Abu Dhabi's latest entertainment and sporting destination will only be a bridge away once it opens to the public on Tuesday.
Hudayriyat Island, once a sandy extension to the emirate's main island, has been transformed into a leisure hub containing activities for children and adults alike.
The island's latest development, named Hudayriyat Leisure and Entertainment District, has begun taking bookings for a host of indoor and outdoor facilities.
What is Hudayriyat Island?
If you live in Abu Dhabi, Hudayriyat Island has been right under your nose for years.
Plans to develop the island were first announced in 2009, but did not initially progress beyond the construction of a suspension bridge that was closed to traffic and became known among residents as the "bridge to nowhere".
The project was revived in 2017, with plans to turn the 3,000-hectare island into a mixed use community with an emphasis on fitness and nature.
In May 2018, the public were able to cross the bridge for the first time to access an undisturbed 600-metre beach with running and cycling tracks, water sports, a bouncy castle and a children's playground.
Since then, the island has been popular among cyclists and runners, and was chosen as the venue for triathlons and obstacle courses.
It was only in October that people got a sneak peek into the new developments that would transform the island into a popular destination for Emiratis and residents.
A visit from Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, revealed areas for camping, dining and a lot more sports facilities.
"We aim to develop inclusive and unique projects, which encourage a healthier lifestyle for the whole community," Sheikh Mohamed said last month.
How to get there
A suspension bridge extends Sheikh Shakhbout bin Sultan Street (19th street) at the junction of Khalifa Al Mubarak Street.
The island is popular among cyclists who ride their bikes right over the bridge using dedicated lanes.
There is a large car park on the island for those who prefer to drive. Due to the Covid-19 outbreak, a barrier has been placed between the car park and entry to the island to carry out temperature scans and control the number of visitors.
The new extension that can be reached by turning right after crossing the main bridge.
What is new?
A new district filled with more sporting facilities, activities for children and a camping area will open on Tuesday.
The development includes an obstacle-course-race park, high-rope park, BMX Track, where cyclists can perform stunts, and a skate park, where skaters can train and compete.
Other attractions include new dining options, a water park and heritage walk.
Ahmed Al Zaabi, associate director at developer Modon said the island hoped to attract tourists, once the emirate resumes entry to international visitors.
“Hudayriyat island is a solid new addition to Abu Dhabi’s tourism portfolio," he said.
The island was designed with Abu Dhabi's "rich diversity" in mind.
"We look forward to welcoming visitors to showcase the variety of offerings.”
Marsana
At the heart of the island lies Marsana, a waterfront promenade with room for more than a dozen food and beverage outlets.
In addition to a skate park and a children’s splash park and play area, there is easy access to the public beach, cycle paths, and a marina with a wooden pier.
“We have an outdoor gym here that everybody can enjoy to have a different experience training [in front of the beach],” said Mr Al Zaabi.
The gym includes of basic equipment, battle ropes and a climbing net.
The area also has its own beach overlooking a #Hudayriyat sign, which can be seen from the other side of the island.
A viewing pier and an area with free-seating are also available for visitors.
Swimmers have free access to the beach, which extends over 24,000 square metres, of which 600m are dedicated to swimming
On the corner of Marsana, lies a marina where up to 40 boats can dock. These spaces must be rented out from management.
The splash park for children includes challenges like a climbing structure and a treasure-hunt inside a ship but will remain closed until Covid-19 is over, said Mr Al Zaabi.
Bab Al Nojoum
The island's camping section will allow visitors to book a stay at either standard tents, which fit up to two people, or a luxury tent. The luxury tents can house groups of four or six but an option for a two-floor tent with private beach access is also on offer.
Bab Al Nojoum also includes a camping area for families, and camper van options.
The standard tents can be rented for Dh150 to Dh300 per night, depending on size. Campers will also have access to toilets, showers and BBQ grills that have been set up in the area.
Luxury tents are also available for about Dh1,000.
Some tents are attached to vans, that can fit beds and have rooftop seating.
And the most luxurious tents are in the form of beach cabanas, with their own small swimming pool.
Only Bab Al Nojoum registered guests have access to the beach on site, said Mr Al Zaabi.
A restaurant that offers fresh grills and a bonfire is also available on site.
Sports321
The sports area of the island can be found near the Bab Al Nojoum section. It includes indoor and outdoor facilities to encourage visitors to exercise and maintain active lifestyles.
