Reem Island Abu Dhabi has long been known as one of the best places to live in Abu Dhabi. The island is full of families and has loads of apartment buildings to choose from if you’re looking to rent.
Perhaps the most famous is Gate Towers, the trio of skyscrapers that are reminiscent of Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands. Joined at the hip, down below you’ll find Arc Towers and across the road there are Sun And Sky Towers, straddling Shams Boutik Mall.
There are many more residential buildings scattered across the island, too. It’s a great place to live if you’re raising a family, since aside from the many things to do, it’s home to Repton School Abu Dhabi, one of the leading schools in the emirate, as well as Paris Sorbonne University. Pet owners are welcome too with loads of places to walk your dog. It’s also home to Abu Dhabi’s first indoor dog gym.
Looking for things to do on Reem Island, top restaurants or incredible nightlife? We’ve got you covered with this full guide to Reem Island Abu Dhabi.
Things to do on Reem Island
Kayaking and stand-up paddling in the mangroves
Head to Reem Central Park on any given winter day and you’ll see people paddling among the mangroves and exploring the natural beauty of the island. Kayaks and paddle boards are available to rent or you can bring your own. This is a pretty unique view of the city.
For the best places to go kayaking in Abu Dhabi, click here.
Dates and times vary. Reem Park, Reem Island, seahawk.ae.
Shopping at Shams Boutik Mall
More than a community mall but not on the same scale as the likes of Yas Mall, this place has loads of shops, places to eat and entertainment options. For those living on the island, Waitrose is a regular grocery stop and sustenance can come from chains such as Nando’s or more independent spots.
For the best malls in Abu Dhabi, click here.
Open daily, 8am-11pm. Jazeerat Al Reem (800 25327).
Soak up the sun at Reem Beach
Head to the beach at Reem Island Abu Dhabi and you’ll find plenty of sun and good vibes. Little ones can have a dig in the sand, or you can get your toes wet in the sea water. You can also go for a little picnic, with tents, seating and lights available to rent in the evenings.
For the best beaches in Abu Dhabi, click here.
Free. Jazeerat Al Reem (opposite Reem Central Park).
Sports at Reem Central Park
Looking for things to do on Reem Island with the kids? Reem Central Park is a pretty space that is worth visiting whether you’re a resident of Reem or not. There’s plenty of space for walking around and for kids to play, plus food trucks and places to eat aplenty. There are also kids’ play areas, a skate park and water sports facilities available. It’s loads of fun.
Click here for the best parks in Abu Dhabi.
Open daily, 6am-11pm. rwww.reemcentralpark.com.
Yoga at Seven Wellness
If you want to chill out, zone out or stretch out, there are few better places in Abu Dhabi than this spot. The seven pillars of the venue are: Sweat, Stillness, Strength, Soul, Spirited, Serenity and Seedlings (for little yogis). There’s also a healthy café on site for after your class. Ready to find your zen?
Click here for the best yoga classes in Abu Dhabi.
Open Mon-Fri 8am-10pm; Sat-Sun 8am-9pm. Marina Bay 1. www.sevenwellness.ae (054 407 5405).
Restaurants on Reem Island
Café James
Café James is a new specialty café and bistro that serves more than just your standard coffee and croissant. In fact, you can order a half a dozen fine de claire oysters, Spanish octopus, steak tartare, black truffle ravioli, wagyu baos… and that’s just for starters. There’s breakfast, mains and desserts too. The interior of the café on Reem Island Abu Dhabi has a clean, minimalist feel with food and coffee as the focus.
For the prettiest cafés in Abu Dhabi, click here.
Open daily, 7am-midnight. Shams Boutik, (02 886 9949).
Ritual Café & Studio
If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway on Reem Island Abu Dhabi, look no further than Ritual Café & Studio. The space considers itself a sanctuary for wellness with two elements: the café and the studio. The café sports a healthy-looking menu including mains such as cajun shrimp, grilled salmon, striploin steak, breakfasts, coffee and smoothies. The studio is set to open soon.
For beautiful places to get breakfast outdoors in Abu Dhabi, click here.
Sun-Thu 8am-11pm; Fri-Sat 8am-midnight. Reem Central Park, ritualstudio.ae (050 263 7100).
The Chippy
There’s something about being on Reem Island Abu Dhabi that makes you feel like you’re living the seaside life. Serving up a fish and chips as traditional as they come, wrapped to go and eaten with your hands. The Chippy is the closest thing you will get to an authentic British fish and chip shop in the capital. Little wonder it’s so well thought of around town.
For the best fish and chips in Abu Dhabi, click here.
Open noon-11pm. Al Reem Street, (02 886 8580).
Smoking Doll
One of our favourite casual restaurants in the city, Smoking Doll knows Asian food and does it well. From Thai curries to Chinese dim sum and Japanese noodle bowls, all the continents big hitters are present. We particularly recommend the Massaman and sushi options.
For the best milkshakes in Abu Dhabi, click here.
Open daily 11am-12.45am. Shams Boutik (600 560 603).
Reem Island nightlife
Cove Beach
Cove Beach is one of the best nightlife spots in Abu Dhabi, and the biggest party spot on Reem Island. Cove Beach is split into a restaurant, terrace, beach and swimming pools. It’s spacious and minimalist in design. At night the beach club turns up the slick beats with uber-comfortable sofas and lounge chairs. Be sure to check out the deals during the week to get the most bang for your buck.
For incredible summer pool parties in Abu Dhabi, click here.
Open Sun-Wed 10am-1am; Thu-Sat 10am-3am. Maker’s District, Reem Island (056 398 7895).
