If you’ve heard people compare Nurai Island to “a private slice of the Maldives just off Abu Dhabi,” they’re not exaggerating. This tiny luxury island – officially branded as Zaya Nurai Island – is one of the UAE’s most exclusive spots, combining a boutique private island resort with ultra-high-end villas and beachfront estates.

This guide walks you through everything you actually need to know about Nurai Island Abu Dhabi: how to get there, where to stay, what you can do, how it works as an investment, and the small details that make or break the experience.

Nurai Island at a Glance

Nurai Island is a secluded private island resort and residential development in the Arabian Gulf, just off the coast of Abu Dhabi, near Saadiyat Island. It’s tiny, heavily landscaped, and designed for one thing: ultra-luxury, low-traffic island living.

• Type of destination: 5-star, all-villa boutique island resort + limited number of private villas and estates.
• Location: East of Abu Dhabi’s main island, off Saadiyat Island, in the Arabian Gulf.
• Vibe: “Barefoot luxury” – white sand, turquoise water, no cars, and a quiet, private atmosphere.
• Access: Exclusively by boat transfer from Saadiyat or by helicopter for VIP guests.

The name “Nurai” comes from the Arabic word nur (“light”), and the entire island is built around that idea: bright white sand, clear shallow water, and architecture that tries to blend into the landscape rather than dominate it.

Highlights: Why Nurai Island Is Special

There’s no shortage of luxury resorts in the UAE, but Zaya Nurai Island is in a very specific niche: it’s a private island retreat that feels far away, yet is only minutes from Abu Dhabi’s coastline.

• Secluded yet close: 10–15 minutes by boat from Saadiyat, but you feel like you’ve left the city completely.
• All-villa layout: No conventional hotel blocks – every unit is a villa or house, most with private infinity pools and direct beach or sea access.
• Ultra-luxury residences: From compact beach villas to 4–6 bedroom beachfront mansions and 4-bed water villas.
• White sand & turquoise water: Roughly 11 hectares of pristine beachfront and shallow, swimmable water.
• Family-friendly but discreet: Kids’ club, water park and activities, but everything kept low-key and quiet.
• Celebrity & HNWI appeal: Popular with celebrities and high-net-worth individuals who want a private island without flying to the Indian Ocean.

Physically, the island is small enough that you can walk around sections easily. Paths are sandy, lawns are manicured, and many villas use “green carpet” roofs and landscaping so buildings visually disappear into the island from a distance.

Location, Access & How to Get to Nurai Island

Where is Nurai Island in Abu Dhabi?

Nurai Island sits in the Arabian Gulf, just off the eastern side of Saadiyat Island. You never actually drive onto the island; all access runs through a dedicated Nurai Island Welcome Center on Saadiyat.

• From central Abu Dhabi: Around 20 km by road to the Welcome Center.
• From Abu Dhabi International Airport: Around 30 minutes by taxi.
• From Dubai: Roughly 86 km to Saadiyat – expect 1–1.5 hours by car, depending on traffic.

Step-by-Step: How to Get to Nurai Island

1. Reach the Zaya Nurai Island Welcome Center (Saadiyat Island)
   • Drive yourself or take a taxi to the Welcome Center on Saadiyat’s shoreline.
   • There is parking space at/near the terminal for resort guests.
2. Check in for your boat transfer
   • Show ID and booking confirmation (overnight stay, day pass, or restaurant booking).
   • Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure.
3. Take the speedboat to Nurai Island
   • Standard transfers are by speedboat, running roughly every hour (exact schedule varies).
   • The ride takes about 10–15 minutes, depending on sea conditions.
4. Alternative: Helicopter transfer
   • Zaya Nurai Island has a helipad and can arrange private helicopter transfers for VIP guests on request.

Important: You cannot just show up and hop on the boat. Access is controlled – you need either:

• A confirmed hotel or villa booking, or
• A confirmed day pass or restaurant reservation that includes boat transfer arrangements.

Getting Around on the Island

• No private cars are allowed on Nurai Island.
• Movement is by:
  • Golf buggies operated by the resort
  • Walking along sandy paths
  • Bicycles (some available on the island, or you can bring your own)

This car-free approach is key to the island’s quiet, peaceful atmosphere – no engine noise, no traffic, and kids can move around much more safely than in a typical city resort.

Where to Stay: Zaya Nurai Island Resort & Villa Types

Nurai Island operates as a 5-star all-villa resort with around 32 boutique hotel villas, plus an additional cluster of privately-owned residences and water villas that may join the resort rental program.

Accommodation categories are structured by location (beachfront, sea view, water edge) and size. Core options you’ll see when searching for Nurai Island hotel bookings include:

1. Beach Villas (1 Bedroom)

• Perfect for couples and small families.
• Direct, private access to the white-sand beach.
• Private infinity pool, sun deck, and outdoor shower.
• Floor-to-ceiling glass facing the sea for maximum views.

