Lulu Island

A stone’s throw from the Corniche, Lulu Island feels completely off the grid without even leaving the city behind.

The classic desert island, by design

Look across the water from the iconic Corniche, and you’ll see desert dunes seemingly sprouting from the sea. That’s Lulu, an island built from reclaimed sand that’s become a little slice of paradise for locals seeking a quiet escape. Easily accessible from the mainland via a 15-minute boat ride, Lulu Island in Abu Dhabi is the city’s best-kept secret. It’s the ideal destination for beachside relaxation, family picnics beside freshwater lakes and even overnight camping trips in a place that feels completely remote while being mere minutes from the city.

In its undeveloped state, Lulu Island has also become a blank canvas for Abu Dhabi’s artistic expression. It regularly serves as one of the venues for Manar Abu Dhabi, a city-wide light-art exhibition that transforms the landscape into magical immersive art experiences. 

So sail here when you want to keep things simple with a swim at a Lulu Island Beach, a walk along an unspoilt shoreline or a place to pitch a tent and watch the boats drift by. You could also hop in a private boat and explore the island's perimeter from the sea. There’s just enough going on here to keep it interesting, and you might want to come back for more.

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Where to stay near Lulu Island

While Lulu Island itself doesn’t offer accommodation, you’ll find several places to stay just across the water along Abu Dhabi’s Corniche area. This popular waterfront stretch is the closest area to Lulu, and it has plenty of accommodation options to suit every preference and pocket.

Le Royal Méridien and Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche are ideal bases for a five-star experience, while the equally lavish Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi offers hotel accommodation as well as kitted-out residences for longer stays. Any option along the Corniche makes a convenient base for day trips to Lulu Island, so take your pick.

Getting to Lulu Island

Getting to Lulu Island is quick and easy from the Corniche area. Hop on the public ferry from the Corniche Breakwater Marina or Al Alam Street Dock along the Corniche. Boats run daily from 8 am to 8 pm, and the ride takes just 15 minutes.

Prefer something more tailored? Book a private charter for a custom ride and flexible timings. This way, Lulu Island is accessible from virtually any coastal location in Abu Dhabi.

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FAQs about Al Lulu Island

Yes, Lulu Island in Abu Dhabi is open to the public daily. Visitors are welcome to explore the island’s beaches and picnic spots from 8 am to 8 pm. These are the current Lulu Island Abu Dhabi timings, but schedules and access may occasionally change due to pop-up events or seasonal adjustments, so it’s a good idea to confirm closer to your visit.

You can reach Lulu Island from the Abu Dhabi Corniche by taking a short boat ride from Corniche Breakwater Marina or Al’Alam Street Dock. Ferries run regularly throughout the day, with the ride taking about 15 minutes.

Yes, there are both public and private boat trips available to Lulu Island. The public ferry operates daily from 8 AM to 8 PM, departing from Al Alam Street Dock. The Lulu Island ticket price for the ferry is AED 30 per adult, while children under 5 can ride for free. For a more tailored experience, private boat charters are also available through local operators.