Al Marjan Island

جزيرة المرجان

A man-made island development featuring luxury resorts, pristine beaches, and a marina with dining and entertainment venues. It offers a more upscale beach experience with modern amenities and water activities.

Things to do

• Beach Club Relaxation — Unwind on the pristine private beaches of Al Marjan Island with access to loungers, umbrellas, and beachfront bars at the luxury resorts.
• Marina Dining and Promenade Walk — Stroll along the waterfront marina lined with upscale restaurants and boutiques, enjoying views of moored yachts and sunset over the Arabian Gulf.
• Water Sports Activities — Participate in jet skiing, paddleboarding, parasailing, and banana boat rides arranged through the resort water sports centers.
• Spa and Wellness Treatments — Experience traditional Hammam and contemporary spa treatments at the island's luxury resort spas featuring Middle Eastern and international therapies.
• Sunset Beach Volleyball — Join organized beach volleyball tournaments and casual games on the sandy courts available at various resort beach clubs.
• Fishing Excursions — Book private or group fishing trips departing from the marina for deep-sea or coastal fishing experiences in the Arabian Gulf.
• Beachfront Fine Dining — Enjoy oceanfront meals at high-end restaurants serving international and Middle Eastern cuisine with panoramic water views.

Food to try

• Fresh Grilled Hammour — Local white fish caught from the Arabian Gulf, grilled whole or filleted and served with Arabic rice, hummus, and garlic sauce at marina restaurants.
• Seafood Mezze Platter — A sharing spread of grilled prawns, calamari, fish kebabs, and crabs accompanied by fresh salads, bread, and traditional dips like baba ganoush.
• Emirati Luqaimat with Date Syrup — Sweet fried dough balls drizzled with date molasses and honey, a traditional Emirati dessert served at resort cafés and beachfront venues.
• Mixed Grill Platter — Chargrilled lamb kofta, chicken shish, and beef tenderloin served with grilled vegetables and Arabic bread at beachfront barbecue restaurants.
• Fresh Fruit Juices and Smoothie Bowls — Freshly blended mango, pomegranate, and passion fruit juices alongside acai and tropical smoothie bowls offered at beach clubs and wellness venues.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress Code for Resort Areas — While beachwear is acceptable poolside and on private beaches, wear modest clothing (covered shoulders and knees) when dining at restaurants or exploring public marina areas.
• Respect Prayer Times — Some venues may close briefly during prayer times, particularly around midday and sunset, so plan dining and activities accordingly during Islamic prayer hours.
• Ramadan Considerations — During Ramadan, some restaurants may have reduced hours or close during daylight hours, and eating or drinking in public is considered disrespectful to fasting residents.
• Tipping and Service Charges — Gratuities of 10-15% are customary at restaurants and for service staff, though many upscale venues automatically add a service charge to the bill.