Dalma, UAE

Cruises to Dalma

Dalma - the oldest inhabited island in the UAE and a former pearling capital of the Persian Gulf. This tiny speck of land in Abu Dhabi's Western Region hides 7,000 years of continuous history behind the modest façade of a fishing village. There are no skyscrapers or megamalls here — only the excavated remains of a Neolithic settlement, 19th-century pearl merchants' houses, and mosques nearly a century old. For a traveller who has already seen the glossy waterfronts of Dubai, Dalma is a chance to touch the real, pre-industrial Emirates.
For cruise travellers, the island is still viewed as a hidden gem rather than a mainstream destination: large ocean liners do not call here, as Dalma has no berth built for their draught. Instead, the island is increasingly appearing on the radar of private yacht charters and niche expedition itineraries around the Persian Gulf — either as a stand-alone destination or as an add-on to a visit to the neighbouring island of Sir Bani Yas, an established cruise port of call. 🌊

📋 Before setting sail to Dalma or stepping ashore for a few hours in port, here's what to know:
🇦🇪 Country: United Arab Emirates
📍 Emirate / region: Abu Dhabi, Al Dhafra region (Western Region)
👥 Population: from about 5,000 residents in the 2000 census to roughly 10,000 by recent estimates
📐 Island area: approximately 33 km² (13 sq mi)
🗣️ Languages: Arabic (official); English is widely spoken in services and tourism
💵 Currency: UAE dirham (AED)
🕐 Time zone: Gulf Standard Time (UTC+4), no daylight saving — one to two hours ahead of Kyiv time, depending on the season
☀️ Climate: arid and tropical, with extremely hot, humid summers (above +40 °C / +104 °F) and mild winters (+18…+28 °C / +64…+82 °F)
✈️ Airports: Dalma Airport (ZDY) — a small local airstrip on the island itself with limited charter flights; the nearest international airport is Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, roughly 230 km (143 mi) away
⚓ Official port name: Dalma Port (ميناء دلما)
🗺️ Port type: multi-purpose passenger, ferry and cargo port
📌 Port coordinates: approximately 24°28′48″ N, 52°18′22″ E

🏛️ The history of Dalma — from a Neolithic settlement to the Gulf's pearling capital
⏳ 7,000 years of continuous history
The history of Dalma is the story of one of the earliest places settled by humans anywhere in the modern-day UAE. Archaeologists have dated the island's earliest finds to around 5,100 BC: the remains of a circular dwelling roughly 7–8 metres (23–26 ft) across, built in the traditional palm-leaf «areesh» style, large quantities of pearl-oyster shells in the refuse layer, and Ubaid-type pottery — identical to finds from Mesopotamia some 7,500 years old — alongside locally made copies decorated with haematite. This shows that even then the island was part of a trade network linking the Gulf coast with the Tigris-Euphrates valley. Finds also include the bones of tuna, turtles, dugongs and hammour over a metre long, plus stone drills used to make shell beads. According to one theory, the very name «Dalma» derives from an ancient request for water — ships had long stopped here to replenish fresh water from local wells, and the island's springs supplied water to Abu Dhabi itself until as late as the 1950s. In the 7th century AD, by some accounts, the island — then possibly known as «Talmon» — was settled by the Al Muraikhi tribe, whose descendants are still associated with it today.
🦪 «Little Bombay» — pearling capital of the Persian Gulf
Dalma's true heyday came in the late 19th and first half of the 20th century, when the island became one of the Gulf's major pearling centres. During the «Ghous Al Kabir» («the big dive») season — which lasted three to four summer months — pearl divers and traders flocked here, including many from Bombay (present-day Mumbai), earning the island the nickname «Little Bombay»; at the height of the season, when its narrow lanes buzzed with merchants and hired labourers, it was jokingly called «the Paris of the coast». Divers worked at depths of around 20 metres (66 ft), holding their breath for nearly two minutes, using a nose clip carved from goat horn, a rope harness, a weight and a collecting bag — hard and dangerous work that, in the words of the UAE's founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, was for a long time the island's main source of income and helped fund the upkeep of coastal towns. A landmark of that era survives in the house of pearl merchant Muhammad bin Jassim Al Muraikhi (late 19th century) — the only two-storey building of its time, used as an office, strongroom and meeting place rather than a home; after a 1993 restoration, it became the Dalma Museum. Three historic mosques also survive on the island — Al Muraikhi (late 19th – early 20th century), Al Muhannadi (1946) and Al Dawsari (1931). As the pearling trade declined with the arrival of Japanese cultured pearls and the discovery of oil, the island underwent a second transformation through Sheikh Zayed's development programmes, which turned Dalma — in his own words — into «a lush garden with fruit trees and beautiful flowers», equipping it with schools, a hospital, an airstrip and modern infrastructure.

