Hudayriyat Island 2026 Guide: How to Spend the Islamic New Year Long Weekend in Abu Dhabi

Last updated: Jun 9, 2026

Catch a barrel wave, ride a coastal bike loop at sunset, then camp under the stars — all on one free-to-enter island off Abu Dhabi.

With the Islamic New Year long weekend ahead, the UAE has declared Monday, 15 June 2026, a public holiday for the Hijri New Year (1448) — giving most residents a three-day weekend that’s perfect for a Hudayriyat day out.

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Surf the Middle East’s First Wave Park

The headline act is Surf Abu Dhabi — the Middle East’s first large-scale surf park, built around one of the most advanced wave pools ever made.

It conjures everything from gentle, knee-high rollers for first-timers to long, hollow barrels that draw pro surfers. You pick a session that matches your level.

Never surfed? That’s the point. Lessons run daily, boards are provided, and the wave is identical every time — so you actually improve instead of fighting the sea.

Relax at Marsana Beach

Marsana is the island’s glowing waterfront heart — a long sweep of golden sand, a calm swimming stretch, a pool and a marina with a viewing pier.

It’s an easy, full-day kind of beach: shaded loungers, a children’s play area, an outdoor gym and cycle paths threading the shoreline.

Spend the Evening at Abu Dhabi’s First Night Beach

Marsana East is Abu Dhabi’s first night beach — and it’s the island’s best trick. Long after dark, the sand stays open under neon light.

Expect floodlit swimming, lifeguards, premium loungers and QR-based dining from Marsana’s eateries. In summer, this is the smartest way to enjoy a beach without the heat.

Prefer to stay wet? Sahara-run operators offer paddle sports and marine activities along the same shore.

Cycle the Coastal Loops

Cycling is what made Hudayriyat famous. Wide, traffic-free loops hug the coast, framed by the Abu Dhabi skyline, Etihad Towers and the open Gulf.

There’s a short loop and a longer one, so a nervous beginner and a Lycra-clad regular can ride the same morning at their own pace. Rent a bike on-site if you turn up empty-handed.

Take On Trail X and the Velodrome

Trail X is Abu Dhabi’s first mountain bike trail — roughly 15km of off-road track across four difficulty grades, from flowing and forgiving to genuinely technical.

Track-racing fans get the Velodrome Abu Dhabi, a purpose-built indoor cycling arena. Between the loops, the trail and the velodrome, this is the most complete ride in the country.

Go at golden hour. The light on the water, the sea breeze and the empty path make the coastal loop worth the trip on its own.

Tackle the Adventure Parks at Circuit X

Circuit X is the island’s open-air adventure hub, bundling four parks into one high-energy zone for kids, teens and brave adults.

High Ropes Park — elevated obstacle courses and ziplines through the air
Skate Park — bowls and street sections for skaters and scooters
BMX Park — pump tracks and ramps to session for hours
Splash Park — water-play structures to cool off between runs

Want something more structured? 321 Sports has running tracks, tennis and basketball courts, football pitches and a gym, plus the Mouratoglou Tennis Center for serious players.

Walk, Camp and Dine by the Sea

Not every visit needs to be high-octane. The Heritage Trail is a gentle coastal walk dotted with shaded benches, lookout points and stories of the island’s past.

For the full escape, Bab Al Nojoum lets you camp or glamp right on the beach — falling asleep to the waves and waking up to the Gulf, minutes from the city. A long weekend is the ideal window for an overnight.

When you’re hungry, Marsana’s waterfront serves easy beachside bites and proper sit-down meals. Make a weekend of it and browse hotels in Abu Dhabi a short drive away.

How to Get There and What It Costs

Here’s the good news that makes Hudayriyat an easy yes: entry to the island is free, and so is parking. You pay separately for specific activities, dining and Marsana’s paid beach/night-beach services.

It’s reached by the Hudayriat Bridge — a quick hop from central Abu Dhabi, or roughly 75 minutes from Dubai via the E11. No car? Abu Dhabi Mobility Service 73 runs between Al Reem Island and Al Hudairyat Island.

Expect the holiday weekend to be busy — arrive early for parking and a good beach spot, and book surf or Circuit X slots ahead of time.

What’s Free and What You Pay For

Free to enjoy:

Public beach access: Hudayriyat Beach areas
Cycling loops and bike paths: the coastal short and long loops
Playgrounds and outdoor gym: family and fitness areas
Heritage Trail: the full walkable coastal path
Parking: all island car parks

Paid activities (prices as of June 2026):

Surf Abu Dhabi: from around AED 350 for a beginner discovery session; open and advanced sessions cost more — check the booking page for exact rates
Circuit X – Skate Park: from AED 40 per hour
Circuit X – BMX Park: from AED 40 per hour
Circuit X – High Ropes Park: from AED 60 (Extreme package AED 110)
Circuit X – Splash Park: from AED 65 per hour
Watersports, dining, night-beach service and camping: priced per activity or operator

Featured image: Elena Troffimova, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Islamic New Year holiday in the UAE?

The UAE has declared Monday, 15 June 2026 a public holiday for the Hijri New Year (1448) across both public and private sectors, creating a three-day long weekend.

Is there an entry fee for Hudayriyat Island?

No. Entry to the island and parking are both free. You pay separately for specific activities like surfing, Circuit X parks, watersports, dining and Marsana’s paid beach/night-beach services.

Can I get there without a car?

Yes. Abu Dhabi Mobility Service 73 runs between Al Reem Island and Al Hudairyat Island. A taxi or ride-hail also works — the island is reached via the Hudayriat Bridge from Abu Dhabi’s main island.

Do I need to know how to surf to visit Surf Abu Dhabi?

No. The wave pool produces everything from gentle beginner waves to large barrels, and lessons are available for first-timers. You book a session matched to your level.

Is Hudayriyat Island good for kids?

Yes. The Splash Park, Marsana children’s play area, beginner cycling loops and beach all suit families. Circuit X has parks pitched at younger riders too.

Sources

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