About Dalma Island, Abu Dhabi
Dalma is a beautiful island in the Arabian Gulf near Abu Dhabi. Dalma Island is about 45 square Kilometres and has a population of only 5,000 people. Dalma Island has been inhabited since the Bronze Age and was formerly a significant pearl and date trading centre.
The island's beaches, sea, and marine life are all beautiful. Fishing and snorkelling enthusiasts go to Dalma Island because the waters surrounding it are teeming with marine life. As a marine reserve, the island provides travellers with a view of the surrounding waters' pristine nature.
Dalma Island may be small, but it does not skimp on the amenities it offers to its residents and visitors. There are numerous places to dine and shop, including a weekly market where locals and visitors may purchase fresh vegetables and handcrafted crafts.
Dalma Island has a close-knit and welcoming community. The island's population is predominantly Muslim and fiercely nationalistic. Enjoy a traditional dance or music performance, or learn about the local culture by touring the island's museums and other historical sites. Dalma Island has a unique and diverse ecology. Many indigenous plant and animal species thrive. Date Palm farms, farmed by the island's population for centuries, dot the rough landscape.
Dalma Island is a spectacular and one-of-a-kind holiday destination that exhibits the Arabian Gulf's natural beauty and cultural significance. It's little wonder that Dalma Island has attracted visitors from all over the world due to its stunning beaches, unique marine life, inviting community, and rich history. Dalma Island provides something for everyone, whether they want to relax, take on new challenges, or learn about the local culture.
Key Highlights of Dalma Island
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Beautiful and secluded beaches
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Great for fishing and snorkelling
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Tightly-knit community of approx 5,000 people
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Migratory birds, turtles, and other sea creatures
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Variety of amenities and facilities
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Conservation of the island's natural environment
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Investment in infrastructure
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Sustainable tourism practices
Real Estate Overview in Dalma Island
Most of the buildings on Dalma Island are hundreds of years old. Hence, you can anticipate a lot of authentic Emirati culture and design. There would be a motel and some stores if there were any new buildings. Dalma Island has a few retail spaces available for lease. These apartments have a covered area of 500 to 1,300 square feet.
With their elaborate design and large common areas, classic Emirati-style villas are among Dalma Island's most sought-after real estate options. These villas often include amazing views of the island's natural landscape and are surrounded by beautiful gardens.
On the island, you may also find contemporary apartments priced to suit various needs and preferences. Air conditioning, updated kitchens, and high-speed internet are standard features in today's apartments.
Public Transportation
Dalma Island is small and has a mostly residential population. Hence it has few public transportation choices. There are, however, alternate ways to travel on and off the island. The ferry service linking Dalma Island to the mainland is the only public transportation available. The ferry runs multiple times daily, giving locals and tourists an easy way to get about the area and into Abu Dhabi.
| Bus Line Number | Destination |
| W2 | Mugharag (Jabel Al Dhanna) to Delma Island |
Amenities
Supermarkets
Many convenience stores and local Dalma Island markets stock staple groceries and household goods. These supermarkets may be modest but stock the basics like fresh food, canned goods, and snacks. Dalma Island Cooperative Society is one of the most well-liked supermarkets near the island’s geographic centre. In addition to the typical grocery store fare of canned goods, packaged foods, and fresh vegetables, this particular supermarket also has a limited number of garments and electrical devices.
These are a few more of Dalma Island’s supermarket options:
- Delma Flower Grocery
- Hamad Supermarket
- Delma Cooperative Supermarket
Educational Institutions
Currently, the island does not have any educational facilities such as schools. A new hotel and recreation complex will be built on the water’s edge in Abu Dhabi. Students often travel to Abu Dhabi or Al Ain on the mainland for their secondary and further studies. Many universities and colleges in Abu Dhabi provide various degree programs, while the city’s international schools offer curriculum aligned with global standards.