⚓ Dalma Port — a gateway to Abu Dhabi's pearling heritage
📊 Scale and structure of the port
Dalma Port is the official name of the island's port, part of the Western Region (Al Dhafra) port network developed by AD Ports Group, Abu Dhabi's state port operator. It is a multi-purpose passenger, ferry and cargo port rather than a dedicated cruise terminal: its main job is to keep the island supplied with regular ferry links, cargo deliveries, and a base for its fishing and small-craft fleet. The port sits on the island's south-western shore, at approximately 24°28′48″ N, 52°18′22″ E. Within the port complex there is also a small-craft harbour (Dalma Commercial Port) with 152 berths, built for fishing dhows and leisure boats 5–15 metres (16–49 ft) long. The main passenger link is the ferry from Jebel Dhanna Port (Marsa Jebel Al Dhanna) on the Al Dhafra mainland, where vessels with capacity for up to 30 cars run roughly from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with the crossing itself taking between 1.5 and 2 hours.

🚢 How many liners the port can take
At present, Dalma Port does not receive large ocean-going cruise liners on a regular basis — its infrastructure is designed for ferries, cargo vessels and fishing boats, not the deep draught of modern cruise ships. Large liners simply cannot dock at the island; today, cruise passengers can only visit Dalma via a private yacht charter or as an unscheduled tender landing from a small expedition ship anchored offshore. By comparison, the neighbouring island of Sir Bani Yas is an established, purpose-built cruise port of call, officially visited by liners from major cruise brands. AD Ports Group continues to develop the Western Region's maritime infrastructure, so Dalma's status could change in future — always confirm the latest information with your cruise specialist. ℹ️

🏢 Which cruise lines call at Dalma
As of 2026, no major international cruise brand includes Dalma in its regular published itineraries. The island is visited mainly by travellers on private yacht trips and niche expedition cruises around the Persian Gulf, for whom Dalma offers a chance to see the UAE's authentic pearling heritage away from the crowds. Four Gates Group's cruise specialists can arrange a private excursion to the island as an add-on to a stay in Abu Dhabi or a cruise calling at Sir Bani Yas — contact our manager for details. 🤝

💡 Interesting facts about Dalma
A few details worth knowing before visiting the island:
🦪 Dalma was nicknamed «Little Bombay» thanks to its close trading ties with Indian merchants who arrived every year for the pearl-diving season.
🎭 At the height of the pearling season, the island was jokingly called «the Paris of the coast» — that's how lively and prosperous it became.
⏳ Dalma is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the UAE: the first settlers arrived at least 7,000 years ago, and the earliest dated finds go back to around 5,100 BC.
💧 Until the 1950s, fresh water from Dalma's wells was shipped to the mainland, including Abu Dhabi — the island literally quenched the thirst of the UAE's future capital.
🏠 The house of merchant Al Muraikhi, now the Dalma Museum, was never a residence and remains the island's only two-storey building from the pearling era.
🕌 The island has kept three historic mosques from different decades — Al Muraikhi, Al Dawsari (1931) and Al Muhannadi (1946).
🫁 Pearl divers descended to depths of around 20 metres (66 ft), holding their breath for nearly two minutes, using a nose clip carved from goat horn.
🌿 Thanks to Sheikh Zayed's development programmes, the island — despite its arid climate — was transformed into a «lush garden» of palm plantations and vegetable gardens.

📍 Dalma's main sights — a quick overview
Because large liners do not call here on a regular schedule, time ashore on Dalma is usually shaped not by a ship's timetable but by the length of an independent or organised trip — anywhere from a few hours to a full day. A detailed list with addresses and practical information can be found in the «Landmarks and points of interest» section; below is a brief overview of the island's main sites.
🏛️ Dalma Museum (Bait Al Muraikhi) — a former pearl merchant's house from the late 19th century, with exhibits on the pearling trade: necklaces, shells, diving weights, trading ledgers and old coins.
🕌 Three historic mosques — Al Muraikhi, Al Dawsari (1931) and Al Muhannadi (1946) — fine examples of traditional island architecture.
💧 Dalma Lake — a freshwater lake popular for birdwatching.
🌿 Mangroves and palm plantations — the legacy of island greening programmes launched under Sheikh Zayed.
🏖️ Eastern Beach — a favourite spot for camping and relaxation among locals and visitors alike.
⛏️ Neolithic archaeological sites — traces of one of the earliest places settled by humans in the UAE.

