A Hidden Oasis Beyond the Horizon
Surrounded by the infinite blue of the Arabian Gulf, Al Maya Island & Resort was conceived to be more than a destination—to be an experience woven with nature, history, and luxury. Just 3.5 nautical miles (9 km) southwest of Abu Dhabi Island, this secluded sanctuary offers an extraordinary voyage before even setting foot on its pristine shores.
The journey itself is unlike any other—a boat ride across crystal waters, revealing some of Abu Dhabi’s most iconic landmarks from a fresh perspective. If you are lucky, dolphins often playfully escort travelers, their sleek forms slicing through the waves as if welcoming visitors to their secret paradise. In just 12 minutes, city life fades away, replaced by a world where time moves at nature’s pace.
A Legacy Born from the Sea
The island’s natural beauty has always been its greatest treasure, but in 2005, a new chapter was written with the birth of Al Maya Island & Resort. It introduced one of the longest private beaches in the UAE, where powdery sands stretch endlessly, kissed by the turquoise embrace of the sea. At its heart, a magnificent pool—one of the largest in Abu Dhabi— invites travelers to immerse themselves in pure serenity or pure fun.
A Design Rooted in Heritage
The soul of Al Maya Island is etched in its architecture, where the elegance of Arabian design meets modern luxury. The resort’s villas were crafted with authentic Emirati heritage in mind, a tribute to the region’s history, hospitality and craftsmanship. Every archway, courtyard, and intricate detail tells a tale of a time-honored past, blending effortlessly with the refined comforts that today’s travelers seek.
Yet, Al Maya Island Resort is more than a retreat—it is a guardian of history, a place where tradition and contemporary elegance converge. Its very name, “Al Maya,” holds a special significance—it means Gazelle in Arabic, a nod to the island’s most beloved inhabitants.
An Island Where Gazelles Roam Free
Beyond the golden beaches and the tranquil waters, a hidden sanctuary flourishes. Over 2,000 Arabian gazelles call Al Maya home, their graceful presence adding to the island’s untamed beauty. More than just a spectacle, these gentle creatures are part of the island’s soul, wandering freely, a symbol of harmony between man and nature.
Some say that long ago, a lone traveler seeking refuge on the island followed the footprints of a gazelle into a shaded grove. There, beneath an ancient tree, he found solace. Legend has it that the gazelles of Al Maya have always led seekers to peace, and even today, their quiet presence whispers of stories untold.
A Sanctuary Beyond the City
Al Maya Island & Resort is not just a getaway; it is an invitation—to disconnect, to rediscover, and to embrace the wonders of nature. It is where sunrise paints the sky with hues of gold, where the sea sings lullabies to the shore, and where every guest writes their own chapter in the island’s timeless story.
Come, step onto the sands of Al Maya, where the gazelles roam, the sea embraces, and the spirit of Arabia awaits.