Where To Eat And What To Do On Al Hudayriat Island Abu Dhabi

As you drive over the Al Hudayriat bridge from Al Bateen and realise you’re headed to a little slice of beachside paradise, prepare to be impressed. While we can’t really call this one of Abu Dhabi’s best kept secrets - the island opened in 2020 and it gets BUSY - its star is definitely on the rise. With one of the most anticipated residential island developments in Abu Dhabi kicking off thanks to Modon and massive works underway, Al Hudayriat Island is one to watch. 

Home to a beachside glamping resort, Trail X mountain bike trail, winding cycle paths, a marina, 321 Sports sport village, a heritage walk along the coastline and most recently, Surf Abu Dhabi - the wave pool brainchild of surfing great Kelly Slater - Al Hudayriat Island Abu Dhabi has a lot going on, and plenty more on the way.

With all these activities, what's on offer for the foodie in you? There are some true foodie gems! Marsana Al Hudayriat has an abundance of amazing eateries and food trucks to enjoy before, during or after a stint at the skate park, splash pad, children's play areas, art installations and water sports - and there are some other sneaky spots around Al Hudayriyat Island to check out too. All up, we think this makes Al Hudayriat a contender for your new favourite day-to-night weekend destination in Abu Dhabi.

Where to Eat on Al Hudayriat Island 

If you haven’t made the trip to Al Hudayriat Island yet, you’re in for a surprise. There are a surprisingly large number of options to eat out - from casual cafes to sit-down restaurants, plenty of food trucks and ice cream sold by the scoop next to the beach. Where should you begin? We’re got a few favourites. 

When it comes to food trucks, you can’t go past a coffee fix. Head to Saddle Coffee or Shot Specialty Cafe for a caffeine hit without even leaving your car. Shot has some seriously good sweet treats as well - try the honey pudding or warm Matilda - and an all day breakfast menu. Check out mlt. or I Love Burgers for a burger or sandwich on the go. 

Marsana Al Hudayriat reigns supreme for some of the best food on Al Hudayriat Island. This colourful cafe precinct - next to the free beach! - is home to plenty of foodie hotspots. Oro Pizzeria has some of the best pizza in Abu Dhabi, woodfired and with a hot honey drizzle that we can’t get enough of. Breath By The Beach is very Instagrammable, Rain serves up some great coffee and breakfast options, and until it closes, don’t skip DRVN: among the Al Hudayriat Island cafes, this is one of our favourites. 

Iconic UAE burger destination Salt has newly opened at Marsana Al Hudayriat, yet another reason to hit the beachside oasis for a tasty lunch. BB+ members, we have looked after you properly at Marsana. You can enjoy BB+ discounts at Oro Pizzeria, DRVN, Cento Gelato, Kurepu, Muncheeze, Nonna Stella Osteria, Cold Stone Creamery and Mashakeek & Steak. If you haven’t signed up yet, what are you waiting for? 

Bab Al Nojoum is home to some cute cafes as well - you don’t need to be staying overnight to visit - and Illios Beach Club and Nalu at Surf Abu Dhabi are great options for a more bougie dining experience on Al Hudayriat Island.

Where to Play on Al Hudayriat Island 

Where do we begin? There is plenty to do on Al Hudayriat Island - Abu Dhabi’s up-and-coming sports hub - from biking and jogging to Surf Abu Dhabi’s impressive construction. We love that it’s home to one of the few free beaches in Abu Dhabi - jump in at Marsana Al Hudayriat for a splash and make the most of the skate park, splash pad and inflatable park while you’re here - keep in mind that while the beach is free, entry fees for the activities vary. 

If you’re a cyclist, make the most of the free bike paths, cycling Al Hudayriat Island as you please, or level up with Trail X: a mountain biking/off-road bicycle racing facility on the island that’s set on rough terrain, recreating mountain, desert and rocks. 321Sports village has sports enthusiasts - and serious competitors - of all persuasions taken care of. Boasting fields for football, basketball, tennis, swimming, rugby, cricket, and padel tennis, you’ll also find an athletics track and jogging track that encircles the facility. The 321 Hub houses a gym, sauna, plunge pool and yoga studio, bike rentals are available, you can grab a bite at the restaurant or sports bar and there’s a swimming pool to boot - phew! Fun fact - 321Sports is home to the largest indoor sports dome in the MENA region, meaning it’s a great option for staying active during the long summer months.

Kelly Slater’s vision - originally brought to life with Surf Ranch in the USA - made its way to the Middle East with the construction of Surf Abu Dhabi. A jewel in Al Hudayriat Island’s crown, this wave pool has hosted the likes of surfing greats Sally Fitzgibbons and Italo Ferreira (who took out the first Surf Abu Dhabi Pro) as well as big names like Chris Hemsworth since its opening in October 2024. If you can’t afford the eye-watering entry - Surf Abu Dhabi prices start at AED600 for a learn to surf session (whitewash only, guys) but getting anywhere near a proper wave will set you back AED3500 per person for an intermediate or advanced session - you can take a seat on the grass  or the observation deck on top of the surf shop to check it out. 

Two of the best seats in the house are at Nalu Surf Club & Ilios Beach Club. Nalu is set mid-way down on the long side of the surf pool, opposite the big screen and with a prime view of the surfing action. Serving up a range of Mediterranean fare and cocktails named for famous surf breaks, it’s a great spot to catch up with friends over a laidback lunch or dinner. Ilios Beach Club is at the far end of the surf pool - the waves literally break under their deck - and you can enjoy a swim in their private pool, rent a cabana or sun lounge for the day or perch at the restaurant for a summer holiday vibe. 

All of this action a bit much for you? We hear you. Take it easy and enjoy the views with a casual stroll - or a more energetic jog - through the heritage walk along the coastline. 

Where to Stay Al Hudayriat Island 

Bab Al Nojoum offers luxury overwater villas and seaview villas - with their own private plunge pools - as well as chalet tents (glamping style, with proper beds and your own pool), right down to a back-to-basics off-grid tent or even camping in a van for something a little different! So whether you’re craving a taste of the Maldives without leaving Abu Dhabi or are keen to try Al Hudayriat Island camping with the city skyline in the background, there’s plenty to tempt you across the bridge. 

It’s a proper staycay - make the most of the beach, outdoor cinema, bikes, green spaces and lawns for the kids to run and play, cute cafes and plenty to fill in a couple of days of salty, sandy fun. 

With so much to do, it's easy to see why Al Hudayriat Island is becoming such a popular spot for Abu Dhabi locals and visitors alike. Whether you want a day at the beach, a night under the stars, some sporting action or just something delicious for lunch - we know you'll soon become a fan of Al Hudayriat's charms, just like us.