✨ Why visit Dalma
Dalma is a destination for travellers who have already seen the glossy waterfronts of Dubai and Abu Dhabi and are looking for something real.
First, it offers authenticity without the tourist polish: there are no malls or queues here — just a museum in a former merchant's house, historic mosques and the quiet of a coastal village. 🏝️
Second, it makes a great addition to a trip around the region: the island is easy to combine with a visit to Abu Dhabi or a cruise calling at Sir Bani Yas, by arranging a private boat transfer or taking the ferry from Jebel Dhanna. 🚤
Third, Dalma is a find for nature and history lovers: a freshwater lake for birdwatching, mangroves, palm plantations and archaeological layers thousands of years old — all packed into an island of just 33 km² (13 sq mi). 🦩

The cruise specialists at Four Gates Group can help you plan a visit to Dalma as part of your trip around the Persian Gulf — choosing the best way to reach the island, arranging a private transfer or excursion, and advising on how to combine this destination with a cruise or a stay in Abu Dhabi. 🤝

ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for general guidance and is accurate at the time of publication. Dalma is not currently a regular port of call for large cruise liners, and its maritime and tourism infrastructure may change. Please confirm prices, schedules, routes and visiting conditions with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the relevant official websites.

FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals

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How to Get to the Pier on Dalma Island

Dalma Island is one of the most remote — and at the same time most authentic — ports of call in the Persian (Arabian) Gulf, located 42 km (26 mi) off the coast of Abu Dhabi, in the Al Dhafra Region (Western Region of the emirate). Unlike large cruise hubs such as Barcelona or Dubai, Dalma has no dedicated cruise terminal: the island is visited mainly by small expedition, sailing and luxury yacht-style vessels, which anchor offshore and bring passengers ashore by tender boat. Independent travelers reach the island by scheduled ferry from the mainland terminal at Marsa Jebel Al Dhanna, or by limited air service from Abu Dhabi. Below is a verified, step-by-step guide covering every arrival option, current prices and tips from the cruise specialists at Four Gates Group. 🎯

📍 Where exactly is Dalma Island located
Dalma is the largest of the Al Dhafra islands, situated in the Persian Gulf 42 km (26 mi) off the coast of Abu Dhabi and roughly 240 km (149 mi) southwest of the city centre, close to the maritime border with Saudi Arabia. Administratively, the island belongs to the Al Dhafra Region (Western Region) of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The historic centre — the Old Town with the Dalma Museum — and the fishing harbour are concentrated on the island's eastern shore; the community port of Dalma, with its pier for ferries and small vessels, is located here as well.
📌 Nearest mainland terminal (for the ferry): Jebel Dhannah Ferry Terminal, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed International Road, Al Dhafra Municipality, UAE
🚶 Distance from the pier to the historic centre: about 1 km (0.6 mi), a 10–15-minute walk along the waterfront

⚓ How cruise ships approach Dalma Island
Because there is no deep-water berth able to accommodate a large ship, Dalma Island is visited mainly by small expedition and boutique vessels — it is a classic port of call, not a departure port. The ship typically anchors in the roadstead outside the harbour, and passengers are ferried ashore by tender boat to a pier near the Old Town and Dalma Port. The tender ride usually takes 10–20 minutes, depending on the anchorage point and weather conditions.
❗ Important: the exact landing arrangement, tender pier location and crossing time always depend on the specific ship and are confirmed with the port authority shortly before arrival — please check the details with your cruise line or your Four Gates Group cruise specialist.
🌬️ Sudden weather changes (the shamal wind) can occur in the Persian Gulf, which may delay or cancel tender operations — this is standard safety practice at any port without a deep-water berth.

🚢 How to reach Dalma Island independently: ferry and air service
🚤 Marsa Jebel Al Dhanna – Dalma Ferry
A passenger and vehicle ferry runs between the mainland terminal at Jebel Dhanna and Dalma Island. Operator: Abu Dhabi Maritime (part of AD Ports Group).
• Schedule (four sailings a day): from Dalma — 7:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. (arriving in Jebel Dhanna at 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.); from Jebel Dhanna — 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (arriving on Dalma at 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.)
• Crossing time: about 2 hours
• Fare: AED 20 for passengers aged 12 and over, free for children under 12, AED 100 to transport one passenger car
• Booking: online at admaritime.ae or at the terminal ticket counter; a valid ID is required to purchase a ticket
• Abu Dhabi Maritime contacts: toll-free line 800 10 20 30, e-mail info@admaritime.ae
🚗 Getting to the Jebel Dhanna terminal: from central Abu Dhabi — about 240 km (149 mi) via Sheikh Zayed Road / E11, roughly 2 hours 10 minutes by car or taxi.

