Abu Dhabi launches digital guide for 200+ islands and water sports

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has launched the Abu Dhabi Islands and Water Sports Guide, a digital platform designed to assist visitors in exploring the emirate’s more than 200 islands and diverse marine environments.

Released in conjunction with the Arabian Travel Market 2026, the guide provides itineraries, activity recommendations, and listings for licensed operators. It features an interactive map and essential coastal guidance, covering activities such as sailing, island-hopping, and kayaking through mangrove ecosystems.

To promote responsible tourism, the platform categorizes islands based on accessibility, including designations for highly recommended, accessible, limited access, marine protected areas, privately owned, or no visitor access. The initiative is part of Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to expand nature-based and coastal tourism experiences.