Things to Do on Al Reem Island: Complete Guide
Overview of Al Reem Island Activities
Al Reem Island offers diverse recreational, dining, shopping, and leisure activities within its waterfront community setting. The island’s activity infrastructure serves residents and visitors through integrated retail destinations, waterfront promenades, dining establishments, parks, beach facilities, and cultural attractions, creating comprehensive lifestyle amenities supporting daily recreation and weekend entertainment.
Activity Categories
- Dining: International cuisines spanning casual to upscale in concentrated retail zones
- Shopping: Two major malls providing retail, entertainment, and grocery shopping
- Outdoor Recreation: 1-million-square-foot central park, beach club, canal promenades
- Fitness: Multiple gyms, outdoor exercise facilities, water sports options Cultural: University campus with architectural appeal, mosques, community events
- Family Activities: Children’s play areas, skating facilities, bowling, arcade gaming
Activity concentration within walkable zones (particularly Shams BOUTIK Mall and Reem Central Park) enables spontaneous recreation without requiring automobile travel, contrasting with car-dependent suburban communities requiring extended drives for entertainment access.
Dining on Al Reem Island
Al Reem Island’s dining scene concentrates primarily around Shams BOUTIK Mall and Arc Tower areas, offering diverse cuisine options from casual quick-service through sit-down dining experiences.
The Kettle Corner
Cuisine: Street-style Indian food, breakfast specialties, healthy options
Key Information:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Ground Floor, Shams BOUTIK, Al Reem Island |
| Average Cost for Two | From AED 130 |
| Hours | Daily 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Contact | 167,000 |
Menu Highlights:
- Breakfast options: Poached eggs, French toast, pancakes (served 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
- Menu categories: Healthy Green, Tropical Thunder, Chick’ado
- Street-style Indian food preparations
- Health-conscious menu selections
Character: Casual dining environment emphasizing Indian street food traditions adapted to café format with breakfast expansion appealing to morning diners and health-conscious customers.
La Brioche
Cuisine: French-inspired café, pastries, breakfast, main courses
Key Information:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Ground Level, Shams BOUTIK, Sun & Sands; Sky Tower, Al Reem Island |
| Average Cost for Two | From AED 160 |
| Hours | Daily 7:00 AM – 10:30 PM |
| Contact | +97126436473 |
Menu Highlights:
- Signature pastries and cakes (decades-long specialty)
- Extensive breakfast menu
- French countryside-influenced main courses
- Wide flavor variety across categories
Character: Cozy, warm atmosphere reflecting French countryside aesthetics. Established presence with reputation for quality pastries, appealing to breakfast diners and those seeking European café environments.
Nando's
Cuisine: South African flame-grilled chicken (international chain)
Key Information:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Ground Floor, Shams BOUTIK Mall, Al Rayfah Street |
| Average Cost for Two | From AED 230 |
| Hours | Sun-Thu 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Fri-Sat 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Contact | 600542525 |
Menu Highlights:
- Signature peri-peri chicken preparations
- Flame-grilled chicken in various spice levels
- Sides, wraps, and salad options
- Family meal combinations
Character: Internationally recognized fast-casual chain providing familiar dining experience for shoppers in Shams BOUTIK Mall. Casual, family-friendly environment with quick service.
Pizza Express
Cuisine: Italian-inspired casual dining, pizza specialties
Key Information:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | The Arc Tower, Al Reem Island |
| Average Cost for Two | AED 205 |
| Hours | Daily 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM |
| Contact | +97126660068 |
Menu Highlights:
- Signature pizzas with varied toppings
- Burrata and Pomodoro bruschetta
- Doppio dough balls (appetizer specialty)
- Go-Green vegan menu: Kale and feta, Spaghetti piccante, all-veg pizzas
- Light bites through full meal options
Character: Casual Italian dining chain emphasizing pizza and pasta with contemporary menu including substantial vegan/vegetarian selections appealing to plant-based diners.