✈️ Air service
The island has a small airfield, Dalma Airport (code ZDY), but there is no regular commercial air service for tourists — existing flights are limited, mostly serving local residents and government needs, and the schedule can change without notice. If you are planning to fly to the island, check current information directly with the Dalma local administration; for cruise passengers this option has no practical relevance, since arrival takes place aboard the ship.

🏝️ Getting around Dalma Island
The island is small, and most visitors explore it on foot: from the landing pier to the Old Town and the Dalma Museum is about 1 km (0.6 mi), a 10–15-minute walk along the waterfront. There is practically no centralized taxi service or car rental for short-stay visitors on the island, so organized shore excursions are most often run by small minibuses brought directly to the pier. 🚴 Bicycles are occasionally offered by local accommodation providers, but this is not a standing service — for a call at this port it is more convenient to plan a walking visit or an organized excursion through your cruise line or Four Gates Group.

🚗 By private car — ferry crossing and car rental
Since Dalma Island has no bridge connection to the mainland, the only way to reach it by private car is via the Jebel Dhanna – Dalma ferry (schedule and fares above). The ferry accepts passenger cars: transporting one car costs about AED 100, and the crossing takes roughly 2 hours.
📍 GPS address for the terminal: Jebel Dhannah Ferry Terminal, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed International Road, Al Dhafra Municipality, UAE
🅿️ Free parking is available near the Jebel Dhanna terminal for travelers who leave their car on the mainland and cross to the island on foot.
🚙 Car rental is not developed directly on Dalma Island — rental companies operate in Abu Dhabi; for an independent trip, rent a car in the city and use the ferry crossing.

♿ Accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility
⚠️ Because landing on Dalma Island takes place by tender boat rather than a fixed gangway, this port of call can be challenging for passengers with reduced mobility or wheelchairs — boarding conditions for the tender depend on swell and vessel type.
✅ The ferry terminal at Jebel Dhanna is equipped with ramps for passengers with reduced mobility.
📞 Before your call at Dalma, be sure to inform your cruise line of any assistance you need boarding the tender — this allows an alternative landing procedure or personal assistance to be arranged.

⏰ When to return on board
Dalma Island functions exclusively as a port of call — ships do not embark or disembark passengers here at the start or end of a cruise, only stopping for a few hours during the call.
🔵 “All aboard” deadline: you must be back on board 60–90 minutes before the ship's stated departure time — the exact time is always posted in the onboard notice and in your cruise app or ticket.
🛥️ Last tender: typically leaves the shore 45–60 minutes before the all-aboard deadline. Because of possible delays from wind or swell at the anchorage, it's best not to leave your return for the very last tender run.
❗ If you miss the last tender, the ship will not wait: you will need to reach the next port on your own and at your own expense, and Dalma Island has no developed tourist infrastructure to arrange such a transfer.

💡 Tips from the Four Gates Group experts
💵 Carry cash in dirhams (AED). Dalma is a small fishing settlement where card terminals are not universal, especially at the market or in the small cafés of the Old Town.
👕 Dress modestly. Dalma is a traditional Emirati settlement, so it's best to avoid revealing clothing, especially near the mosque and in the Old Town.
☀️ Sun protection is a must. There is almost no shade outside the Old Town, and summer temperatures reach +40 °C (104 °F) and above.
🌊 Watch the weather. Sudden winds (the shamal) can occur in the Persian Gulf, which may reschedule or cancel tender runs — this affects the time available ashore.
📱 Download an offline map in advance. Mobile coverage on the island is generally stable, but signal can weaken outside the main settlement.
🏛️ Plan a visit to the Dalma Museum. The historic house of pearl merchant Muhammad bin Jasim Al Muraikhi is the island's main cultural landmark; more details are available in the “Landmarks and Attractions” section.