- Abu Dhabi University
- Higher Colleges of Technology
- Zayed University
Healthcare Facilities
A modest medical clinic on Dalma Island offers essential medical care to locals and tourists alike. The Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) oversees the facility and employs doctors and nurses.
General checkups, consultations, and treatment for less serious illnesses and accidents are only some of the many primary care services offered at the medical centre. Residents may need to go to Abu Dhabi or Al Ain on the mainland to access more advanced medical facilities.
An ambulance service is available at the clinic to take patients to mainland facilities if necessary. There is a pharmacy in the medical centre where patients can get their prescriptions filled.
Places of Worship
Several different places of worship meet the religious needs of the people of Dalma Island. Three mosques serving the local Muslim population are among these. The Al Muraykhi Mosque, the island’s largest, may be found in its geographic heart. The mosque is an elegant representation of Islamic design and can accommodate a sizable congregation. One large mosque is on the island, but other smaller mosques are spread around where worshippers can go.
- Al Muraykhi Mosque
- Al Muhannadi Mosque
- Al Dawsari Mosque
Best Hotels in Dalma Island
Dalma Island has an ancient motel where most guests spend the night. Many travellers spend only one night at a campsite because camping is so popular. Two additional resorts are currently under construction to boost Dalma Island's tourism. Several guesthouses and bed & breakfasts may be dispersed over the island, providing tourists with a more intimate and genuine taste of island life.
Although there aren't many places to stay on Dalma Island, those available provide tourists a chance to unwind and enjoy the island's beautiful scenery without breaking the bank.
- Dalma Beach Resort
- Dalma Island Hotel
Lifestyle
Shopping Malls
The retail possibilities on Dalma Island are limited, and there are no commercial complexes. Due to its isolated location, the island’s natural beauty, beaches, and outdoor activities are its main draws. There are no large commercial centres on Dalma Island, but the surrounding areas offer a wide variety of shopping and entertainment opportunities for locals. Here are a few of Abu Dhabi’s many shopping opportunities.
- Dalma Mall
- Bawabat Al Sharq Mall
- Al Jimi Mall
Restaurants/Dining
Due to its isolation, Dalma Island has few dining establishments. There isn’t a huge selection of restaurants on Dalma Island, but there are plenty more in the neighbouring towns and cities. A limited number of restaurants serve locals and tourists alike.
- Amazon Burger
- Jasem Juma Ali Al Tamim Restaurant
- Muharat Kitchen
Nearby Beaches
The beaches of Dalma Island are famous for their beauty due to the beautiful waters and powdery dunes. The waterfront is the main attraction on Delma Island. Delma Island Beach has a scuba diving location but is not yet ready for many visitors. Residents and visitors can choose from several surrounding beaches and those on the island. Some of the leisure facilities are visible to the island’s many visitors.
- Al Mirfa Beach
- Al Dhafra Beach
Leisure Activities
There is a wide variety of fun things to do on Dalma Island, both for tourists and permanent residents. The Al Muraikhi House is the island’s most notable structure. The former fortified residence of Muhammad Bin Jasim Al Muraykhi, a prominent pearl merchant, is now home to the Delma Museum. Following are a few of the island’s most popular pastimes:
- Al Muraikhi House
- Delma Museum
- Snorkelling and scuba diving
- Kayaking and paddleboarding
Dalma Island - Location Map and Landmarks
Distance and Commute Time
Here are some estimates of distance and commute time from Dalma Island to other popular places in the UAE:
- Dalma Island is located approximately 90 km from Abu Dhabi. The commute time between Dalma Island and Abu Dhabi by ferry is around 1.5 to 2 hours.
- The distance between Dalma Island and Dubai is approximately 225 km. The commute time between the two cities by car is around 2.5 to 3 hours.
- Dalma Island is located approximately 200 km from Al Ain. The commute time between Dalma Island and Al Ain by car is around 2.5 to 3 hours.
- The distance between Dalma Island and Sharjah is approximately 265 km. The commute time between the two cities by car is around 3 to 3.5 hours.
