Al Fiyay Island

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A safe haven for rare species

Precious marine ecosystems, including seagrass beds, coral reefs and mangrove forests, thrive in this stretch of sea. It also recently saw the opening of the Al Fiyay Island Marina, a new hub designed to support sustainable fishing and potential low-impact access in the future.

While tourists aren’t yet able to visit the island itself, the waters surrounding it are waiting to be discovered. Intrepid explorers with the right permits can access the Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve by private boat or yacht, with a number of mooring buoys positioned in the area. From here, you can snorkel in coral shallows, scuba dive into deeper reefs, fish with a line and rod or simply sit back and scan the water for dugongs gliding by at the surface. You don’t need to set foot on Al Fiyay to experience its magic – even from a distance, it leaves its mark.

ALL LOCATIONS

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Getting to Al Fiyay Island

Al Fiyay Island lies just west of Marawah, in the far reaches of the Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve, and is accessible only by private vessel. For those looking to visit the surrounding waters, the best departure points are Al Bateen and the Corniche, where most of Abu Dhabi’s yacht charter companies are based.

From either marina, the journey to Al Fiyay by private boat typically takes 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on sea conditions and vessel speed. While there are no landing facilities for tourists, mooring buoys are available in the area. It’s a fairly remote trip, but one that gives visitors the rare opportunity to experience the wild, unspoilt edges of Abu Dhabi.

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FAQs about Al Fiyay

Al Fiyay Abu Dhabi is located within the protected Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve and is not open for public access or on-foot exploration. The island itself remains off-limits to preserve its sensitive ecosystems.


However, visitors with the right permissions can access the surrounding waters by private boat or yacht. When planning your trip, it’s best to speak to licensed charter operators who are familiar with the requirements for visiting marine protected areas.

To reach Al Fiyay Abu Dhabi, you’ll need to arrange a private boat or yacht charter. Most departures leave from marinas in the Al Bateen or Corniche areas, where Abu Dhabi’s main charter companies are based.

The journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. While there are no scheduled tours or public ferries, it’s a rewarding trip for those looking to explore one of the UAE’s most pristine and lesser-known marine areas.

Camping at Al Fiyay is not currently allowed. The island is undeveloped and access is restricted to protect its natural environment. However, recreational line fishing is permitted in the surrounding marine reserve, provided you have the necessary approvals and follow the conservation guidelines. While you can’t pitch a tent, you can anchor offshore at designated mooring buoys and enjoy a peaceful day on the water.