📞 Contacts for Dalma Island and transfers
Abu Dhabi Maritime (Dalma – Jebel Dhanna ferry):800 10 20 30
Abu Dhabi Mobility (transport information line):800 555
Abu Dhabi Taxi (booking line):600 535 353
UAE Police: 999
Ambulance: 998
Fire Service: 997
Four Gates Group cruise specialists (24/7 for clients):+38 097 653 05 53

The logistics of visiting Dalma Island differ from those of major European ports — there is no metro, no railway and no taxi network here, and the main way ashore remains the ship's own tender boat or the scheduled mainland ferry. The cruise experts at Four Gates Group help our clients navigate the details of every port of call — from confirming exact tender times to arranging mainland transfers if your trip begins or ends in Abu Dhabi. Contact our manager, and your call at Dalma Island will go as smoothly as possible. 🛳️✨

ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for general guidance and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please confirm current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant facilities.

FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals

Top Attractions and Places in Dalma: A Complete Guide for Travelers

Dalma (also spelled Delma) is a small island in the western part of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, in the Al Dhafra region, about 42 km (26 mi) off the mainland coast. This isn't a metropolis or a Mediterranean resort gem — it's a genuine “time machine”: an island that has been continuously inhabited for more than 7,000 years. More than 20 archaeological sites have been found here, ranging from Neolithic camps to early-20th-century pearl merchants' houses, and the local museum occupies a genuine coral-stone mansion built in 1900. Dalma covers an area of around 33 km² (about 12.7 sq mi) and is home to a population of a few thousand — until recently it remained one of the UAE's hidden gems, and today it is gradually opening up to visitors. 🏝️
You can reach the island by ferry from Marsa Jebel Al Dhanna (roughly a 2-hour crossing) or on an irregular flight from Abu Dhabi (about 45 minutes, Dalma Airport, code ZDY). A day on the island typically runs 6 to 8 hours — that's the window between the morning ferry and the evening return sailing. Below is a detailed guide to the island's main attractions, with up-to-date prices, opening hours, and route tips. 🎯

🏛️ 1. Delma Museum (Bait Al Muraikhi)
💡 Interesting facts and background:
The museum occupies a house built around 1900 for Mohammed bin Jasim Al Muraikhi, one of the island's best-known pearl merchants. The building is constructed of beach stone and coral, coated in gypsum plaster — the classic building technique of the Gulf coast. The house retains a majlis (reception hall), a badgir wind tower for natural ventilation, and several midbasah — trough-like structures used for pressing date molasses. 🏺
🔹 The exhibits span more than 7,000 years of island history: pearl-diving tools, stone anchors, pottery, and everyday items from the pearling trade's “golden age” of recent centuries.
🔹 The museum reopened in November 2023 following a major restoration by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), which ran from 2019 through 2021–2023.
🔹 Conservators tackled rising damp — a common problem for coastal buildings — by installing a waterproof membrane beneath the floors and walls, while preserving the original mud-mortar masonry.

📜 History:
The house was not only a home but also a business hub: it was here that pearl merchants negotiated deals during the industry's boom years. After the collapse of the natural pearl trade in the 1930s (due to the rise of Japanese cultured pearls and the global economic depression), the building gradually fell into disrepair. As part of a wider plan to preserve Dalma's historic town centre, DCT Abu Dhabi restored the house and turned it into a museum telling the story of the island's maritime heritage. The Department also plans to restore the island's three historic mosques and develop a broader heritage master plan for the old town.

🚢 How to get there from Dalma's harbour:
The museum sits at the heart of the old town, a 10–15-minute walk from the ferry pier — GPS landmark: the historic core of Dalma, next to the old mosques.

💶 Price and opening hours:
• Hours: Saturday–Thursday 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., Friday 2:00–6:00 p.m.
• Admission: no official ticket price has been published — available information suggests entry is free
⚠️ Tip: check the current opening hours on abudhabiculture.ae before you travel, as island museums may adjust their hours seasonally.

🕌 2. The Old Town's Historic Mosques
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Three historic mosques survive in Dalma's old town, officially listed as protected architectural heritage of the Abu Dhabi islands since 1992:
🔹 Al Muraikhi Mosque — built in the late 19th or early 20th century, next to the museum, with distinctive carved window and door frames.
🔹 Al Dawsari Mosque (1931) — has a flat roof made of mangrove poles and palm matting, plus a mihrab and minbar.
🔹 Al Muhannadi Mosque (1946) — the only one of the three where the mihrab and minbar are combined into a single structure.
All three were built from beach stone, coral, and gypsum plaster — the typical regional technique. Unlike the island's two modern mosques, the historic Al Dawsari and Al Muhannadi have no minarets, which makes them visually distinctive.

