Why Al Maryah Island is already Abu Dhabi's business-lifestyle go to place

Al Maryah Island is getting a waterfront attraction - 30-metre sphere and waterjets

Last updated: July 23, 2025 | 15:02

Manoj Nair, Business Editor

2 MIN READ

Abu Dhabi's Al Maryah Island is already packed with top-notch attractions. To this line up will come a new waterfront.

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Dubai: The Al Maryah Waterfront project in Abu Dhabi has just been announced, with details such as a tall luminous sphere and up to 1,000 water jets grabbing quite a bit of attention.

Plus, the fact that the shapes and sequences the water jets will come up with is to be set to music by composer Ramin Djawadi.

But one doesn’t need to wait until the waterfront takes shape to plan a visit to Al Maryah Island. Because the island on the northeast of Abu Dhabi emirate has already packed in bountiful experiences for visitors.

Thinking of shopping? Or just go on an extended window shopping?

There’s an impressive The Galleria Al Maryah Island, with more than 400 stores and including multiple brands entering Abu Dhabi for the first time. The mall opened in 2013 as part of a massive expansion of retail and leisure options in Abu Dhabi.

Al Maryah Island is ‘Abu Dhabi’s business and lifestyle destination’, is how Mubadala, the Abu Dhabi investment company says it. “The development is designed as an investment and financial free zone to meet Abu Dhabi’s long-term commercial and community growth needs,” it adds.

The 114-hectare mixed-use development, Al Maryah Island is also home to Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the financial hub.

Manoj NairBusiness Editor

Manoj Nair, the Gulf News Business Editor, is an expert on property and gold in the UAE and wider region, and these days he is also keeping an eye on stocks as well. Manoj cares a lot for luxury brands and what make them tick, as well as keep close watch on whatever changes the retail industry goes through, whether on the grand scale or incremental. He’s been with Gulf News for 30 years, having started as a Business Reporter. When not into financial journalism, Manoj prefers to see as much of 1950s-1980s Bollywood movies. He reckons the combo is as exciting as it gets, though many will vehemently disagree.