Al Maryah Island is Abu Dhabi’s financial and fine-dining hub — home to The Galleria’s upscale restaurants and a polished waterfront promenade. Sleek and walkable, Al Maryah Island is where the capital comes to dine, shop and do business by the water.
Compact and central, it pairs high-end restaurants with an easy riverside stroll. Here is how to make the most of it, as part of our main Abu Dhabi guide.
Getting your bearings on Al Maryah Island
The island centres on The Galleria mall and its waterfront promenade, with the financial district, hospital and hotels close at hand, and Al Reem Island just across the water.
Where to eat on Al Maryah Island
The Galleria is the island’s dining heart, home to a run of the capital’s best tables — standouts include Novikov and Isabel; more in the best restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
Where to drink on Al Maryah Island
Sophisticated bars and lounges match the restaurants; see the best bar food in the city for where to settle in.
Things to do
Beyond dining, Al Maryah Island is made for a waterfront stroll, some upscale shopping at The Galleria and people-watching along the promenade.
Where to stay
Polished business and luxury hotels sit on the island, ideal for a central, walkable stay.
Getting to Al Maryah Island
Linked to the city by bridges, it is easiest reached by taxi or car and walkable once you arrive.
Best time to visit
Evenings are best for the dining scene and the promenade; the cooler months are ideal for the waterfront.
Dining and nights out on Al Maryah Island
Al Maryah Island is Abu Dhabi’s polished financial and dining district, built around The Galleria Al Maryah Island — the capital’s most luxurious mall — plus the Rosewood and Four Seasons hotels. It’s one of the best places in the city to eat well: our Novikov Abu Dhabi review covers the standout Italian-Asian restaurant at The Galleria, and several of its neighbours land in our guide to the best French restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
Come evening, Al Maryah Island’s waterfront promenade and hotel bars fold neatly into a night out — our roundup of Abu Dhabi’s best clubs and bars points you to where to head next. Compact, walkable and refined, Al Maryah suits a smart dinner-and-drinks evening more than a big night out.
Explore more of Abu Dhabi
Nearby: Al Reem Island. Or head back to the main Abu Dhabi guide.