📜 History:
The mosques were built during the pearling industry's boom years, when the island's population swelled each season with merchants and pearl divers from across the region, including India. Today these modest structures stand in vivid contrast to the island's large modern mosques and offer valuable evidence of vernacular religious architecture from pre-oil Arabia.

🚢 How to get there from Dalma's harbour:
All three mosques stand close together in the old town, a 5–10-minute walk from the pier and the museum — two of them face onto the square opposite the old market arcade.

💶 Price and opening hours:
• Viewing from outside — free, at any time
⚠️ Important: entry inside is not permitted for non-Muslim visitors — please limit your visit to the facades and courtyards.

🏺 3. Neolithic Settlement Archaeological Site (7,000 years old)
💡 Interesting facts and background:
In 1993, excavations on Dalma uncovered the remains of a dwelling about 7–8 metres (23–26 ft) in diameter, likely built from palm fronds in a circular design — a technique close to the traditional “areesh” style. Radiocarbon dating of date stones placed the site at 5,100 and 4,600 BC, and pottery fragments found there resemble Ubaid-period ware from Mesopotamia (about 7,500 years old) — although exactly how these traditions reached the island remains a subject of scholarly debate. 🔬
🔹 The cultural layers yielded huge quantities of pearl-oyster shells, fish bones (tuna, hammour up to a metre/over 3 ft long), and the remains of dolphins, dugongs and turtles, along with livestock bones from sheep and goats.
🔹 Shell beads and drilling tools were also found — evidence of a craft tied to the pearling trade as far back as the Neolithic.
🔹 The site is estimated to cover 200 by 150 metres (656 by 492 ft), suggesting a fairly substantial settlement for the Neolithic period rather than a temporary camp.
🔹 In total, more than 20 archaeological sites have been recorded on the island — spanning the Neolithic through the pearling era — surveyed under the Abu Dhabi Islands Archaeological Survey, launched in 1992.

📜 History:
These excavations overturned earlier assumptions about the history of pearl diving in the Gulf: it was once thought the industry only took shape in the 19th century, but the finds on Dalma prove an unbroken tradition of pearl diving and maritime activity stretching back millennia.

🚢 How to get there from Dalma's harbour:
The site itself is primarily a research location rather than a developed visitor attraction with open access. The best way to explore it is through the archaeology gallery at Delma Museum, or on a tour with a licensed guide who can arrange a visit by prior appointment.

💶 Price and opening hours:
• There is no separate admission fee for the site itself — visitors learn about it through the museum's exhibits (see point 1).

🏖️ 4. Jebel Dalma Beach and the Island's Coastline
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Dalma's coastline offers clear water, patches of coral reef, and calm bays ideal for swimming and snorkelling. 🐠 Dolphin sightings are common during the ferry crossing or a boat trip, as the island lies along their regular migration route. Some travel guides note that parts of the island's coastline serve as nesting sites for sea turtles, though this information should be confirmed locally.
🔹 The beach doesn't yet have developed tourist infrastructure (sun loungers, equipment rental) — this is unspoiled, “wild” relaxation, although there are plans to develop it into a full leisure destination.

📜 History:
For centuries the island's coastline sustained fishing families and pearl divers — a livelihood documented archaeologically as far back as the Neolithic (see point 3). Today it's mainly a place for quiet relaxation and snorkelling.

🚢 How to get there from Dalma's harbour:
The coastline runs along the entire island; the nearest stretches are a 10–15-minute walk, or a few minutes' drive, from the pier and old town.

💶 Price and opening hours:
• Free entry, open 24 hours
⚠️ Tip: bring your own snorkelling gear and drinking water — there's no rental or shops on the beach.

🌿 5. Dalma's Mangroves
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Mangrove stands line part of the island's coast, with picturesque views over the bay — open to visit at any time. The mangroves of Abu Dhabi's western islands (Dalma, Marawah, Sir Bani Yas) are an important part of the emirate's programme to restore and protect mangrove ecosystems, which provide a natural habitat for migratory birds and marine life. 🦩

📜 History:
Mangroves historically served as a natural barrier and a source of building timber — mangrove poles, for instance, were used for the roofs of the island's traditional houses and mosques (see point 2).

🚢 How to get there from Dalma's harbour:
The mangrove areas run along the island's coastline, reachable on foot or by bicycle from the town centre in 10–20 minutes.

💶 Price and opening hours:
• Free entry, open 24 hours

⚓ 6. The Fishing Harbour and Pearling Traditions
💡 Interesting facts and background:
A small fishing harbour near the old town still lives by traditional trade — here you can see wooden dhows (traditional fishing boats) and meet local fishermen whose families have made their living from fishing, and once from pearl diving, for more than 7,000 years. 🎣 By arrangement with local boat owners, you can organise a trip out to sea on a traditional boat.