2. Beach Houses & Sea View Houses (2 Bedrooms)

• Designed for families or two couples travelling together.
• Beach Houses: set directly on the sand with lawned areas and a private pool.
• Sea View Houses: slightly elevated or set back with panoramic sea views and terraces.
• Both categories offer generous indoor–outdoor living and alfresco dining spaces.

3. Water Villas (4 Bedrooms)

• These are the signature waterfront villas – around 10,000 sq ft.
• Built right on or at the edge of the water, with dramatic ocean views.
• Private infinity-edge swimming pool, large terraces, and roof decks.
• Typically include rooftop dining or BBQ areas, perfect for extended families or groups.

4. Estate Villas (5 Bedrooms)

• Largest resort-managed units, often surrounded by palm-fringed lawns.
• Designed for VIP groups, multi-generational families, or corporate retreats.
• Private infinity pools, extensive gardens, and high privacy between properties.

Across all types, you can expect:

• At least one private infinity pool per villa.
• Oversized bathrooms with outdoor showers in many units.
• Loft-style living rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows.
• High-spec finishes, mini-bars, and expansive terraces.

Note: Zaya Nurai Island occasionally undertakes renovations and has, at times, been temporarily closed. Always double-check current operating status on the official website or trusted booking platforms before you plan a trip.

Nurai Island Villas for Sale & Investment Potential

Beyond the resort, Nurai Island is also a residential island community with a limited number of luxury properties for sale. These are not typical Abu Dhabi apartments – they are beachfront mansions, beach houses and water villas aimed at global HNW buyers.

Property Types on Nurai Island

• 1–2 bedroom beachfront villas – smaller villas ideal as lock-up-and-leave holiday homes.
• 4 bedroom Water Villas – expansive waterfront houses of around 10,000 sq ft.
• 4–6 bedroom beachfront estates – ultra-luxury mansions with huge plots and direct beach access.

Two clusters often mentioned in real-estate listings are:

• Beachfront Estates (Shoreline & Seaside): 4–6 bed villas with green roofs, vast terraces, private landscaped gardens, and uninterrupted sea views.
• Water Villas: 4-bed contemporary homes focused on panoramic water views and indoor–outdoor flow.

Design & Layout Features

• Large glass façades to bring in natural light and frame the ocean.
• Open-plan living, dining and kitchen areas that spill onto terraces.
• Private beaches or direct paths to the sand for many homes.
• Architecture and landscaping tailored to a “tropical resort” aesthetic rather than a city villa look.

Indicative Property Prices on Nurai Island

Publicly advertised prices vary and change with the market, but recent ranges for Nurai Island properties have included:

• 4-bedroom villas: around AED 25.6 million
• 5-bedroom villas: around AED 48.3 million
• 6-bedroom estates: around AED 45 million

These are average asking values pulled from listings, not fixed prices. Actual deals depend on villa position, view, plot size, condition, and negotiation. Detailed 2D and 3D floor plans are usually available through luxury brokers or portals if you’re evaluating a purchase.

Investment & Rental Outlook

• Nurai Island is more about lifestyle and exclusivity than mass-market yields.
• Conventional, unfurnished long-term rentals are rare to non-existent here.
• Most owners:
  • Use the villa as a personal holiday home, and/or
  • Let it as an income-generating, short-term rental via the resort or luxury lettings programs.
• Nightly rates are positioned at the very top of the Abu Dhabi luxury homes market, especially for 4–6 bedroom houses.

If you’re comparing Nurai to central Abu Dhabi or Dubai investments, think of it less as a standard buy-to-let and more as a global trophy property in line with other boutique private island developments.

Where to Eat & Drink on Nurai Island

For such a compact island, Zaya Nurai offers a good mix of restaurants, beach bars and lounges, all walkable or reachable by buggy. Names and concepts occasionally evolve, but the core dining pillars are:

Frangipani

• All-day dining restaurant with a focus on organic, seasonal produce.
• International menu with a “fresh, farm-to-table” feel.
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner are typically served here.
• At times flagged as temporarily closed for renovations – check latest updates.

Dusk (Dusk Lounge)

• Casual but stylish evening spot with a Mexican-inspired menu.
• Expect tacos, guacamole, vibrant sharing plates and creative cocktails.
• Great for sundowners and relaxed dinners by the water.

Smokin’ Pineapple

• Laidback beach club–style venue by the pool.
• Signature is wood-fired pizza, plus easygoing bites and drinks.
• Often connected with live music, DJs, and daytime parties, especially for weekend events or day-pass guests.