Smoking Doll
Cuisine: Pan-Asian fusion (Japanese, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese)
Key Information:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Shams BOUTIK Mall, Sun Tower, Al Reem Island |
| Average Cost for Two | AED 275 |
| Hours | Daily 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM |
| Contact | +971600560603 |
Menu Highlights:
- Sushi, maki, sashimi, nigiri selections
- Smoking Doll Platters (signature presentations)
- Thai curries with authentic spicing
- Wok-fried dishes across Asian traditions
- Innovative fusion blending multiple Asian cuisines
Character: Upscale Asian fusion dining blending multiple regional cuisines into innovative preparations. Late-night hours (until 2:00 AM) serve dinner diners and post-entertainment crowds. Recognized among Abu Dhabi’s premier Thai restaurants.
Dining Price Comparison
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Average Cost for Two | Price Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Kettle Corner | Indian/Breakfast | 130 | Budget-friendly |
| La Brioche | French Café | 160 | Moderate |
| Nando’s | South African | 230 | Moderate |
| Pizza Express | Italian | 205 | Moderate |
| Smoking Doll | Pan-Asian | 275 | Upscale |
Additional Dining Options
Other Notable Restaurants:
- Tummy Tummy Resto Cafe
- Marjouha (traditional dining)
- Super Poke (Hawaiian/Asian fusion)
- Buffalo Wings and Rings (American casual)
- Doppio Cafe (coffee and light meals)
Shopping Destinations
Shams BOUTIK Mall
Overview: Community-scale shopping center functioning as Al Reem Island’s primary retail destination, concentrating diverse shopping, dining, and entertainment within single convenient location.
Key Information:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Jazeerat Al Reem |
| Hours | Daily 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Contact | +971600560603 |
Retail Offerings:
- Apparel and accessories from recognized brands
- Skincare and beauty products
- Jewelry shops
- Gift shops
- Laundry service facilities
- Community pharmacy
Dining: Extensive restaurant and café selection including The Kettle Corner, La Brioche, Nando’s, Smoking Doll, and additional eateries serving varied cuisines.
Entertainment and Family Facilities:
- Kids’ Zone: Soft play area with age-appropriate equipment
- Arcade Gaming: Electronic gaming entertainment for children
- Action Zon Bowling Alley: Multi-lane bowling facility providing family entertainment and social recreation
Supermarket: Waitrose supermarket anchor providing premium grocery shopping with imported products and specialty items.
Character: Kid-friendly shopping environment accommodating family shopping trips with entertainment keeping children engaged while parents complete retail activities. Community pharmacy addresses daily healthcare needs. Bowling alley creates social gathering destination beyond pure shopping function.
Reem Mall
Overview: Massive 2.8-million-square-foot retail destination representing Al Reem Island’s major entertainment and shopping hub, featuring world’s largest indoor snow park and comprehensive retail-dining-entertainment integration.
Key Information:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Abdulla Oman Taryan Street, Jazeerat Al Reem |
| Contact | 800-70-70-70 |
Current Status: Phased opening with anchor stores operational (Carrefour hypermarket open for grocery shopping). Full mall activation provides expanded retail, dining, and entertainment progressively.
Planned Features:
- 450+ retail stores across fashion, electronics, home goods, lifestyle categories
- World’s largest indoor snow park (skiing, snowboarding, winter activities)
- 85 food and beverage outlets
- Two food courts
- Multiplex cinema complex
- 6,800 parking spaces
- Integrated omnichannel shopping ecosystem
Carrefour Hypermarket: Large-format grocery anchor providing comprehensive selection including fresh produce, packaged goods, household items, electronics, and basic clothing. One-stop shopping for weekly grocery needs and household supplies.