📜 History:
Before the collapse of the natural pearling trade in the 1930s, Dalma was one of the main pearling centres of the Persian Gulf: according to a 1906 British Resident's account, the island was “heavily populated in the pearling season” by merchants, including those from India. After the industry's decline, islanders turned to fishing and modest farming, and over time — with the support of Sheikh Zayed, who transformed the island into a “flourishing garden” with orchards and more than 200 freshwater wells that supplied water even to mainland Abu Dhabi until the 1950s.

🚢 How to get there from Dalma's harbour:
The harbour sits right beside the ferry pier — just a few minutes' walk.

💶 Price and opening hours:
• Strolling the harbour — free
• A boat trip with local fishermen — price by arrangement on site

🌳 7. Ruwais Public Park
💡 Interesting facts and background:
A small, well-kept park on Al Hadhoudh Street — a pleasant spot for a picnic, a walk, or a bike ride in the shade of the trees, especially welcome after a morning exploring the historic centre.

📜 History:
The park is part of the island's modern development, which under Sheikh Zayed gained gardens, fruit plantations, and flower beds, transforming Dalma from an arid island into a “blooming oasis” in the middle of the Gulf.

🚢 How to get there from Dalma's harbour:
Located in the central part of town, a 10–15-minute walk from the pier.

💶 Price and opening hours:
• Free entry, open 24 hours
⚠️ In the summer heat (May–September), it's best to plan your visit for morning or evening.

🎨 8. Other Places Worth Seeing
• 🌅 Dalma Lake beach — a popular spot for watching the sunset over the bay; best suited to those staying overnight on the island.
• ⛺ The Chill Space (Al Huwad Street) and Beach Camping (Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street) zones — designated camping areas for a night under the stars, best November–March.
• 🍽️ Local restaurants — Seven Level D, Muhurat Kitchen, Amazon Burger, Jasem Juma Ali Al Tamim Restaurant, and Lebanese Palace, serving fresh seafood and Emirati, Indian, and Arabic cuisine.
• 🏨 Dalma Motel — currently the island's only hotel; new eco-resorts are reportedly in development.
• ✈️ Dalma Airport (ZDY) — a small airfield with irregular flights from Abu Dhabi (about a 45-minute flight, daily except Friday).

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🗺️ Three Ways to Visit Dalma
The public ferry runs between Marsa Jebel Al Dhanna and Dalma several times a day, and the typical window for a day visitor is roughly 6–8 hours on the island. Below are three options depending on budget and travel style.

🥉 Route #1. Budget — a self-guided day trip
⏱️ Total time: about 7 hours on the island | 💰 Estimated budget: AED 60–90 per person

🕖 7:00 a.m. — Depart by ferry from Marsa Jebel Al Dhanna
Ticket AED 20 (adults; children under 12 travel free). Crossing time: up to 2 hours.

🕘 9:00 a.m. — Arrival on Dalma, the old town
Walk to Delma Museum (10–15 min), visit the exhibits and the historic Al Muraikhi house.

🕥 10:30–11:15 a.m. — The historic mosques
Stroll through the old town, view the three 19th–20th-century mosques from outside, with the fishing harbour nearby.

🕦 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. — Lunch at a local restaurant
Fresh seafood or Emirati cuisine — roughly AED 30–50.

🕐 1:00–3:00 p.m. — Jebel Dalma Beach
Swimming, snorkelling (bring your own gear), and a walk along the coastline and mangroves.

🕒 3:30–4:00 p.m. — Return to the pier

🕓 4:00 p.m. — Ferry back to Jebel Al Dhanna
Ticket AED 20, arrival around 6:00 p.m.

💰 Cost breakdown:
• Round-trip ferry: AED 40
• Lunch: AED 30–50
💸 TOTAL: approximately AED 70–90 per person

🥈 Route #2. Optimal — with a private transfer on the island
⏱️ Total time: about 7–8 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: AED 250–350 per person

🕖 7:00 a.m. — Ferry from Jebel Al Dhanna (AED 20)

🕘 9:00–10:30 a.m. — Delma Museum and the historic mosques with a private guide
A guide adds context on the archaeological finds and pearling traditions.

🕥 10:30–11:30 a.m. — The fishing harbour and a short boat trip
A trip out on a traditional dhow to view the island from the water and watch for dolphins.