Hooked

• Outdoor, beachfront seafood and Lebanese restaurant.
• Fresh fish, grills and mezzes with a relaxed, toes-in-the-sand atmosphere.
• Sometimes offers a “grill your catch” experience where they cook what you’ve caught on a fishing trip.

Nightlife on Nurai Island is not about mega-clubs; it’s intimate and low-rise. Think cocktails at sunset, dinner by the sea, and gentle music rather than all-night clubbing.

Beaches, Watersports & Ocean Activities

Beach Life on Nurai Island

Nurai is essentially a white-sand ring around a small core of greenery and villas. Beach quality is one of its biggest selling points:

• Soft, white sand beaches all around the island.
• Shallow, calm water ideal for casual swimming and kids.
• Many villas have their own private or semi-private beachfront.
• Resort-managed beach zones with loungers, umbrellas, and food/drink service.

Watersports & Ocean Activities

Nurai Island doubles as a watersports hub with both non-motorised and motorised activities available:

• Non-motorised watersports:
  • Kayaking
  • Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP)
  • Snorkelling in designated areas
  • Fly fishing
• Motorised & adventure activities:
  • Jet skiing
  • Banana boat rides
  • Windsurfing
• Boat trips:
  • Sightseeing cruises
  • Fishing excursions (pair perfectly with Hooked’s grill services)

The resort generally runs a dedicated non-motorised watersports centre that organises equipment and instructors, so you don’t need to bring your own gear unless you’re very particular.

Family-Friendly Features, Kids’ Club & Wellness

Kids’ Club & Water Park

Despite its ultra-luxury positioning, Nurai Island is clearly designed to be a family-friendly private island.

Petit Z Kids’ Club offers:

• Dedicated indoor spaces for different age groups.
• Structured activity sessions through the day.
• Arts and crafts, educational games, and supervised play.
• Book and gaming corners for quieter kids.

A small water park area keeps younger guests happy for hours:

• Four slides and a tipping water bucket.
• Splash pool and shallow play areas.
• Sun loungers for parents nearby.
• Snack-and-drink corner plus homemade ice cream.

Spa, Fitness & Wellness

If you’re coming for a wellness retreat or just want to balance indulgence with self-care, Zaya Nurai has a strong wellbeing offering.

• Yoga pavilion: Used for group classes and private yoga sessions, often with sea views and quiet surroundings.
• Sea-view spa: Outdoor and indoor treatment rooms, couples’ massages, and relaxation rituals designed around the ocean setting.
• Gym & sports:
  • Glass-enclosed gym with cardio and weights.
  • Jacuzzi and herbal tea corner to unwind post-workout.
  • Outdoor tennis court (private lessons can be organised).
  • Beach volleyball, badminton and casual beach games.

Cycling around the island is also a simple but enjoyable way to explore and keep moving between pool breaks and dinners.

Events, Weddings & Corporate Retreats

Nurai Island works extremely well as a destination event venue – it’s close enough to mainland Abu Dhabi for logistics, but feels like a fully private bubble once you arrive.

• Destination weddings:
  • Beachfront ceremony possibilities and indoor/outdoor reception setups.
  • Perfect for mid-sized celebrations and even full-island buy-outs.
• Corporate retreats & incentives:
  • Meeting and function rooms paired with watersports, spa and team-building activities.
  • Ideal for leadership offsites where privacy and focus matter.
• Private parties & festivals:
  • Birthday weekends, anniversaries and beach parties.
  • Occasional music and lifestyle events like Nurai Fest, bringing beach club vibes to the island.

The resort typically has an in-house event planning team to coordinate décor, entertainment, catering and logistics, which makes life a lot easier if you’re planning something complex from abroad.

Nearby Areas & Mainland Excursions

Even though Nurai Island is a secluded escape, you’re still close to some of Abu Dhabi’s biggest attractions once you boat back to Saadiyat.

• Saadiyat Island (10–15 mins by boat + short drive):
  • Louvre Abu Dhabi and the cultural district.
  • Saadiyat’s public beaches and other luxury resorts.
  • Beach clubs, cafes and galleries.
• Yas Island (~10–15 mins’ drive from the Welcome Center):
  • Yas Mall with retail, dining, games and cinemas.
  • Yas Links golf course, about 13 minutes from the Welcome Center.
  • Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World for theme park days.

If you’re basing yourself on Nurai, it usually makes sense to plan one or two big mainland outings rather than commuting back and forth daily – you’ll appreciate the island more if you treat it as a true retreat.

Practical Tips: Bookings, Best Time to Visit & Costs

Booking Nurai Island: Resort & Day Passes

• Advance booking is mandatory – for overnight stays, day passes and restaurant visits that include boat transfers.
• You can book via:
  • The official Zaya Nurai Island website.
  • Major OTAs such as Booking.com, Expedia, TripAdvisor.
  • Luxury travel agents and concierge services.
• For property purchases, you’ll need to go through specialist luxury real estate brokers and reputable UAE portals.