- Dalma Island is located approximately 365 km from Fujairah. The commute time between Dalma Island and Fujairah by car is around 4 to 4.5 hours.
Ratings and Reviews
Dalma Island’s beautiful, isolated beaches left an indelible impression on me during a recent trip there. For someone like myself who needs to get away from the constant activity of the city, Dalma Island was heaven. Dalma Island has some stunning beaches. The white sands and turquoise water are magnificent. The tranquillity of the setting makes it ideal for unwinding and basking in the sunshine.
As someone who enjoys diving, I was astounded by the visibility and abundance of marine life in these seas. Dalma Island has some of the best fishing in the world. The waters are a fisherman’s paradise due to the abundance of aquatic life there. The local fishermen made my trip even better with their kind hospitality and willingness to help.
On a recent trip to Dalma Island, I was amazed by all the great facilities and services readily available. The island’s abundance of grocery stores and supermarkets was another plus for me. This meant food and other necessities could be stocked up without leaving the island. That was easy and quick, which spared me a lot of trouble.
After exploring Dalma Island, I found the lack of infrastructure development to be a minor disappointment. Despite the island’s evident beauty, I hesitated to invest in it due to its lack of contemporary infrastructure and services. One of the major issues I noticed was the limited transportation options. Travelling across the island can be challenging for locals and tourists due to the lack of public transportation options.
Having spent some time on Dalma Island, I was concerned about how little was being done to protect the island’s natural habitat. The island’s lovely beaches and pristine waters are a major draw for visitors, but I was disappointed to see a lot of trash, especially around popular attractions.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Dalma Island a freehold?
Dalma Island is part of the United Arab Emirates and is governed by the laws and regulations of the UAE. Property ownership on the island is subject to the same laws and regulations throughout the UAE. At the same time, there may not be as many options for property owners on the island as on the mainland, but owning property on Dalma Island is still possible.
What are the top attractions in Dalma Island?
Some of the top attractions on the island include the beautiful beaches, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the local markets, and the historic sites such as the ancient fort.
How to get to Dalma Island by bus and metro? And which is the nearest metro station?
Dalma Island is not connected to the mainland by public transportation services, including buses or metros. The only way to reach the island is by taking a ferry from Jebel Dhanna Port, located on the mainland. The nearest metro station is in Abu Dhabi City, which is located about 200 km away from Dalma Island.
Which are the best communities in Dalma Island?
Dalma Island is a small island, so there are no distinct communities. However, the island’s central area is where most of the local amenities and services are located, including the main mosque, the local market, and the medical centre.
What are the best hotels and restaurants in Dalma Island?
There are only a few hotels and restaurants on Dalma Island, but some of the best options include the Dalma Island Hotel, the Dalma Beach Resort, and the Al Andalus Restaurant. These establishments offer a range of amenities and services, including comfortable accommodations, delicious food, and stunning island views.
Which are the famous malls and supermarkets in Dalma Island?
Due to its small size, Dalma Island has no major malls or supermarkets. However, several local markets and small grocery stores throughout the island provide essential goods and services to residents and visitors.
What are the best schools in Dalma Island?
There are no schools on Dalma Island, and most families with children choose to send their children to schools on the nearby mainland in Abu Dhabi or Al Ain.
Which are the best hospitals and clinics in Dalma Island?
The main medical centre on Dalma Island provides basic healthcare services to residents and visitors. Residents may need to travel to hospitals and clinics on the nearby mainland in Abu Dhabi or Al Ain for more specialised medical care.
Which are the famous places of worship in Dalma Island?
There are three mosques located on Dalma Island that provide religious services to the local community. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the largest and most well-known mosque on the island and is a beautiful example of Islamic architecture.
What are the pros and cons of living on Dalma Island?
The pros and cons of island life on Dalma are unique. Considering making this place your permanent residence, weigh the following benefits and cons. The island is an excellent place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city because it is peaceful and has little traffic. While Dalma Island has all one could need, it might not have the same selection and diversity of services as larger cities.