Character: Destination-scale shopping mall positioning Al Reem Island competitively with Abu Dhabi’s major retail centers. Snow park creates unique entertainment attraction rare in Middle East climates. Scale supports full-day family outings combining shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Galleria Mall (Al Maryah Island):
- Distance: 5-10 minutes via bridge
- Character: Luxury shopping destination
- Features: High-end brand boutiques, fine dining, premium retail environment
Galleria proximity expands shopping options for residents seeking luxury retail experiences beyond Shams BOUTIK and Reem Mall’s broader market positioning.
Parks and Outdoor Activities
Reem Central Park
Overview: Al Reem Island’s signature outdoor recreation space spanning 1 million square feet, providing comprehensive park infrastructure serving families, active recreation enthusiasts, and community gathering functions.
Key Information:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Al Reem Island investment zone, adjacent to Al Sowwah Island central business district |
| Size | 1 million square feet |
Major Facilities:
Adventure Trail: Multi-use pathway supporting walking, jogging, and cycling activities with varied terrain and exercise stations promoting active outdoor lifestyles.
Skate Park: Purpose-built skateboarding facility featuring ramps, rails, and obstacles accommodating beginners through advanced skaters. Creates youth-oriented recreation space promoting board sports culture.
Beach Area: Waterfront zone providing sand beach environment for relaxation, informal play, and water-adjacent activities. Creates coastal atmosphere within park setting.
Mosque: Religious facility integrated within park boundaries ensuring prayer access for Muslim visitors and residents utilizing park amenities.
Restaurant Selection: Dining outlets distributed throughout park perimeter providing meal and refreshment options supporting extended park visits and social gatherings.
Character: Comprehensive urban park addressing Al Reem Island’s outdoor recreation needs through diverse facility mix. Skate park and adventure trail target active recreation, beach provides relaxation setting, and restaurants enable social dining within outdoor environment. Mosque integration respects religious practice needs during park visits.
Activities Supported:
- Walking and jogging on designated paths
- Cycling along trails
- Skateboarding and skating sports
- Children’s play on beach and designated areas
- Family picnics and outdoor gatherings
- Outdoor dining at park restaurants
- Community events and festivals
- Prayer at integrated mosque facility
Ideal For: Families seeking outdoor recreation, fitness enthusiasts, skateboarding and youth recreation, casual strollers and joggers, social gatherings combining outdoor space with dining access.
Canal Promenades
Overview: 2.4-kilometer waterfront walking paths along Al Reem Island’s canal system, creating linear park connecting residential towers with water-adjacent recreation.
Activities:
- Evening strolls with waterfront views
- Jogging and running routes
- Cycling along paved paths
- Waterfront dining access at canal-side restaurants and cafés
- Photography opportunities with water and skyline backdrops
Character: Creates European-style waterfront promenade atmosphere supporting active transportation (walking/cycling as recreation and commuting), leisurely strolls, and café culture. Linear park format distributes outdoor access throughout island rather than concentrating in single location.
Galleria Mall (Al Maryah Island):
- Distance: 5-10 minutes via bridge
- Character: Luxury shopping destination
- Features: High-end brand boutiques, fine dining, premium retail environment
Galleria proximity expands shopping options for residents seeking luxury retail experiences beyond Shams BOUTIK and Reem Mall’s broader market positioning.
Beach and Waterfront Activities
Cove Beach Makers District
Overview: Beach club facility providing Abu Dhabi’s characteristic beach club experience directly on Al Reem Island, eliminating need for off-island beach access while offering premium waterfront entertainment.
Operating Hours:
- Restaurant: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM (weekdays); 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM (weekends)
- Beach & Pool: 10:00 AM until sunset
- Lounge: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM daily
Facilities and Features:
Beach: Golden-sand beach providing sun loungers, umbrellas, and beach service. Turquoise ocean views creating coastal atmosphere despite island setting.
Pool: Swimming pool facilities complementing beach access, operational during daylight hours.
Gourmet Eatery: On-site restaurant providing food and beverage service to beach/pool guests and standalone diners. Menu details require direct venue inquiry.
