Al Maryah Island Abu Dhabi’s Rising Urban Jewel
- Muhammad Rehman
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Al Maryah Island, situated at the heart of Abu Dhabi, has swiftly become one of the UAE’s most prominent commercial and lifestyle destinations. Once known as Sowwah Island, Al Maryah has been transformed into a vibrant, master-planned urban center that reflects the UAE’s vision for innovation, luxury, and sustainable development. Spanning approximately 114 hectares (1.14 square kilometers), this island is strategically located between Abu Dhabi Island and Reem Island, and it represents the next chapter in the capital’s evolution into a global city.
At the core of Al Maryah Island lies the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), an international financial center that has positioned the island as a regional hub for banking, finance, and business. Established in 2015, ADGM has attracted global corporations and financial institutions by offering a well-regulated, business-friendly environment that adheres to international standards. The presence of ADGM reinforces the UAE’s ambition to diversify its economy and reduce dependency on oil by strengthening its financial services sector.
The Island’s striking skyline is dominated by ultra-modern skyscrapers, including the iconic Al Sila Tower and the headquarters of Mubadala Investment Company, the strategic investment arm of the Abu Dhabi government. These structures house multinational companies, law firms, tech startups, and consulting giants, creating a dynamic and collaborative business ecosystem.
Beyond business, Al Maryah Island has emerged as a premium lifestyle and leisure destination. The island is home to **The Galleria Al Maryah Island**, one of Abu Dhabi’s most luxurious shopping and dining complexes. Featuring high-end brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Rolex, as well as a wide range of gourmet dining options, The Galleria offers a cosmopolitan experience that caters to residents, professionals, and tourists alike.
The island also includes **Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi**, a five-star waterfront property that offers world-class hospitality with stunning views of the city skyline and Arabian Gulf. It’s a popular destination for business travelers, weekend getaways, and fine-dining enthusiasts, thanks to its award-winning restaurants and opulent amenities.
Al Maryah Island is also home to **Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi**, one of the region’s most advanced hospitals. A multi-specialty facility affiliated with the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic in the United States, it serves as a center of medical excellence and innovation in the Middle East. The presence of such a world-class medical institution has significantly elevated the island’s profile as a holistic live-work-play destination.
The infrastructure on Al Maryah Island is equally impressive, with wide pedestrian-friendly boulevards, landscaped public spaces, and extensive underground parking facilities. The island is also well-connected to the rest of Abu Dhabi via multiple bridges, and further enhancements to transport infrastructure are continually underway, including future plans to integrate public transit systems.
In summary, Al Maryah Island represents the bold ambition of Abu Dhabi to create a global destination that blends commerce, luxury, healthcare, and sustainability. It is not only a testament to visionary urban planning but also a symbol of the emirate’s resilience and forward-thinking leadership in the 21st century.
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