🕦 12:00–1:00 p.m. — Lunch with fresh seafood
AED 60–90 per person at the island's best local restaurant.

🕐 1:30–3:30 p.m. — The beach, the mangroves, and Ruwais Park
Getting around by island vehicle, snorkelling, a walk through the mangroves, and rounding off the day in the shaded park.

🕒 4:00 p.m. — Ferry back to Jebel Al Dhanna

💰 Cost breakdown:
• Round-trip ferry: AED 40
• Private guide and island transfer: from AED 150
• Dhow boat trip: from AED 80
• Lunch: AED 60–90
💸 TOTAL: approximately AED 330–360 per person (the per-person price drops significantly in a group)

🥇 Route #3. Premium — an overnight island experience with Four Gates Group
⏱️ Total time: 2 days / 1 night | 💰 Estimated budget: from AED 1,500 per person + accommodation

🏆 What's included:
• ✅ Private transfer from your hotel in Abu Dhabi to the pier at Jebel Al Dhanna
• ✅ Ferry or private speedboat to Dalma (depending on season and availability)
• ✅ A licensed English- or Ukrainian-speaking guide for the entire stay
• ✅ Overnight stay on the island (Dalma Motel or an eco-accommodation option, subject to availability)
• ✅ A private trip on a traditional dhow, plus dinner overlooking the sunset at Dalma Lake
• ✅ A flexible itinerary — adjusted on the go

You can book through your cruise manager, or get in touch with us directly using any convenient method:

Phone numbers:
• Office: +38 (044) 337 82 01
• Mobile (LifeCell):    +380 93 653 05 53
• Mobile (Vodafone): +380 66 653 05 53
• Mobile (Kyivstar):   +380 97 653 05 53

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🕖 Day 1, 7:00 a.m. — Depart Abu Dhabi for Jebel Al Dhanna
Private transfer (about 2.5–3 hours on the road), followed by the crossing to Dalma.

🕙 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. — Private tour of the old town
Delma Museum, the historic mosques, and the fishing harbour — with your guide's in-depth commentary on the island's 7,000-year history.

🕐 1:30–3:00 p.m. — Lunch and relaxation at Jebel Dalma Beach
Fresh seafood, snorkelling in the bay's clear water.

🕒 3:30–5:00 p.m. — A boat trip on a traditional dhow
Viewing the island from the water, watching for dolphins and seabirds.

🕕 6:00 p.m. — Sunset dinner at Dalma Lake

🌙 Overnight stay on the island

🕗 Day 2, 8:00–10:00 a.m. — A morning walk through the mangroves and Ruwais Park

🕘 11:00 a.m. — Ferry back to Jebel Al Dhanna, transfer to Abu Dhabi

💰 Cost breakdown (estimated):
• Private transfer Abu Dhabi – Jebel Al Dhanna – Abu Dhabi: from AED 600
• Licensed guide (2 days): from AED 500
• Dhow boat trip: from AED 200
• Overnight stay on the island (per night): from AED 300
💸 TOTAL: from AED 1,600 per person (for a group of 2+, priced per group, with a lower per-person rate)

🤝 Four Gates Group arranges private trips to Dalma with licensed guides, private transfers, and a guaranteed return to Abu Dhabi. Get in touch with your cruise specialist, and your trip to Dalma will be planned perfectly around your wishes. 🛳️✨

⚠️ Good to Know Before You Go to Dalma
⛴️ Ferry schedule: the public ferry runs between Jebel Al Dhanna and Dalma several times a day (approximately 7:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. outbound, 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. return) — always check the current schedule and book via the Abu Dhabi Maritime website before you travel, as it can change seasonally.
🪪 Documents: carry your passport or Emirates ID — the island lies within the Al Dhafra border zone.
💶 Cash: carry AED 100–150 in cash — not all of the island's small businesses accept cards.
👟 Clothing: comfortable shoes for walking on sand and the old town's cobblestones; modest dress when visiting the historic mosques and the quarter around them.
☀️ Climate: from May to September temperatures reach +40…+45 °C (104–113 °F) — the best time to visit Dalma is November through March. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water.
📶 Connectivity: mobile coverage on the island is generally reliable, though it can weaken on remote beaches and in the mangroves.
🚫 Infrastructure: Dalma is an island with limited tourist infrastructure — few restaurants, a single hotel, and no equipment rental. Plan your route ahead of time and bring what you need with you.

ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is provided for general reference and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes, and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please confirm current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the venues concerned.

FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals

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