues, a wide range of restaurants and bars. Eclipse Terrace Lounge in Four Seasons Hotel is one of the top rooftop bars in Abu Dhabi. You can enjoy a drink here or plan a complete staycation at luxury hotels, grab a bite from cafes or spend time with loved ones at beautiful fine-dining restaurants.

MALLS IN AL MARYAH ISLAND

Al Maryah Island residents enjoy exciting shopping sprees at the full fledged community mall in the heart of the community.

THE GALLERIA

Counted among the top shopping malls in Abu Dhabi, The Galleria is an excellent shopping and dining destination on Al Maryah Island. The shopping centre features a mix of luxury fashion and exquisite jewellery brands alongside many international brands. It offers many facilities to make your shopping experience pleasant such as prayer rooms, valet service and a wide range of dining options. If you are looking for beachfront dining in Abu Dhabi, Nolu’s Downtown is a popular-favourite on Level 2 of the complex. Besides, 99 Sushi Bar, Bentley Kitchen and Coya are some more restaurants in Galleria Mall to hit right away.

You can also visit Abu Dhabi Mall for the waterfront shopping experience with over 200 stores, situated at only a 7-minute drive.

RESTAURANTS IN AL MARYAH ISLAND

There is a wide range of restaurants on Al Maryah Island, most of which in The Galleria mall. Casual dining options include Taqado Mexican Kitchen, Biryani Pot, Sushi Art and more. Other restaurants include the healthy food eatery Nolu’s Downtown, the European restaurant Bentley Kitchen and Arabian eatery Almaz by Momo. Those craving for authentic Sushi bites can go to 99 Sushi. This restaurant and Coya offer private dining in Abu Dhabi with stunning views from The Galleria.

Fine-dining options can be found in The Galleria mall and the two hotels on the island. The Galleria mall features Japanese restaurant Zuma, Peruvian grill Coya and French restaurant La Petite Maison.

The Four Seasons Al Maryah Island is home to 99 Sushi Bar, Butcher & Still, Cafe Milano and the Eclipse lounge. Rosewood Abu Dhabi features popular Cantonese eatery Dai Pai Dong, Italian restaurant Roberto’s and Lebanese restaurant Sambusek. Here, Cafe Milano and Roberto’s are considered among the top Italian restaurants in Abu Dhabi.

Nightlife options in Rosewood Abu Dhabi include Dragon’s Tooth bar, Glo lounge and La Cava bar. Those looking to spend some quality time at a romantic spot can hit Cabana Beach Bar and Grill in Four Seasons Hotel. It is one of Abu Dhabi’s best rooftop restaurants with a nice ambience.

BEACHES NEAR AL MARYAH ISLAND

You no longer have to drive a long way to have a fun-filled picnic at the beach as the most popular beaches near Al Maryah Island are just at a 15-minute drive. Abu Dhabi Beach, Al Sahil Beach and the ever popular Corniche Beach are all nearby. Corniche Abu Dhabi is a fantastic outdoor leisure place for its tourists and locals alike. It is divided into three sections, Al Sahil Beach is for singles and Gate 2 and 3 are for families and those with young children. Visitors have a great time because of the facilities and activities available here such as volleyball courts, football pitches and kids play areas.

LEISURE ACTIVITIES AND NOTABLE LANDMARKS

Life in Al Maryah Island is exciting as the place is filled with many interesting locations. There are long, shiny towers with a spectacular view of the city’s skyline and the Arabian Gulf. People also visit parks to enjoy a quiet walk in the neighbourhood. The nightlife in Al Maryah involves people visiting cocktail bars with friends. You can also grab a bite from nearby restaurants and enjoy a fun-filled beach picnic. Roundabout Monument and Al Ittihad Square are two of the closest historical landmarks located at an approximately 15-minute drive from Al Maryah Island.

The two five-star hotels in Al Maryah Island are also popular landmarks for the area. The Rosewood Abu Dhabi is the first Rosewood hotel in the UAE. The 34 storey hotel features 148 rooms, 41 suites and 131 serviced apartments. It is also popular as a wedding destination.

The Four Seasons Al Maryah Island is a 34-storey hotel offering glistening views of the Arabian Gulf. It features 162 rooms and 38 suites for its guests. The Four Seasons Al Maryah Island is known for its six dining venues, tailor made culinary experiences and the Dahlia Spa.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, FITNESS AND BEAUTY

Those looking to keep fit will find that Al Maryah Island is one of the busiest places in terms of activities and will always keep you moving. There are many fitness centres available within the residential buildings. You can also get yourself registered at gyms such as Fitness First, Power on Fitness Centre and Professional Gym.

HAIRWAVES by Charbel, NStyle Beauty Lounge and Bellacure Nails are some popular salons for ladies. Men can visit Urban Male Lounge, which is popular among residents. For a pampering experience Dahlia Spa in the Four Seasons Al Maryah Island and Sense in Rosewood Abu Dhabi are worth a visit.

UPCOMING ATTRACTIONS

Currently under construction on Al Maryah Island, Al Maryah Central is one of the upcoming malls in Abu Dhabi. It will be another mall besides The Galleria to offer many entertainment and retail options. The establishment is set to feature a Debenhams department store, many entertainment options and over 200 retail stores.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

If you want to be part of the important events on special occasions, you will be pleased to hear that Al Maryah Island plans annual community events. Winter Wonderland, Chinese New Year, UAE’s National Day and New Year’s Eve are celebrated with great enthusiasm at The Galleria mall. The spectacular firework shows, outdoor entertainment along with indoor performances are all part of the events. The events in Al Maryah have been gaining popularity with the passage of time and attract both the local and global community.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

If you want to live in one of the hottest localities of Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah is the place to be. This island has access to luxurious five-star hotels and amazing eateries. The neighbours, Tourist Club Area and Al Reem Island have multiple other amenities as well. In addition, there are plenty of popular retail stores, mosques and fitness centres. One thing to consider that the rental prices for residences on the island are considerably higher than other areas of Abu Dhabi.