Where is Fahid Island located in the UAE?
Fahid Island is located off the coast of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. It sits between Saadiyat Island and Hudayriyat Island, forming part of Abu Dhabi’s lesser-known coastal archipelago.
- Coordinates: 24.456° N, 54.386° E
- Emirate: Abu Dhabi
- Region: Western coastal zone
- Nearby islands: Jubail, Al Reem, Lulu Island
Fahid Island is not labeled on most tourist maps but is visible on Google Earth, near destinations listed in our Abu Dhabi city tour guide.
Boat tours passing near Saadiyat and Lulu Island occasionally approach its vicinity. It’s also close to marine routes explored during the Abu Dhabi boat tour.
How can you access Fahid Island from Abu Dhabi?
Fahid Island is not accessible by road, bridge, or public ferry. Access is restricted and typically limited to:
- Private vessels with clearance
- Authorized marine survey boats
- Security or government-use helicopters
Boat routes often begin from Mina Zayed or Al Bateen Harbour, as used during our full-day Abu Dhabi city tour. There are no known visitor jetties, docks, or piers built for tourism or private charters.
Unlike Lulu Island, which allows limited visits, Fahid Island remains off-limits.
Who owns Fahid Island and what is its status?
Fahid Island is owned by the Government of Abu Dhabi. It falls under restricted land classification controlled by:
- Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT)
- Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD)
- Urban Planning Council (UPC)
It is not listed for sale, lease, or investment. This distinguishes it from zones with flexible zoning like Lulu Island or Jubail Island, which are positioned for controlled development.
Land use decisions are executed through the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. No construction permits or infrastructure deployments have been made public as of July 2025.
For context on surrounding developments, refer to the Abu Dhabi tour itinerary.
Are there development plans for Fahid Island?
There are no officially announced development projects on Fahid Island as of 2025. However, recent geospatial data reveals minimal signs of activity:
- Minor land clearing in southern edges
- No visible utility lines or grid infrastructure
- No construction equipment or artificial structures
Satellite imaging confirms natural land cover remains over 95%. Current zoning aligns with Protected Coastal Buffer.
Unlike tour-accessible eco zones, Fahid Island appears reserved for sovereign preservation or undisclosed long-term projects.
What wildlife and nature exist on Fahid Island?
Fahid Island supports diverse marine and coastal life. The waters and shallow beds surrounding it contain:
- Seagrass ecosystems (halophila species)
- Dugong habitats (vulnerable marine mammal)
- Hawksbill turtle nesting areas (endangered species)
- Wading birds like flamingos and herons
- Coral colonies on southern reef banks
The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi monitors such zones under its marine biodiversity conservation framework. These habitats mirror conditions at Al Zorah Beach, which offers regulated eco-tourism.
Is Fahid Island open to tourists?
No. Fahid Island is closed to tourists, travelers, and casual visits. There are:
- No tour operators licensed for access
- No docks or hospitality structures
- No listing in UAE tourism registries
Alternative island experiences are available via the top Abu Dhabi city tour attractions, including Saadiyat, Yas, and Al Reem islands.
Visitors seeking eco-friendly marine tours can book regulated coastal trips through Abu Dhabi city tour packages.
How can you see Fahid Island on satellite maps?
Fahid Island is observable via most commercial and government mapping tools:
| Platform | Resolution | Data |
| Google Earth Pro | 15–30cm | Visual + Terrain |
| Sentinel-2 | 10m | NDVI, Vegetation Index |
| UAE GIS Portal | Zoning overlays | Government Only |
To virtually explore areas near Fahid Island, use Ultimate Abu Dhabi Tour Guide which includes locations accessible by road and marine routes.
Satellite views show natural dunes, no artificial coastline, and sparse vegetation.
What is the history or cultural background of Fahid Island?
Fahid Island has no recorded tribal settlements, archaeological finds, or major maritime history. Key facts:
- The name “Fahid” may derive from Arabic “فَهِد” meaning panther or cheetah
- Not part of historic pearl diving routes
- Unlisted in early 20th-century maritime charts
- No known oral folklore associated with the site
While not culturally significant itself, it complements the broader historical geography found in Abu Dhabi’s coastal development, detailed in the latest city tour updates.
Key Facts About Fahid Island (Quick Summary)
| Attribute | Description |
| Location | Off Abu Dhabi coast, UAE (View Tour Guide) |
| Ownership | Abu Dhabi Government |
| Access | Restricted (Marine only) (See Boat Tour) |
| Real Estate | Not for sale or development |
| Biodiversity | Dugongs, turtles, seagrass, coral |
| Tourism | Not open to public (Tourism FAQ) |
| Satellite View | Available on Google Earth & Sentinel Hub |
| Historical Value | Minimal |
| Related Destinations | Lulu Island, Saadiyat Island |