Modern buildings on Al Maryah Island (formerly known as Sowwah Island).

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Al Zahiyah & Al Maryah Island

Formerly known as 'Tourist Club Area' and still referred to by many as such today, Al Zahiyah ('al za-he-yah') took on its previous name in the 1970s when the government built a beach (that no longer exists) to up the recreation ante for city residents. One of the city's oldest neighbourhoods, today it's a hubbub of trading, chock-full of canteens, coffee houses and hotels. Al Maryah ('al-mar-ee-yah') Island, by contrast, is a shiny new development that adds a dash of fine dining and cocktails as a feather in this area's cap.


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Wildlife & Nature

Navigate through Abu Dhabi’s most alluring islands

Apr 17, 2018 • 4 min read

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