Day passes to Nurai Island are typically limited and tied to specific packages (beach club access, F&B credit, boat transfer times, etc.). Availability and pricing change seasonally, so always confirm directly with the resort.

Best Time to Visit Nurai Island

• November–March: Best weather – cooler, less humid, ideal for beach days and outdoor dinners.
• April–May & October: Shoulder seasons – warm to hot but often manageable if you’re used to GCC weather.
• June–September: Very hot and humid; you’ll rely on air conditioning, pools and evenings by the water.

Useful things to pack:

• Beachwear and multiple swimsuits.
• Reef-friendly sunscreen, hat, sunglasses.
• Light layers for breezy evenings in winter months.
• Any preferred sports gear (tennis racket, yoga mat) if you’re picky.

Mobility, Connectivity & Practicalities

• No private cars on the island – factor in buggy wait times if you’re travelling with small kids or guests with limited mobility.
• Wi-Fi is generally available, but if you’re planning mission-critical remote work, check coverage and speed with the resort beforehand.
• Food, drinks and activities are priced at ultra-luxury resort levels; think more “Maldives price point” than city hotel.

Who is Nurai Island Best For?

• Couples & honeymooners – private 1-bed beach villas with pools and direct beach access are ideal.
• Families with kids – 2-bed houses or 4-bed water villas plus kids’ club and water park make it easy.
• Groups & corporate clients – estate villas and island buy-outs for strategy retreats or celebrations.
• Investors & second-home buyers – those looking at trophy beachfront homes in Abu Dhabi rather than yield-driven investments.

FAQs About Nurai Island Abu Dhabi

Where is Nurai Island located?

Nurai Island sits in the Arabian Gulf, just off Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. You access it via the Zaya Nurai Island Welcome Center on Saadiyat, followed by a 10–15 minute boat ride.

How do you get to Nurai Island from Abu Dhabi?

From central Abu Dhabi, drive or take a taxi (~20 km) to the Nurai Island Welcome Center on Saadiyat Island, check in, and then take the resort’s scheduled speedboat to the island. The boat transfer is usually around 10–15 minutes.

How far is Nurai Island from Dubai?

From Dubai city to the Nurai Island Welcome Center is roughly 86 km. By car, that’s about 1–1.5 hours depending on where you start and traffic. From there, you’ll take the 10–15 minute boat to the island.

Can I visit Nurai Island for the day if I’m not staying overnight?

Yes, but only with a confirmed reservation. You’ll usually need a day pass or a restaurant/ beach club booking that includes your boat transfer. You can’t simply arrive at the Welcome Center and ask to join a boat without prior arrangements.

Is Nurai Island man-made?

Nurai is a natural island that has been carefully developed and landscaped into a boutique private island resort, as opposed to some of the fully man-made islands you see elsewhere in the UAE.

What types of accommodation are available on Nurai Island?

Accommodation is entirely villa-based. Options range from 1-bedroom beach villas and 2-bedroom beach/sea view houses up to 4-bedroom water villas and 5-bedroom estate villas, nearly all with private pools and outdoor living areas.

Can I buy property on Nurai Island?

Yes. There are villas and beachfront estates for sale on Nurai Island, including beachfront homes and waterfront water villas. These are high-end, limited-supply properties aimed at HNW buyers. You’ll find them through specialist luxury real estate brokers in Abu Dhabi and dedicated portals.

Are cars allowed on Nurai Island?

No. Cars are not allowed on the island. Transport is by golf buggy, bicycle and walking, which keeps the atmosphere relaxed and quiet.

Is Nurai Island family-friendly?

Very much so. Even though it’s marketed as a secluded luxury escape, Nurai Island has a kids’ club (Petit Z), a children’s water park, family-friendly villas, and calm, shallow beaches, making it suitable for families with children of different ages.

Is Nurai Island worth it?

If you’re looking for an exclusive, quiet, beach-first experience with private pools, high privacy and a genuine private island feel close to Abu Dhabi, then yes – for many guests it’s absolutely worth the premium. It’s less about nightlife or shopping and more about space, privacy, sea and service.

Final Thoughts

Nurai Island is one of the UAE’s most distinctive destinations: a secluded, boutique private island resort with a handful of ultra-luxury villas for sale, sitting just minutes off Abu Dhabi’s coast. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a family staycation, a corporate retreat or you’re eyeing Nurai Island villas as a long-term play, understanding how the island works – from boat transfers and villa types to pricing and activities – helps you get the most out of it.

If you share your travel style (couple, family, group) and how many nights you’re considering, you can easily build a 2–3 day Nurai Island itinerary around what matters most to you: spa and wellness, watersports, kids’ fun, or pure do-nothing relaxation.