New amenities include a full-sized football pitch, as well as tennis, basketball and badminton courts. Six 400m jogging tracks and cycling paths have also been set up across the island.
Up to 10km of wide, shaded tracks allow for cycling and walking.
The dedicated Bike Park includes three different trails aimed at beginners (3km), intermediate (5km) and advanced cyclists (10km).
Visitors can also enjoy recreational exercise at the 300m Floating Track.
The area also includes a massive indoor gymnasium that consists of tennis, volleyball and basketball nets, and another football field.
“This is for people to enjoy when it is too hot outside,” said Mr Al Zaabi.
Those seeking more adventure can take on the 31 obstacles at the high-rope-park, starting with a climbing wall and ending with a zip-line.
“The obstacles are for all ages,” said Hadi Fakhoury, managing director of Circuit X, which developed the adventure games on the island.
“And there is a building only for first-aid [nearby],” he said.
Circuit X
Billed as an "adventure hub", this area comprises four sections: a BMX Track, Splash Park, High Rope Park and Skate Park.
Visitors can also take part in an obstacle course at OCR Park, which merges racing with endurance fitness.
Hudayriyat Heritage Trail
The Hudayriyat Heritage Trail is located along the waterfront. The 1.2km trail begins from Marsana.
Visitors can become acquainted with the historical and cultural significance of the island with educational signs and artworks along the path.
A guide will lead visitors across the island, telling tales of the past and traditional topics such as pearl diving.
How to book:
Due to the Covid-19 outbreak, visitors are required to book their activities in advance on the island's website.
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
THE CLOWN OF GAZA
Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah
Starring: Alaa Meqdad
Rating: 4/5
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Timeline
2012-2015
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May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
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August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
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Other acts on the Jazz Garden bill
Sharrie Williams
The American singer is hugely respected in blues circles due to her passionate vocals and songwriting. Born and raised in Michigan, Williams began recording and touring as a teenage gospel singer. Her career took off with the blues band The Wiseguys. Such was the acclaim of their live shows that they toured throughout Europe and in Africa. As a solo artist, Williams has also collaborated with the likes of the late Dizzy Gillespie, Van Morrison and Mavis Staples.
Lin Rountree
An accomplished smooth jazz artist who blends his chilled approach with R‘n’B. Trained at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, Rountree formed his own band in 2004. He has also recorded with the likes of Kem, Dwele and Conya Doss. He comes to Dubai on the back of his new single Pass The Groove, from his forthcoming 2018 album Stronger Still, which may follow his five previous solo albums in cracking the top 10 of the US jazz charts.
Anita Williams
Dubai-based singer Anita Williams will open the night with a set of covers and swing, jazz and blues standards that made her an in-demand singer across the emirate. The Irish singer has been performing in Dubai since 2008 at venues such as MusicHall and Voda Bar. Her Jazz Garden appearance is career highlight as she will use the event to perform the original song Big Blue Eyes, the single from her debut solo album, due for release soon.
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Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
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How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
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Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
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Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
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- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
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Display: 21cm Liquid Retina Display, 2266 x 1488, 326ppi, 500 nits
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Sun jukebox
Rufus Thomas, Bear Cat (The Answer to Hound Dog) (1953)
This rip-off of Leiber/Stoller’s early rock stomper brought a lawsuit against Phillips and necessitated Presley’s premature sale to RCA.
Elvis Presley, Mystery Train (1955)
The B-side of Presley’s final single for Sun bops with a drummer-less groove.
Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two, Folsom Prison Blues (1955)
Originally recorded for Sun, Cash’s signature tune was performed for inmates of the titular prison 13 years later.
Carl Perkins, Blue Suede Shoes (1956)
Within a month of Sun’s February release Elvis had his version out on RCA.
Roy Orbison, Ooby Dooby (1956)
An essential piece of irreverent juvenilia from Orbison.
Jerry Lee Lewis, Great Balls of Fire (1957)
Lee’s trademark anthem is one of the era’s best-remembered – and best-selling – songs.
When Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi
Known as The Lady of Arabic Song, Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi on November 28, 1971, as part of celebrations for the fifth anniversary of the accession of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as Ruler of Abu Dhabi. A concert hall was constructed for the event on land that is now Al Nahyan Stadium, behind Al Wahda Mall. The audience were treated to many of Kulthum's most well-known songs as part of the sold-out show, including Aghadan Alqak and Enta Omri.