Lounge: Evening-oriented space operating until 1:00 AM, supporting sunset cocktails and nighttime social gatherings.
Entertainment Programming: Regular themed parties and events including:
- American-style barbecue events
- Weekly deep house and techno parties
- Seasonal celebrations and special occasions
Character: Premium beach club experience combining coastal recreation (beach, pool) with dining and nightlife entertainment. Themed parties create social event programming attracting residents and off-island visitors. Late hours (lounge until 1:00 AM) serve evening and nighttime crowds.
Membership and Access: Beach club likely operates on membership or day-pass basis typical of Abu Dhabi beach clubs. Prospective visitors should contact venue regarding access requirements, pricing, and reservation policies.
Ideal For: Residents seeking on-island beach access, social entertainment seekers, sunset and evening leisure, themed party attendees, and those preferring beach club atmosphere over public beaches.
Cultural and Educational Attractions
Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi
Overview: Branch campus of Paris’s historic Sorbonne University, established 2006 through agreement between Abu Dhabi Government and Sorbonne University France. Campus functions as educational institution while offering architectural and cultural interest for visitors.
Key Information:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Al Reem Island |
| Hours | Daily 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Contact | +971-2-656-9555 |
Architectural Features:
- Beautiful fountains creating visual focal points and water features
- Ample palm tree landscaping providing shade and regional character
- Top-tier contemporary architecture blending academic functionality with aesthetic appeal
- Open campus design enabling public appreciation of grounds and exterior architecture
Academic Programs: Undergraduate and graduate degree programs across multiple disciplines. Campus serves international student body within French educational tradition adapted to Middle Eastern setting.
Visitor Appeal: Campus architecture, landscaping, and fountains create attractive destination for:
- Photography enthusiasts capturing architectural and landscape compositions
- Architecture appreciation and design study
- Peaceful walking through maintained campus grounds
- Cultural tourism experiencing international educational institution
Character: Represents Al Reem Island’s cultural and educational dimension beyond residential-commercial functions. Campus presence attracts students contributing to island’s demographic diversity while architectural quality provides aesthetic landmark.
Access: As operational university campus, visitor access may have restrictions during academic terms. Prospective visitors should verify public access policies, particularly for building interiors versus exterior grounds and common areas.
Fitness and Recreation
Fitness Centers on Al Reem Island
Primal Gym
- Yoga classes supporting flexibility and mindfulness
- Zumba dance fitness combining cardio with entertainment
- Circuit training for comprehensive fitness development
- Martial arts instruction taught by world-level champions
- General fitness equipment and facilities
Character: Comprehensive fitness center emphasizing diverse class programming beyond standard gym equipment. Martial arts instruction with championship-level teachers creates specialized training opportunity distinguishing gym from equipment-only facilities.
FireFit
Fitness center providing workout facilities and programming. Specific services, class schedules, and equipment details require direct gym contact.
GymNation
24/7 fitness facility offering extended access hours, modern equipment, and affordable membership pricing appealing to budget-conscious fitness enthusiasts.
Body Project
Specialized training facility providing personal training, group classes, and functional fitness programming.
Outdoor Fitness Opportunities
- Reem Central Park: Adventure trail with exercise stations, open spaces for group fitness, skateboarding providing alternative cardio
- Canal Promenades: 2.4-kilometer running/cycling routes along waterfront
- Cove Beach: Swimming, beach volleyball (if available), water activities
Frequently Asked Questions
What cultural attractions exist on Al Reem Island?
Sorbonne University campus (architecture, fountains), Al Aziz Mosque, community events.
Can I skateboard on Al Reem Island?
Yes. Reem Central Park has purpose-built skate park with ramps and obstacles.
How late are restaurants open on Al Reem Island?
Most close at 11 PM; Smoking Doll open until 2 AM for late-night dining.
What shopping malls are on Al Reem Island?
Shams BOUTIK Mall (community-scale) and Reem Mall (2.8M sq ft major destination).